Coding for homeschoolers can help set your child up for success in many ways. Coding helps children develop important problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. In addition, coding is becoming an increasingly important part of many industries and is a valuable skill to have in today's job market. By learning how to code at a young age, children can set themselves up for success in a variety of careers, including software development, data analysis, and digital marketing. Coding can also be a fun and rewarding activity for children, as it allows them to create and build things using their own imagination and creativity. There are certainly many reasons for kids to learn how to code! But it can be confusing knowing where to start your child’s coding education.
So today, we’ll explore the best resources for learning coding for homeschoolers. We’ll share coding for homeschoolers curricula, free homeschool coding programs, and even homeschool coding classes for elementary school students, middle school students, and high school students. Let’s jump right in!
Coding for Homeschoolers Curriculum
There are several key elements that a homeschool coding curriculum should have in order to be effective and help students succeed.
- A clear and structured learning path: A good homeschool coding curriculum should provide a clear and structured learning path, with lessons and projects that build upon each other and gradually increase in complexity. This helps students develop a solid foundation in coding and ensures that they are able to progress at a steady pace.
- Engaging and interactive lessons: Coding can be a complex and abstract topic, so it's important for a homeschool coding curriculum to have engaging and interactive lessons that help students understand the concepts and ideas being taught. This might include hands-on exercises, interactive quizzes, and multimedia resources like videos and interactive simulations.
- Access to a community of learners: Coding can be a challenging and rewarding activity, and it's often helpful for students to have access to a community of fellow learners who they can collaborate with and learn from. A good homeschool coding curriculum should provide students with opportunities to interact with other learners, whether through online forums, project-based learning activities, or other forms of collaboration.
By including these elements, a homeschool coding curriculum can provide students with the support and resources they need to be successful and develop a strong foundation in coding.
Follow The Best Homeschool Computer Programming Curriculum
Create & Learn’s main goal is to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow to love STEM. The platform's comprehensive award-winning curriculum with 40+ classes was designed by experts from Google, Apple, MIT, Stanford and MIT, so your child can learn real-world applications to become the best version of themselves through computer science. Run live online by experienced teachers with 3+ years of experience, their small group classes empower kids to discover the magic in technology and earn a certificate. Empower your student to unearth their passion for STEM by exploring the best homeschool curriculum by their grade level:
Grades 2-4: Learn the basics of coding, AI, and Robotic using Scratch, Vex VR, and Microbit. Discover how computers power our daily lives.
Grades 4-6: Code games and animations, build mobile apps, discover how AI works, and compete with virtual robotics. Explore a wide range of fields and far reaching topics.
Grades 6-9: Master areas your child enjoys the most from making mobile apps to modern website design. Solve real-world problems with computer science.
Grades 9-12: Master areas your child enjoys the most. Reach advanced topics such as CS Principles, Java, Cloud Computing, and even Computational Biology.
Explore Free Homeschool Coding Programs
Trying to teach your child coding from home can be challenging. Luckily, there are plenty of free and amazing resources and classes that can help your child learn coding, design, AI, data science, and more to the best of their ability. Explore some of the best homeschool computer science resources to get started:
1. Create & Learn's Free Coding Classes
Create & Learn’s classes are a great fit for any student - with 30+ computer science subjects rated 5-stars by parents and students. With their award-winning curriculum recognized by Minecraft Education, Roblox Education, SMASH, and more you know your child is going to get the best learning experience possible. With many classes you can choose from there is even a free introductory class to see if it is a great fit for you and your child!
Grades: K-12
Format: Live online classes/summer and winter camps led by expert instructors
Pros:
- Award-winning curriculum.
- Classes for all ages.
- Small class size.
Cons:
- You may need to schedule far out due to classes being full.
- May need high-speed internet for Zoom and other programs to function properly.
2. Code.org Courses
Code.org has helped over 70 million students learn the valuable skill of coding. Code.org's courses are designed with input from educators and computing professionals, ensuring they are educationally robust and up-to-date. With a variety of interactive lessons that progress from basic to advanced topics, students can learn at their own pace, which is particularly beneficial for the flexible schedules of homeschooling. Furthermore, Code.org emphasizes creativity and problem-solving skills, equipping students not only with technical skills but also with critical thinking abilities that are essential in any future career.
