As a coder with young kids (6, 4, and 2-year-old boys), I’m partial to the idea that programming is an excellent way to teach some great “thinking” fundamentals such as logic, patterns, and abstraction. I think of programming as a language of the digital age and a future basic skill in the workforce. But I am well aware that one doesn’t sit a 4-year-old down and launch into The C Programming Language by Kernighan and Ritchie — not unless you need said 4-year-old to take a nap anyway.
So, I’ve been on the search for entertaining apps and games that also promote programming skills. More specifically, I’m looking for the following attributes:
- Apps and games that encourage logical thinking. Especially if they also teach conditionals (if/then), abstraction (variables), patterns and algorithms (functions, OO), precision (computing syntax), and resource constraints.
- Apps and games that teach basic engineering concepts (electrical, mechanical, or computing).
- Apps that reward thoughtful responses rather than twitch reflexes (that’s another skill for another discussion) or “whack a mole” type strategies.
- Apps with a straight, honest “pay for quality and content” revenue model. I frown heavily upon “pay to play” and “pay to win” apps. I prefer paid apps. Subscriptions that provide ongoing, renewed content is okay; as is the “1 chapter free, the rest unlocked for $X amount”. It’s expensive to build, update, and support good, high quality apps and games. I get it.
- Apps with characters that are polite and kind, as opposed to obnoxious or too cool. Humor and the occasional bout of obnoxiousness is fine, but constant whining is not.
With this guide in mind, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite apps and games I’ve come across for my kids.
“Good” iPad Apps
This is a list of the iPad apps I’ve used and can personally recommend.
My Robot Friend
This is my favorite for my oldest (6 now). He started when he was 4 and it was a bit tough but he caught on quickly. Great for abstracting instructions from actions, problem solving, and inadvertently and hilariously, dance moves.
Kodable
This isn’t as entertaining as My Robot Friend but gets more complex because it introduces the idea of functions and reuse. Very calming too.
Lightbot Jr.
This is probably the bridge I’m going to use to move our kids into physical computing space. I’m going to try moving them from controlling these virtual robots to actual robots ala KIBO (see below).
“Next” iPad Apps
This is a list of the next iPad apps I plan to try out for my kids. I can’t yet recommend these but they look really promising.
Scratch Jr
This is an iPad app with a simplified programming language for kids to create their own stories and games. Looks excellent and is on my “next to try” list.
Move the Turtle
A classical approach remade for the iPad age. This is on my “next to try” list.
“When Older” iPad Apps
Some of the more advanced apps that I’m waiting before introducing my kids to them:
Lightbot
The more complex version of Lightbot Jr.
Hopscotch
This looks really cool but seems pretty advanced. It appears to be full-on programming on a small scale.
Tynker
This looks really cool as well, and has the added bonus of solving puzzles for those who like a challenge to incentivize them.
Toys and Games
There’s also been a resurgence of toys and games that focus on programming. Undoubtedly born of the geek culture powered by Kickstarter. But whatever. I’m as happy as I can be about it!
Robot Turtles
This is a very simple, cooperative board game suitable for very small ones and scalable upward for larger kids. It teaches basic programming concepts (instructions, functions, problem solving, etc.). Interestingly, my oldest played My Robot Friend first so this was trivial for him. Still fun for him though.
Snap Circuits
I love, love this circuitry kit for kids. It’s been as educational for me as it’s been for my kids. I have all three of my kids engaged — my oldest assembling the complex kits, my middle helping and assembling simpler kits, and the youngest playing with the parts. My kids love that “things happen” and they learn how it happens.
Hello Ruby
This isn’t out yet, but is a children’s book featuring a little girl named Ruby (like the Ruby language…get it?). It’s going to have an activity book that looks like it’ll be fun to work through with kids. I’m definitely looking forward to this, and it’s nice to see a girl as the hero.
KIBO
This isn’t out yet but seems like a really fun spin on programming using blocks. It seems to have a nice physical element to it that my kids (who love Tegu blocks) will really appreciate.
Tinkerbots
Like Lego Mindstorms but with Arduino compatible micro controller so direct application to practical physical computing. Also Lego compatible so should be oodles of additional fun for Lego-lovers.