TOP PICKS | 26 TOOLS
Best Coding Tools for Middle School
Top Picks
RELATED
Print list
Block-Based Programming
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
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 learning and empower kids to explore web design and animation, with instant website creation.
Grades: 2–8
Price: Free
Cozmo
A little robot with big personality brings code to life
Bottom line: From Cozmo's engaging personality to endless programming possibilities, this little robot will capture your heart and spark imagination.
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.
Sphero Edu
Cool robots and creative play make programming irresistible
Bottom line: Hub for Sphero robots draws crafty kids who love making into coding, and it empowers them to be collaborators.
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.
Google CS First
Middle school CS platform offers stellar resources, organizing tools
Bottom line: If your middle school doesn't have a CS program or club, now you do!
Grades: 4–8
Price: Free
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
Cargo-Bot
Challenging game helps kids learn to think like programmers
Bottom line: Cargo-Bot is a simple concept that packs a challenging punch and teaches valuable programming skills.
GameMaker Studio 2
One of the best creation tools available for aspiring game developers
Bottom line: Provides teachers with the best choice for a full unit or class on game design, and gives students a tool to help them realize their game-making dreams.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free to Try, Paid A free version has limited features. Educational licenses range from $30 per seat per year for desktop creation to $130 per seat per year for UWP and mobile.
Appinventor.org
Great mobile app creation site has solid teacher resources
Bottom line: A fantastic and complete introduction to Android app programming concepts and methods.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Human Resource Machine
Addictive, unique way to supplement coding instruction
Bottom line: A novel way to learn programming that will require student collaboration and extra adult support.
Lightbot : Programming Puzzles
Simple design, but challenging fun for budding programmers
Bottom line: Challenging programming game best for motivated learners.
Thunkable
Build a working iOS or Android app, even without coding experience
Bottom line: A great way to help motivated students create real apps, though others will need more support.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free Thunkable is free for now, but they note on their site that they may charge for some features in the future.
GameSalad
Great interface, flexible publishing options make game-making a snap
Bottom line: Engaging interface and tutorials will empower budding game designers, but the price tag could be a deal-breaker for tight school budgets.
Text-Based Programming
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.
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.
Mozilla Thimble
Inspiring platform teaches coding through remixing
Bottom line: Thimble is an excellent, free resource for teaching students to code through experimentation.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
Swift Playgrounds
Fun, intuitive iOS-coding app great for newbies or pros
Bottom line: If iPads are available, this is an inspired choice for learning how to create and tweak code.
Mozilla X-Ray Goggles
Remix tool reveals code, can strengthen kids' understanding of the web
Bottom line: It's a blast to use and an easy way to get experimentation and prototyping going with plenty of student choice -- kids are really in the driver's seat!
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free
Code Avengers
Challenging puzzles teach with real code; best for more advanced kids
Bottom line: A superb programming tutor, well worth the effort to keep students going.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free to Try, Paid Free 30-day trial; $25 per student per year. Contact for class and school-wide license deals.
Codecademy
Terrific hands-on coding practice with live feedback
Bottom line: In this excellent coding application, in-game practice and real-time guidance crack open the world of programming and turn your students into whiz kids.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free, Paid Codecademy Pro accounts include all content from free account plus access to real-world scenarios to solve, online assessments, and advisors who will answer questions and guide your progress.
Construct 2
Standout, pro-caliber game dev tool still great for novices
Bottom line: Robust enough for commercial games yet simple enough for a classroom with proper support, this is a stellar tool for game creation that lowers the barrier of entry without sacrificing depth.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free, Paid Discount educational licenses available for full version. The monthly option is $49.99, yearly is $359.99. Either option allows Construct 2 to be installed on an unlimited number of computers. Take-home licenses also available.
