Ready to help your student pursue coding for 5th graders? In today's digital age, understanding programming is not just for tech wizards—it's a vital skill for young minds too. But where to begin? Discover the top coding language tailored for young learners, the best coding classes to ignite your student's passion, and free coding programs designed for 5th graders. There's even a ChatGPT class to consider! Let's get your young programmer started quickly and easily on a path that sets them up to learn and have fun.

Take the first step by joining a free award-winning online small group Scratch class led live by an expert, and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT! And explore fun free live online tech events for kids.

Pick the Best Coding Language for 5th Graders

Before you begin teaching your child coding, identify the right programming language for them to start. Here’s a handy chart to help, which shows that block coding is a great fit for fifth graders, and more specifically, Scratch coding:

The free Scratch coding platform designed by the MIT media lab is a great starting point for fifth graders. It's incredibly friendly for visual and kinesthetic learners. And has blocks that are color-coded and designed to move easily on the screen. Kids love the platform because they can quickly create games. To get your student set up with Scratch and learn how to use Scratch, check out this quick step by step video:

The Best Way for Fifth Graders to Learn Coding

Downloading an app, sorting through YouTube videos, and buying some books for your fifth grader are all great ways for student to learn coding. However you've probably encouraged your child to do this before, and maybe they're consistent for a few days, and then eventually drop it.

There are undoubtedly so many online resources and platforms where your child can get information and knowledge about how to code for free. But what happens if they get stuck on a line of code, learn outdated information, or find all it too overwhelming or confusing? They probably won't stick with coding, and they might never want to return to it. The opportunity to foster their passion for computer science might flash by in the blink of an eye!

As the chart below reveals, there are many options for learning kids coding. Live classes offer some of the most compelling benefits when comparing some key factors such as supportive help, interactivity, and thoughtful accurate learning paths that set students up for success.

Live online classes are a great solution for helping your fifth grader explore computer science and discover how it aligns with their interests. They are likely the best shot your student has at gaining real coding skills soon, because passionate teachers will hold students accountable and support them. In addition, live online courses adapt the material to kids' learning styles, they help students when they run into tough problems with their code, and they taking the 'thinking' off your plate with a carefully designed curriculum - so you don't have to plan your student's next step or worry that the content will be out of their reach and overly frustrating.

Learning quickly and accurately in live online classes and camps will best equip your student to gain valuable computer science skills. They are an investment, but they don't have to be forever. For example, here at Create & Learn, you can pick and chose the classes your child enrolls in based on their schedule and interests: which can easily match your child's preferred time engagement and growing passions. Explore the grades 4-6 curriculum here.

Of course, there's not just one solution for learning something new. Pairing live online classes with additional materials, such as free online websites and apps that encourage self-discovery, is a great way to round out your student's coding education. So let's take a look at some popular classes and resources to use.

Best Coding Classes For Fifth Graders

Create & Learn is an award-winning kids coding classes platform for children and teens in grades K-12 who want to learn to code and are looking for a comprehensive and well-regarded program. We offer 35+ online computer science classes and camps led live by US-based expert instructors with an average of 10 years of experience. With a systemic learning path for every age and interest, your student will discover their love for computer science in a safe, collaborative environment.

All of the classes' curricula are designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT, so kids build cutting-edge, real-world skills using the best technology. Cool hands-on projects, relatable real-life examples, and lively teachers keep computer science exciting. Furthermore, children get personalized instruction and support as they learn to code, because of the small group class format (typically 3-5 students). Your student will also earn a certificate upon class completion. Unlike other coding class programs, rather than being told a set of code text to copy and paste, in these classes, kids learn the underlying logic behind coding, and they're encouraged to express and build their creativity along the way with many options for applying their own unique spin to projects.

Create & Learn classes have been recognized and awarded by Minecraft Education, Meta, HulaFrog, ActivityHero, and SMASH. Parents have found the classes to be very effective for their children, and have rated the platform as 5-stars on Facebook. Beyond that, students have enjoyed over 1 million learning hours with the company. The company also provides a full satisfaction guarantee for their classes. Here are some of our most popular classes for fifth graders:

1. Scratch Ninja

Developed by MIT, Scratch coding offers a delightful entry into the world of programming for kids, using simple drag-and-drop blocks instead of error-prone syntax. In this class, kids will engage in interactive, inquiry-based learning, tackling projects that range from animations and games to storytelling. While building a fun jungle adventure to arcade-game inspired projects, your child will develop not just coding skills, but also built their critical thinking. And with small group settings and awesome teachers, learning feels like a playdate with friends! This class could be the spark that ignites a lifelong passion.

2. Minecraft Modding Quest

Minecraft, one of the most popular video games ever created, also has an Education Edition that helps students to build their coding abilities. Through Create & Learn’s curriculum, students will learn about events, loops, functions, variables, and use that knowledge to develop mini-games and interact with their Minecraft world. Minecraft: Education Edition uses block coding, which helps to abstract away the complexities of text-based programming. Any student taking the course through Create & Learn will also receive a free license for Minecraft: Education Edition.

