By Whooo’s Reading Blog Team

Students who know how to code are more prepared for the world they’re growing into than those who don’t. Not only are they learning a language that many people still don’t know, but they’re using problem solving, creative thinking and project-based learning to create a final product that they’re excited to share. The best part: many of the following apps allow them to create their own games that they can challenge friends and family to play.

Set your students up for success by giving them a chance to learn now. Here are ten apps to start with. Don’t forget to check out the library of games on Code.org, the organization that started Hour of Code.

Hopscotch

With this free app, students build their own games using a fun, colorful interface. The use of blocks makes it easy for kids of all ages to use, and easy tutorials guide help guide students and teachers.

SkripKit

This drag-and-drop programming app is for the advanced coding students in your classroom. While some may still be learning the basics, others may be far ahead based on their own learning at home. Don’t let them get left behind by offering this as an option as well.

Lightbot

Students can learn the fundamentals of programming and coding with this puzzle app. Students must us programming logic to each level, allowing them to learn the building blocks of coding before creating their first product.

Tynker

This coding app has earned a variety of top awards and for good reason: it provides you with more than 100 step-by-step tutorials for beginner coders of all ages. The best part: students can play and share the games they create with friends and family.

Scratch

This web app, created by MIT, provides students with an entire community of kid coders to interact with and learn from. Once signed up, they can create a variety of projects and share with other students around the world.

Daisy the Dinosaur

This app, created by the same people who built Hopscotch, uses a simple drag and drop interface to make Daisy the Dinosaur dance. They’ll laugh their way though the basics of coding, making it memorable for every student.

Codeable Crafts

Students can use this app to create their own stories. Templates give them a place to start and then coding allows them to tell their character’s story.

Move the Turtle

This task-based coding app allows students to learn the basics of coding one “assignment” at a time. They’ll become familiar with coding basics of loops, variables and more while using their imagination.

Tickle

Students will learn to code with characters they already know and love, like those from LEGOs and Star Wars, making the tasks more appealing. With a library of animated characters and sounds, students create games and stories that they’ll be excited to share with friends.

Kodu Game Lab

Using a simple, visual programming language, students will create their own games while learning about creativity, storytelling and problem solving.

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