We've all been there - the glazed-over eyes, the endless scrolling... it's the dreaded "screen time zombie" mode. 

Passive screen time may feel like a parenting win (peace and quiet, at last!), but let's be honest, it's not doing our kids any favors.

Think about it: reduced attention spans, missed opportunities for real-world learning, and a creativity slump... yikes! It's like their brains are on vacation while their thumbs get a workout.

Image by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.com

But what if we told you there's a way to transform those screen hours into a launchpad for their future? 

What if instead of consuming content, they were creating it? 

We're talking actually coding apps, games, and software applications that teach them how to code and make digital things - which they can then play, use, and interact with in the real-world.

It's way more fun and a darn sight better than that icky cartoon with wide-eyed characters that don't really speak proper sentences.

I'm going to show you how to go about making this happen, turning screen time into a fun, educational adventure, sparking curiosity, firing up those imaginations, and maybe even setting them on the path to becoming the next tech superstar.

Let's get into it.

 

Scratch and Scratch Jr. - coding for the youngest learners

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Even kids around the age of five can get started with coding, and it's much the same as putting blocks together, like when they were babies. However, instead of just standing tall or falling over, these blocks can do all kinds of things.

Scratch and Scratch Jr. Kids are both platforms developed by the prestigious MIT labs and allow kids to drag and drop colorful blocks (think commands like "move," "jump," and "say") to build animations, games, and stories.

Your children simply think about what they want to do and then have to use creative but logical thinking to make it happen.

So, if they have a character on screen they want to move left, you would need something like "If I press right on the keyboard, the character moves right". But how do you press the button? How far should they go and how fast should it happed?

All questions that need figuring out.

Coding in this way is like solving a puzzle, but instead of a picture, they're making a digital experience that actually works. 

The best part is it's completely free!

Scratch Jr. is the simplified version, perfect for ages 5-7. More giant blocks, easier interface – basically coding training wheels.  

What can kids actually do with Scratch?

• Make their own video games: From side-scrollers to maze adventures, the possibilities are endless.  

• Animate their drawings: Bring characters to life, tell stories, and even create their own cartoons.  

• Build interactive quizzes and stories: It's like Choose Your Own Adventure books, but they get to design them.

• And so much more!

Why it's awesome:

• Creativity unleashed: Kids can problem-solve, experiment, and basically become little tech wizards through a game-like format.  

• Easy peasy: No confusing code gibberish here. It's all drag-and-drop, so even the most tech-challenged parent can keep up.

• Community matters: There's a whole online world of Scratchers sharing projects and ideas.  

Parent pro-tips:

• Start 'em young with Scratch Jr.: Perfect for those tiny hands and growing brains.

• Team up for tutorials: Tons of online resources to make it a family affair.

• Show off their creations: The Scratch community is a great place to connect and get inspired.

Ready to see it in action? 

Check out the video tutorial below for a super easy first Scratch project!

 

CircuitBlocks: Coding Your Own CircuitMess Creations

CircuitBlocks is a fantastic gateway into the coding world and the only way to code and build your very own CircuitMess creations!

This intuitive, block-based coding platform makes programming your CircuitMess projects a breeze. By simply dragging and dropping colorful blocks, you'll create Arduino-compatible code that brings your electronic inventions to life.

Why CircuitBlocks rocks:

• Perfect for beginners: No prior coding experience? No problem! CircuitBlocks' visual interface makes coding accessible and fun for all ages.

• Tailored to CircuitMess: CircuitBlocks is designed specifically for CircuitMess kits, ensuring seamless integration and endless possibilities for customization.

• Learn by doing: Transform your CircuitMess projects from pre-designed kits into personalized creations, all while mastering essential coding skills.

Unleash your inner inventor:

With CircuitBlocks, you can:

• Customize your CircuitMess kits: Add unique features, personalize behaviors, and make your projects truly your own.

