Free Coding Resources
The resources below can help kids (and grown ups!) learn how to code for free in fun and engaging ways outside of school on a variety of devices including smart phones, tablets, and computers.
ScratchJr
ScratchJr is an app available for tablets (iOS and Android) and some Chromebooks. Young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. Great for pre-readers.
Go to ScratchJrCode.org Play Lab
Code.org's Play Lab uses a drag-and-drop language with tutorials that are perfect for beginners. Works in any web browser on a computer.
Go to Code.org Play LabScratch
Scratch is drag and drop programming language created by MIT. Despite its kid-friendly appearance, Scratch can be used for a wide variety of projects from simple animations to advanced, multi-player games with custom graphics. It inclues an open-ended workspace, tutorials, and access to a library of millions of user-created projects. Works on computers and tablets.
Go to ScratchWoofJS
WoofJS is perfect for people who have mastered Scratch and want to move onto non-block-based programming languages. It teaches users how to translate Scratch blocks into JavaScript, a programming language that powers much of the web and some desktop and even mobile applications. WoofJS works in any web browser, but is easiest to use from a computer.
Go to WoofJSCode.org
There are far more resources available than can fit on this page. Code.org has a repository of activities for Hour of Code, an international initiative to bring computer science into schools. Some of these activities are created and hosted by Code.org and others are curated from other educational computer science providers. This collection has a wide variety of self-contained tutorials and projects for learns of all ages and experience levels. The activities work on a variety of devices.
Go to Code.orgCS unplugged
This website has lessons and unit plans for doing computer science without a computer. Perfect for limited access to devices!
Go to CS unpluggedComputational Fairy Tales
This site has stories that embed computer science concepts. No device necessary!
Go to Computational Fairy TalesCodeHS
Tutorials and full courses in a variety of CS topics. Works best on a device with a physical keyboard.
Go to CodeHSCode Academy
Tutorials and full courses in a variety of programming languages. Works best on a device with a physical keyboard.
Go to Code AcademyCode.org Unplugged
To help with distance learning, Code.org has put together a packed of "unplugged" activities that to not require a device to be completed.
Go to Code.org Unplugged