TOP PICKS | 25 TOOLS

Best Coding Tools for Elementary

These elementary-level tools help kids learn to code by targeting the foundations of programming: problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking. Some of the tools on this list focus on simple, block-based coding, while others use real text-based languages; a few of the tools even incorporate both to help kids with the transition to more advanced projects. By learning these skills through the context of code, kids build essential 21st-century skills for life that empower them to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology.

If you're looking to begin coding lessons in your classroom, check out our Teaching Strategies for how to Get Started With Coding in Your Classroom.

Top Picks

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Blue-Bot

Simple robot ideal for introducing programming to young learners

Bottom line: Students will develop logical and sequential thinking with Blue-Bot, creating a foundation for future coding activities.

Grades: Pre-K–2 Price: Free, Paid The app is free; the physical Blue-Bot programmable robot costs $119.95.

ScratchJr

Drag-and-drop programming is an effective intro for budding coders

Bottom line: With a little adult help, this is a great platform for getting kids into programming.

Grades: K–2 Price: Free

Codeable Crafts

Animate stories with accessible drawing tools and coding blocks

Bottom line: Kids get a simple peek at computer programming principles by animating stories using code blocks.

Grades: K–3 Price: Free

Blockly for Dash & Dot Robots

Adorable robots teach hands-on coding skills

Bottom line: You can program robots with code blocks, with plenty of creative options and lots of fun.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free, Paid The app is free but requires $149.99 Dash or $49.99 Dot robot from Wonder Workshop.

Cork the Volcano - Puzzlets

Fun elementary coding through hands-on puzzle tiles

Bottom line: Programming that combines engaging physical puzzle tiles with digital gameplay.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free, Paid App is free, but the Puzzlets Starter Pack costs $89.99. This bundle includes the Play Tray and an educator guide. Other bundles are available on the site.

Kodable - Coding for Kids

Fun procedural reasoning for kids; great curriculum for teachers

Bottom line: Kodable is a fun way for elementary school students to understand coding and contains impressive supports for teachers.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free, Paid In the free version, eight weeks of scripted lessons and activities are available. The entire curriculum is included in the School Plan and District Plan (which includes professional development). Contact the developer for a pricing quote.

Path for Dash Robot

Impressive intro to programming and robotics grows with students

Bottom line: Fun activities will hook kids; more advanced applications will continue to challenge them.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free Requires Dash robot, which retails for $149.99.

Code.org

Popular games, big names get kids and teachers pumped to program

Bottom line: A well-planned, -produced, and -curated set of free resources bound to get kids hooked on learning to code.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free

Scratch

Jump-start future programmers with adaptive sandbox tool

Bottom line: With plenty of time and support, Scratch can help kids of all ages learn essential programming concepts.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free

SpriteBox Coding

Appealing puzzle game reinforces essential coding concepts

Bottom line: This well-designed game introduces basic coding syntax and is best used for practice.

Grades: 1–6 Price: Paid $4.99

Itch

Full-featured tool makes teaching with Scratch easier than ever

Bottom line: Here you'll find resources for teaching with Scratch and a complete management tool to support student learning.

Grades: 1–12 Price: Free to Try, Paid Free to try for two weeks. For .edu or nonprofit, $39 per year for individual teachers and 100 students. Request a quote for multiple teachers.

Codemoji

Emoji-based coding tool demystifies web design and animation

Bottom line: Emoji-based lessons engage and empower kids to explore web design and animation, with instant website creation.

Grades: 2–8 Price: Free, Paid Individual licenses are free; classroom licenses are $10 per month and include more lessons and premium student access. School and district licenses are also available.

Evo by Ozobot

Versatile mini robot tailor-made for teaching coding

Bottom line: Evo encourages students to be creative, emphasizing that coding is a tool in your pocket, not the end game.

Grades: 2–8 Price: Free, Paid The app is free; requires Evo robot. Available individually for $89 or as classroom kit.

SAM Edu

Wireless blocks promote design, engineering, and programming skills

Bottom line: With some perseverance, SAM is a great fit for PBL and STEAM, helping students learn programming skills through invention.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid The app is free, but the SAM Labs kits, blocks, and accessories must be purchased. Kits cost $139-$599, blocks cost $31-$45, and accessories cost $17-$71.

Tickle

Robots, Arduinos, and drones -- the block coding app to rule them all

Bottom line: Impressive tool for introducing block coding and robotics on a ton of devices.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid Additional characters and challenges are offered as in-app purchases.

Kodu Game Lab

Open-ended game design and programming tool for visual thinkers

Bottom line: The 3D game-making environment and fun, visual logic will definitely grab some students, but others will need support the game just doesn't provide.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free

Codesters

Differentiated text-based coding makes for truly authentic experiences

Bottom line: The well-designed Python lessons and user interface make this a great choice for serious coding instruction.

Grades: 4–8 Price: Free to Try, Paid Free to try. Each additional course is $5-$10 per student. All curriculum unlocks at $20 per student. Contact Codesters for a quote on professional development.

Tynker

Cute, colorful coding platform caters to strong independent readers

Bottom line: Students will be empowered by custom-coding creations for a variety of platforms, but may need some reading support to complete lessons.

Grades: 3–8 Price: Free to Try, Paid Tynker doesn't provide pricing details, but they can be contacted for a quote.

Hopscotch For Schools: Learn to code, make cool things, have fun.

Programming blocks give good balance of freedom vs. constraint

Bottom line: With a pinch of patience and a lot of passion, this introduction to computer science and its underlying principles is highly accessible.

Grades: 4–9 Price: $9.99

CodeCombat

Dungeon-crawling adventure where code is king

Bottom line: While not the first to blend coding with play, CodeCombat offers a stable, engaging, and accessible model.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free, Paid Contact the developer to get set up with purchasing a group license for the classroom version.

CodeMonkey

Puzzler's use of real code fills niche in crowded learn-to-code genre

Bottom line: A great intro to coding, with solid teacher support, gets kids using a real programming language and digging into some meatier concepts than other early coding tools.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free to Try, Paid Free to try up through level 30; individual accounts start at $39 per year. Home School subscriptions run $129 per year and allow for up to 5 students, along with opening up the teacher account, dashboard, and lesson plans. Contact CodeMonkey for classroom and school/district rates.

Made with Code

Enticing projects and inspiring videos offer anyone an intro to coding

Bottom line: Solid intro to coding with diverse projects geared toward tween/teen girls; sets foundation to explore deeper level coding and logic activities.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free