• Experiment and iterate: CircuitBlocks encourages you to explore, tinker, and discover new ways to code your creations.

• Build confidence and creativity: Coding your own projects fosters a sense of accomplishment and empowers you to express your ideas through technology.

If you want to know more or you want to get started, here’s your intro guide in full:

 

Hopscotch: Online coding for kids

Image by Ben Mullins on Unsplash.com

Hopscotch is designed for ages 10-16; Hopscotch is a fantastic app that transforms coding into a playground for creativity - you can get a 7-day free trial here.

What can kids do with Hopscotch?

Here's 7-year-old Oscar to demonstrate!

7-year-old Oscar demonstrates his Hopscotch project.

• Code their own games: From platformers to puzzles, kids can design and build the games of their dreams.

• Animate their creations: Bring drawings and characters to life with Hopscotch's easy-to-use animation tools.

• Build anything they can imagine: The sky's the limit! Hopscotch empowers kids to express their unique ideas through code.

Why Hopscotch is a game changer:

• Express your personality: Hopscotch isn't just about learning to code; it's about encouraging self-expression. Kids can showcase their individuality and creativity through their projects.

• Experiment and learn: Mistakes are simply learning opportunities in Hopscotch. The app's user-friendly interface allows kids to explore their wildest ideas without fear of syntax errors.

• Experience how software is made: Understanding how apps and games are built gives kids a deeper appreciation for technology. They become empowered users, not just passive consumers.

Hopscotch in action:

• Code: Kids use Hopscotch's drag-and-drop interface to write code and bring their ideas to life.
• Share: Once they've created their masterpiece, they can publish it for friends and family to play.

• Play: Kids can explore and remix projects made by other Hopscotch users, gaining inspiration and learning new techniques.

Hopscotch makes coding fun, accessible, and empowering. It's a fantastic tool for kids to explore their creativity, build confidence, and gain valuable skills for the future.

 

Minecraft: Education Edition - Turn block building into coding brilliance

 

Okay, so your kid's obsessed with Minecraft? Like, really obsessed? 

Well, get this - you can actually harness that obsession and turn it into a coding adventure. And with the Minecraft movie coming out next year, there's no better time to level up their game... literally.

Enter Minecraft: Education Edition. It's the same Minecraft your kids love, but with built-in coding lessons that'll blow their minds.

Here are just a few of the awesome learning adventures they can embark on:

• Minecraft Adventurer: Perfect for beginners! Kids learn the basics of coding by guiding their characters through a simulated Minecraft world.

• Minecraft Voyage Aquatic: Dive into underwater exploration. This adventure teaches kids to use code to build and navigate aquatic environments.

• Minecraft Hero's Journey: Time for an epic quest! Kids code their way through challenges and obstacles, learning problem-solving skills along the way.

Why coding in Minecraft is a game-changer:

• It's Minecraft!: Kids are already motivated to play, so learning to code within the game is a no-brainer.

• Real-world skills, blocky style: The coding concepts they learn translate to other programming languages and even future careers.

• Learning by doing: Minecraft encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and perseverance - essential skills for any coder.

Parent pro-tips:

• Explore together: Jump into Minecraft: Education Edition with your kid and discover the coding possibilities.

• Check out the lesson plans: Minecraft: Education Edition offers a wealth of resources and lesson plans to guide your child's learning.

• Let them lead: Encourage them to experiment, build, and create their own unique Minecraft worlds with code.

Minecraft: Education Edition is a game-changer, truly. It's even used in schools! It's a win-win: kids have a blast, and you get to feel good about their screen time.

 

CircuitMess STEM kits: For hands-on monthly STEM projects!

If you're looking to ditch the screens altogether and spark a lifelong love for STEM in your kids, think about transforming your home into a coding school for kids with our STEM subscription box! 

These kits deliver monthly STEM projects, including electronics and coding, straight to your doorstep. Forget passive learning – it's time to roll up those sleeves, tinker, and build!