Grades: K-12
Format: Online activities and class lessons that parents need to guide their student through
Pros:
- All of the lessons are free.
- Easy access anytime.
- Allows students to work at their own pace.
Cons:
- Lack of guidance. Without guidance, students might choose activities at random instead of following the scaffolded curriculum.
- Young students need a mentor, teacher, or parent to help teach them the curriculum.
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide free, world-class education for everyone. They use practice exercises, videos, and a learning dashboard to help students learn at their own pace. They focus on a multitude of topics so computer science is not the only focus of Khan Academy.
Grades: K-12
Format: Recorded video classes
Pros:
- All of the classes are free.
- Easy access to any course.
- Multiple subjects to choose from (other than computer science).
- Allows students to work at their own pace.
Cons:
- Less interactive than having a tutor or teacher over Zoom.
- Only exposed to one teaching style.
- It can only instruct, and not inspire and guide students.
Homeschool Coding for Elementary Students
Hoping to get a head start on coding with your elementary student? These classes are the best path to take to teach your child the fundamentals of computer science at home, and to have fun while doing it. Kids can earn a certificate for each class, and every session is led live online by an engaging expert instructor. Furthermore, there's a complete satisfaction guarantee!
1. Scratch Ninja Class
Developed by MIT, Scratch coding is a great way to introduce kids to computer programming because it uses simple drag-and-drop blocks rather than complex syntax. This course is specifically designed for young students in mind who are interested but know nothing about coding. Sign up to get your child started today!
Grades: 2-5
Best for: Young beginner students, as there are no required pre-requisites. (For K-2 start with Scratch Junior.)
2. Minecraft Redstone Engineering Class
This class is designed for students who want to be future programmers and engineers. Minecraft Redstone Engineering focuses on the electrical side of Minecraft, and teaches students how to make cool complex machines and structures.
Grades: 2-5
Best for: Beginner coders, as there are no required pre-requisites. Minecraft lovers who have an interest in engineering and tinkering.
3. Minecraft Modding Quest
Solve puzzles, build, and create games with fun coding in Minecraft! In this class, students learn a broad set of coding concepts starting from basic concepts and going on to learn the fundamentals of programming. Watch your child build complex structures, mini-games, and much more in this packed course.
Grades: 2-5
Best for: Minecraft lovers who want to learn how to program.
4. Junior Robotics Class
This is a great class for student that want to participate in robotics competitions! The Vex robotics class teaches students coding through robotics with fun, hands-on projects. In this fun class, students enjoy a thorough introduction to the wonderful world of robotics! Your child will code their robot to move, turn, and more, all in a virtual world. So no physical robot is required.
Grades: 2-4
Best for: Kids who are interested in robotics or who enjoy hands-on activities.
5. Internet Safety Class
Do your children know what information they should or shouldn't show on social media or video games? Kids are online more than ever before, but do they know how to use the Internet safely and protect their privacy? When students join this introductory class they'll explore a wide range of topics related to computer security, modern computers, and the Internet. Throughout this class students will enjoy fun videos, games, figuring out security tools, and even building their own projects
Grades: 2-5
Best for: Kids who use the Internet on computers, phones, and iPads.
6. Create with ChatGPT Class
Your children's learning today and their future have changed drastically with the recent launch of ChatGPT. The impact and capabilities of such AI systems will only grow overtime. So whoever can master AI tools will be in a more advantageous position to succeed. Through several carefully designed projects, this interactive course helps students understand what ChatGPT is and introduces them to effective ways of using ChatGPT.
Grades: 4-8
Best for: Learning a fundamental tool and preparing for a future career.
Homeschool Coding for Middle School Students
In middle school your student will learn tons of things that will prepare them for high school and their future. These small group, live online courses led by an expert instructor, will help your student learn more advanced coding skills from the comfort of home.
1. Accelerated Scratch Course
This compressed series of Scratch coding classes introduce students to all of the key coding concepts in a handful of sessions and prepares them for more advanced computer science courses. In this class, you will practice core coding concepts, and build many impressive projects in just under an hour each class. It's great for both middle schoolers and you'll see their confidence and interest in coding soar!
