The Best Block-Based Coding Tools for Beginners

If you want to integrate coding into your classroom, and you need a flexible -- and free -- tool that offers a lot of support, Code.org is it. Not only does it have a scope and sequence from elementary through high school, but it also has Hour of Code activities so kids can jump right into creation. And you don't have to know squat about computer science to get started. From a student perspective, it can meet you at your skill level and entice you with pop culture elements. As an educator or caregiver, you'll find cross-curricular options and ways to track student progress. Overall, Code.org has the widest range of flexible, accessible resources for free.

A big difference is that, while Tynker has a bit of content for free, it's mainly a paid platform. But Tynker's whole look and feel is slicker, the kids' dashboard is more robust, and the "jump right in" options include ebook coding, AR and robotics, multiplayer activities, and more Minecraft content. Teachers have access to pre-made presentations and communication tools. There's also a version -- Tynker Junior -- for early learners. On the downside, Tynker doesn't have as many language options as Code.org, and if educators recommend it to parents, parents should know that they'll receive marketing emails with upselling options.

Perhaps the true genesis of the coding surge, Scratch is a launchpad for many other platforms. It offers tutorials for kids, printable step-by-step cards, ideas for teachers, and a robust educator community. Teachers can use the Creative Computing Curriculum if they need a more scaffolded process. It also has lots of project options, like music, art, games, stories, and more. Plus, there are Studios that are themed communities. However, it doesn't have the bells and whistles or extensive options that either Code.org or Tynker has. That said, Scratch is more targeted, so it might be the right choice for elementary coding learning and fun. If you want more Scratch content that's thoughtfully organized into themed, video-based lessons, check out Google CS First, which has cool, cross-curricular lessons in both English and Spanish. Like Tynker, there's an early learning version called ScratchJr and a PBS Kids mash-up app.

If you're looking for a clear curriculum, Kodable is a great option. There's no option for students to just jump in, so be prepared to use the teacher supports and take kids through lessons. For kids who have more experience, it might be tedious, as the process is fairly lock-step. It has a free educator plan, though you need a paid plan to track student progress and access to all of the content. Also, it's good to know that there aren't multilingual options.

As mentioned above, "junior" versions of Tynker and Scratch are great starting points for pre-readers who are comfortable with tablets and drag-and-drop mechanics, but codeSpark Academy is also an excellent option that's accessible for schools. Not only is it free, but teachers can monitor student progress. Plus, there's almost nothing to read, so it's easy for ELLs and pre-readers to use. On the flip side, there are no instructions or hints, so it's possible for kids to get stuck, but there's a solutions guide for teachers to reference. The cute characters, fun design, and ability to create and share games also boosts its value for little kids who are learning to code.

For kids who want to make something others can use, there's no easier bridge than Minecraft to transport kids from creation to coding. While there are other great platforms that have block-based game creation, like Stencyl, using Minecraft as a jumping off point will serve as a natural progression for many students. Kids start with drag-and-drop coding, but can jump into Javascript when they're ready.