--- title: Tools to Teach Coding to Kids description: Describes four tools to teach coding to kids in elementary school and why teaching computer science skills is important in preparing students for the future. image: https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/STEM%20Photos/Sanford_Spring%202019_27.jpg --- Search - [mySANFORD HUB](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app/) [![Sanford School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/master-logo-horizontal-nofounded.png)](https://www.sanfordschool.org/) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [Why Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/financial-aid) - 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[Welcome Back!](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) # EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG *Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.* ## Tools to Teach Coding to Kids Posted by [Patrick Martin](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/author/patrick-martin) on May 18, 2018 at 12:30 PM ![Patrick Martin](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Blog_Authors/Faculty-Staff%20-%206237033.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Sanford_Spring 2019_27](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/STEM%20Photos/Sanford_Spring%202019_27.jpg?width=353&name=Sanford_Spring%202019_27.jpg)Elementary school is the perfect age to teach coding. Learning to code is fun, empowering, and provides essential [21st century skills](http://www.battelleforkids.org/networks/p21). According to the [US Department of Commerce](http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/stem-jobs-2017-update.pdf), within the last ten years STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) employment opportunities have grown by 24.4% vs. only 4% in non-STEM fields, and STEM-focused employees make an average of 29% more than non-STEM workers. It is important that we provide our children with the computer science skills necessary to be successful. Starting in first grade at [Sanford School](http://www.sanfordschool.org), we give students a foundation in skills that they can apply in and out of the classroom, like creativity and critical thinking. One of the ways we develop these characteristics is by incorporating programming, or coding, into the curriculum. Learning to code has many benefits. Using tools like Scratch, Makey Makeys, and various robots teaches students basic, sequential programming to complex problem-solving skills. Let’s explore these four tools and how they build kids’ ability to code. [![Download Sanford School's Technology Vision](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/fce6502b-e334-437a-9dc2-b0cd037b83c7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/fce6502b-e334-437a-9dc2-b0cd037b83c7) 1. [Scratch](https://scratch.mit.edu/): A coding language that uses “if-then” statements to give directions to a computer. [Scratch](https://scratch.mit.edu/about) uses block programming, which means that instead of typing in 0’s and 1’s or even a string of letters, kids can drag-and-drop rectangles of code (“blocks”) that  give directions, like, “Move 5 spaces left.” Scratch is extremely simple to use, so students can quickly see the cause and effect nature of coding. 2. [Makey Makey](https://makeymakey.com/): An invention kit to create electronic tools. Makey Makeys use alligator clips and a computer keyboard to make anything into a touchpad. Students write code that can turn on a light or play a recording of a history report with a push of a button.  3. Robots ([Dash](https://www.makewonder.com/dash), [Ozobot](https://ozobot.com/), and [Vex Robotics](https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq)): Once kids understand how the language of coding works, we use robots to bring their if-then statements from the screen to the real world. Students are thrilled when they see their coding inputs come to life as the robot interacts with the world by picking up materials or navigating around obstacles. The coding involved can range from simple color-pattern-recognition to multi-step blocks of code, voice control, or touch-responsive programming. 4. Programming Parrot Drones with[Tynker](https://www.tynker.com/blog/articles/ideas-and-tips/coding-at-school/programming-parrot-drones-with-tynker/): Use Tynker, a block programming app on the iPad or Android tablet, to control a drone. Coding is the language that students will use to communicate with devices, even as they continue to evolve. Getting kids started with resources like Scratch, Makey Makeys, robots, and drones will give them the programming skills and a passion for technology that will serve them well in the future. Learn more about the importance of teaching code by watching *[Mitch Resnik's Let's Teach Kids to Code TED Talk](https://www.ted.com/talks/mitch_resnick_let_s_teach_kids_to_code?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare)*. --- Patrick Martin is the [Lower School Technology Coordinator](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/lower-school-curriculum?fromId=218456&LevelNum=936&DepartmentId=20850) for Sanford School and a Google Certified Educator. ---  See Also: [Best Apps for Kids for the Summer](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/best-apps-for-kids-for-the-summer) Topics: [Education](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education), [Academics](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics), [Parenting Tips](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/parenting-tips), [STEM](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/stem) [![Register for a Tour of Sanford School Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300) ### Subscribe Via Email ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Parenting Tips (73)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/parenting-tips) - [Education (64)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education) - [Health & Wellness (45)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/health-wellness) - [Academics (42)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics) - [Community (35)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/community) - [Elementary Education (16)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/elementary-education) - [STEM (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/stem) - [Summer (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/summer) - [Diversity (13)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/diversity) - [Arts (12)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/arts) - [Sanford School (11)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/sanford-school) - [High School Experience (10)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/high-school-experience) - [Athletics (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/athletics) - [College Guidance (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/college-guidance) - [Admission (8)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/admission) - [Financial Aid (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/financial-aid) - [Middle School (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/middle-school) - [Affordability (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/affordability) - [Distance Learning (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/distance-learning) - [Alumni (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/alumni) - [School Counseling (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/school-counseling) - [Preschool (3)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/preschool) - [After-School Programs (1)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/after-school-programs) see all ## Sanford School [6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6900+Lancaster+Pike+Hockessin+DE+19707) Phone: [302.235.6500](tel:302.235.6500) Email: [admission@sanfordschool.org](mailto:admission@sanfordschool.org) - [![pais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571018_49581.png)](https://www.paispa.org/index.cfm) - [![nais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571017_49580.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx) - [![advis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571015_49579.png)](http://www.advis.org/RelId/33637/ISvars/default/Home.htm) ## Connect With Us - [![facebook](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571026_49585.png)](https://www.facebook.com/SanfordSchool) - [![twitter](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571024_49584.png)](https://twitter.com/sanfordwarrior) - [![instagram](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571023_49583.png)](https://www.instagram.com/sanfordwarrior/) ## No Talent Lies Latent Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Hockessin, Delaware, Sanford School is a college-prep [private school](http://mainsite.sanfordschool.onmessagestaging.com/Page/Admission/Why-Private-School?) for boys and girls in preschool (age 3) through high school. 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