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As our world becomes more digital, helping kids build computer science skills and understand computer programming is essential. These BrainPOP learning resources made by educators are a great place to start – even if you don’t consider yourself an expert!

Resources to teach kids coding–no experience needed!

Moby and Annie look at a computer screen with a Creative Coding lesson where they can code their own game

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Computer programming for kids

We depend on computer programming for so many things, but what is it exactly? Learning to code, even at the earliest grades, develops important life skills, from problem-solving and creative thinking to resilience, self-efficacy, and even language development. Follow these steps to introduce programming to your kids at home.

Step 1: Watch an educational movie about coding

Computer programming

Computer Programming

Watch this movie with your little one to discover what anger is all about and strategies for coping, from taking deep breaths to communicating how you feel.

FOR GRADES K-3

Computer programming

Computer Programming

In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby explain how computer programming is just like giving instructions.

FOR GRADES 3-8

As a family, watch movies that teach kids about coding and understand how computer programming shapes our daily activities.

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Step 2: Spark a family conversation about coding

FOR GRADES K-3

  • Why did Moby eat the whole cake at first? How did Annie fix the code?
     

  • Go on a hunt in your home for things that use computer programming. Make a list! Share stories of how things worked before computer programming was around.

FOR GRADES 3-8

  • Why does Moby keep doing things wrong? What does Tim need to do to correct Moby?
     

  • Why is computer programming an important skill to learn? How might it be a part of your future?

Discuss what you learned from the movie in order to deepen and extend your child's understanding of the topic. Use these prompts to spark conversation!

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Step 3: Play coding games

Educational games captivate kids and help them learn about computer programming in a way that's meaningful.

Screenshot of Blockly Maze. Children must code in order to move characters to destinations.

Put your computer programming skills to the test with this playful maze game! Work with your child to figure out how to move a character to a destination. Discuss what works, what doesn't, and why.

Blockly Maze

FOR GRADES K-3

Screenshot of game where code is used to navigate characters as they fight ogres and gather gems.

Fight ogres and gather gems as you code your way through the Kithgard Dungeon! Navigate to the goal by coding all the instructions from start to finish, like a story: it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. 

Code Combat: Ogre Encounter

FOR GRADES 3-8

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Bonus—access creative coding projects with BrainPOP Homeschool

Every BrainPOP Homeschool topic includes coding projects designed to help kids build coding skills while they learn subjects across the curriculum. Start your BrainPOP Homeschool free trial to try these creative coding activities!

Rita sits next to a computer with text: Code a game

Code a sorting game to show what you know about computer programming, then challenge friends to the game you create!

Code your own game

FOR GRADES K-3

Meme format of Moby with "Beep" in big letters above his head

Using videos, graphics, and text, create a meme highlighting that anyone can be a computer programmer.

Code a meme

FOR GRADES 3-8