By Latoya James

“Coding is the new literacy. To thrive in tomorrow’s society, young people must learn to design, create and express themselves with digital technologies.” –Mitchel Resnick, Media Arts & Sciences Professor, MIT Media Lab

Coding has become a widespread trend in education, and for good reason. Kids who learn to code are better problem solvers, have stronger analytical reasoning skills and become more involved, inquisitive learners.

Coding also prepares kids for a global economy driven by technology, giving them the necessary skills to collaborate, communicate and succeed in the workforce.

More: 5 Digital Citizenship Lessons for 21st Century Learners

Fortunately, coding can happen anywhere and anytime! The following iPad apps can be used for teaching kids the basics of coding while also challenging them to think creatively. They may even help your students develop an interest in the STEM-related fields.

Scratch Jr.

(Free)

Designed for young children (ages 5-7), Scratch Jr. teaches kids how to solve problems and design projects while expressing themselves creatively as they program their own interactive stories and games.

Kodable

(Free)

Along with an accompanying curriculum, Kodable teaches the basics of computer coding to kids ages 5 and up. 

Move The Turtle

($3.99) 

With the help of a friendly turtle, kids learn the basics of coding using intuitive graphic commands.

Hopscotch

(Free)

Designed specifically for iPads, this award-winning app helps kids code and publish their own games instantly for anyone to play. Talk about having an authentic audience!

Tinker

(Free) 

Using step-by-step coding tutorials, kids learn to solve puzzles, build their own games, control robots and more! 

Daisy the Dinosaur

(Free)

With an easy drag and drop interface, this fun app offers nine coding commands to make Daisy the Dinosaur move. 

The Foos Coding 5+

(Free) 

With more than 40 puzzle levels and three unique creative-play areas, kids learn to code through a series of exciting adventures

If you’re not comfortable teaching students to code until you know how to do so yourself, use these apps to learn. You’ll start at the very beginning, giving you a chance to learn code and see how your students will experience the lesson, first hand.

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