Grades: 5-9
Best for: Kids with prior coding experience in Scratch.
2. Mobile Coding for Apps and Games
Kids love mobile apps and games so why not help them make their own? This class empowers students to learn to code mobile apps with an easy-to-use tool. The use of Thunkable (a block-based programming language) helps kids who are not confident in written-based coding to make awesome projects. After finishing the class, your child will be more than comfortable with building a plethora of mobile games and apps!
Grades: 4-9
Best for: Kids who love games or have an app idea.
3. Website Design With Wix Class
Whether it is for their robotics clubs, community service, or to create their own portfolios to enter auditions and competitions, students find many places to use website building. This class uses Wix, a popular website builder, to teach the basics of web development without the hassle of learning how to code a website entirely from scratch. Students find out how to structure a website, design the layout, choose color schemes, and even to create a web store to sell products.
Grades: 5-12
Best for: Kids who want to build their own website or online shop.
4. Beginner Roblox Coding Class
If your child loves Roblox, then why not get them learning with it? In this fun live virtual class students will learn the foundational coding skills to create their own games in Roblox, the popular gaming platform with over 40 million games! This class is designed for students to become equipped with foundational Roblox coding skills without having to use the standard and very complicated game development tool most commonly used for Roblox, Lua.
Grades: 3-8
Best for: Kids who love Roblox.
5. Python for AI Class
Python is a high-level coding language used by companies such as Netflix and Google, so students will be learning a real-world programming language that can help in their future career. Python is fundamental to web development, game development, building apps, machine learning, and so much more.
Grades: 5-12
Best for: Kids who have mastered block-based coding.
Homeschool Coding for High School Students
High school students have tons of things they need to focus on, so why not lighten the load with plenty of classes that will prepare them for college or their future? This list compiles a few of the best coding courses for high school students.
1. Data Science with Python and Pandas Class
Data analytics is critical to the success of modern businesses, and can be really fun to learn for kids and teens. No matter whether your student wants to become an entrepreneur, a lawyer, a journalist, a doctor, or an engineer, it is important for them to gain the power to analyze and utilize and the data to gain business insights and make decisions.
Grades: 5-12
Best for: Teens interested in data analytics.
2. Unity Game Development Class
Plenty of kids love video games and dream of making their own. You can make that dream come true with this awesome video game course that empowers teens to build amazing video games. This series of Unity classes teaches students the core techniques of developing both 2D and 3D games in Unity. It covers a wide range of topics from character control, coding (in C#), to asset management.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Video game lovers.
3. Computer Science Principles Class (APCSP)
This class introduces students to a huge variety of important fundamental topics in computer science including binary, encryption, networking, and more. This class was designed by expert AP computer science educators and even meets the requirements for the APCSP exam by College Board. This is the perfect thing to add to your College resume.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Students who plan to take the APCSP exam.
4. AI Creators Class
Create simple and practical AI apps using a variety of tools - from the Python coding language and open source packages to commercial AI from Google and Open AI (creator of ChatGPT). By the end of this class, students will achieve a firm foundation in key technical concepts used in coding AI, and creating models representative of a variety of data. This course has also been updated recently to include generative AI art and ChatGPT!
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Students interested in the rapidly developing field of AI.
5. C++ Essentials for Teens Class
C++ is a powerful, high-performance programming language widely used in software development, game development, systems programming, and more. Students will learn not only core elements of the C++ programming language, but also take their first steps in algorithms such as sort and search. Algorithms are the essential components of all large scale computer systems in real world.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Students who have Python experience, and are interested in algorithms.
Start Coding For Homeschool Students
Now you know some of the best online courses to teach homeschoolers how to code. Up next, help your child jump right into learning coding with a fun beginner friendly tutorial: make a game in Scratch or try some beginner Scratch exercises.
Written by Create & Learn instructor Gabrielle Cindric. Gabrielle is a Computer Science student by day and a STEM instructor by night. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and hanging out with her poodle Bailey and cat Asphalt.