3. Create with ChatGPT

Imagine your child learning how to plan, write creatively, and even code a ChatBot with the help of an AI system that's smart enough to pass Google Interviews and Bar exams. Sounds thrilling, right? In this live online, expert-led course, your child will embark on carefully designed projects that will sharpen critical thinking, boost creativity, and help them understand both the strengths and ethics of using ChatGPT. It's not just about asking it to solve a calculus problem; it's about discovering how to think systematically and innovatively. Help your student step into the future, have fun, and master a valuable tool that's shaping the world!

4. Beginner Roblox Coding

Does your kid dream of designing their own Roblox games? Well, this is their chance to turn that dream into reality! Our live online, expert-led Roblox coding class is tailor-made for young game enthusiasts. Students will dive into exciting topics like if/then logic, loops, variables, and even multiplayer game creation. Picture the joy on your student's face as they invite friends to play games they've crafted themselves, or the pride as they showcase their knowledge through a quiz game on their favorite subject. Plus, our class sizes are small, ensuring individual attention and support as students navigate Roblox Studio.

5. Modern Website Design

In the digital age, knowing how to build a website is a skill that comes in handy in countless ways, and now your child can learn it too! In this engaging live online class, students will learn how to create professional-looking websites using Wix, a leading website builder that's as powerful as it is user-friendly. Whether it's for showcasing art, promoting community events, or even creating a web store, this class covers everything from basic structure to intricate design elements. The curriculum is packed with hands-on projects, ensuring that every student builds a portfolio of websites they're passionate about. They'll discover how to customize templates, edit images, design clear navigation, and even enable payments for fundraising or selling products.

6. Mobile Coding for Apps and Games

Imagine your child not just downloading mobile apps but also creating them! In this class, students will dive into the world of mobile app development using Thunkable, a block-based programming platform that's both approachable and powerful. They'll explore key concepts like designing user interfaces, handling various mobile device features, and working with advanced cloud computing. From constructing games to building complex multi-user applications, your child will learn to apply their creativity in tangible ways that can even translate to real-world business opportunities. Beyond equipping them with sought-after computational skills, this course sets the stage for participating in exciting competitions like the Congressional App Challenge.

7. Python for AI

This live online course is a delightful dive into Python, a coding language celebrated for its simplicity and popularity, and used by tech giants like Netflix and Google. The class covers everything from the basics of Python to its applications in Artificial Intelligence, including intricate data structures and libraries. With the new curriculum, students even engage with ChatGPT to learn, debug, and brainstorm coding solutions more effectively. Guided by experienced teachers in small groups, students will master skills to create animations, games, and their very own independent Python projects.

Top Free Coding Programs For 5th Graders

Free coding programs designed specifically for this age group are a wonderful supplementary resource, offering interactive and engaging platforms that make learning both fun and effective.

1. Free Coding Classes

  • Age Range: 7 and up

Free coding classes for kids are a great way to introduce computer programming to students and help them find new interests. From fun beginner languages, to awesome Roblox game development, to more advanced programming that drives real-world innovation - find a great free introduction computer coding class for your child to enjoy!

2. Code.org

  • Age Range: 4 and up

Code.org offers a wide range of curriculum and activities, including the popular "Hour of Code," - a global movement aimed at encouraging people of all ages to engage with computer programming through a one-hour coding experience that's accessible to beginners. They often use characters and themes from popular movies and games, such as Star Wars and Minecraft, to make the activities more relatable for children.

3. Google CS First

  • Age Range: 8 and up

Google CS First provides a curriculum to support to educators and parents wanting to teach their students coding. Even if you're not familiar with coding yourself, the platform offers the tools you need to guide your child through their coding journey. Google has collaborated with educators and universities to create content that aligns with best practices in teaching coding to children. It ensures that the material is not only fun but educationally sound.

Explore some of the best coding games for kids too.

How to Teach Your Fifth Grader Coding

Here are a few tips for teaching your child programming:

  1. Incorporate Their Interests: Whether it's creating a game or designing a virtual garden, align the coding projects with your child's hobbies or passions. By integrating what they love, you'll make the learning process engaging and relatable. Explore these fun Scratch project ideas to get started. Or follow a tutorial such as how to make a Mario game in Scratch.
  2. Break Tasks into Smaller Challenges: Complex problems can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Encourage your child to solve one part at a time, guiding them gently through each step. This method builds confidence and a strong foundation in problem-solving. Challenge them tackle these Scratch exercises as a simple starting point.
  3. Encourage Regular Practice with a Reward System: Like any skill, coding requires consistent practice. Create a schedule that includes regular coding sessions, and consider implementing a reward system where achievements are recognized with small incentives. It'll keep your child motivated and foster a positive association with coding.

Get Started Learning Coding For 5th Graders

According to Code.org, a computer science major can earn 40% more than the college average. In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, understanding the basics of coding prepares children for a wide range of future careers, not just in computer science. By starting in fifth grade, kids can create a strong foundation for higher-level computer science education and an edge in the increasingly tech-driven world. Get started today by enrolling your student in a free live online coding class!