Programming Classes & Camps (Free)

You may have heard people talk about computer science education and the importance of computer science education for the future. Currently, 27 states across America offer Computer Science courses at the high school level, with more on the way. As more and more schools incorporate programming into their curriculum, it is important to introduce young students to the basics of programming. That’s why many resources have been developed to teach coding to elementary school students. Read on for great tools, programs, and courses for learning coding for 8 year olds, including a selection of free classes.

Learn Coding for 8 Year Olds

When introducing young students to coding, it’s important to find content with an appropriate level of challenge for their age group.

Can an 8 year old learn to code?

Of course an eight year old can learn to code! Students of all ages can work on basic coding concepts such as conditional logic and critical thinking. There are many successfully developed tools that teach young students how to code including Scratch, Minecraft modding, VEX robotics, and many more. Block coding (which uses click-and-drag coding instead of text-based coding) is most approachable for elementary-aged students.

Is 8 years old too young to start coding?

While eight years old is enough to learn the basics, there are some prerequisite skills required. One of the important skills in coding is basic computer proficiency, such as the ability to switch between applications and comfort using a keyboard and mouse. As long as your child has these skills, they should start coding!

Explore the Best Coding Classes and Camps For 8 Year Olds

There are many instructor-led courses and summer camps to get kids as young as eight into programming and help them develop an interest in computer science, some of which are introduced below. Follow the award-winning Create & Learn curriculum designed for third graders by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT, for the best experience.

Taught live online by US-based teachers, Create & Learn classes have been recognized by Minecraft Education Edition, Roblox Studio, Meta, SMASH, HulaFrog as Most Liked Virtual Learning programs, and won the Best Award from ActivityHero.

1. Scratch Ninja

Scratch is the best starting place for almost any child – especially those as young as 8 years old, because kids are quickly empowered to make real projects a reality. Scratch is a free programming tool developed by MIT that allows young students to channel their creativity into creating their own games and animations. Scratch is built on an intuitive block coding system, which makes it great for introducing coding to beginners. In this live online course, led by passionate instructors, students will enjoy a structured and entertaining experience while learning basic coding concepts like loops, variables, and more. There’s even a free Scratch intro session, so it’s easy to get started.

2. Minecraft Mods

Minecraft, one of the most popular video games ever created, also has an Education Edition that helps students build their coding skills. In this live online class, 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 abstract away the complexity of text-based programming. Every student who takes a course through Create & Learn will also receive a free license to Minecraft: Education Edition.

3. Minecraft Redstone

Minecraft has a built-in “engineering” system in its game mechanics, called Redstone. Redstone can be used to do simple things like turn on lights or as advanced automatic doors, sensors, and more. Develop your child’s problem-solving and engineering skills while learning to harness the power of Redstone in this live, instructor-led online course.

4. Internet Security

Does your child know what information they can or cannot display on social media or video games? Children are online more now than ever, but do they know how to use the Internet safely and protect their privacy? When students take this introductory class, they will explore a variety of topics related to computer security, modern computers, and the Internet. This will be the most engaging cybersecurity class for kids with real-world applications, delivered through a combination of project-based and inquiry learning. They’ll enjoy fun videos, games and safety tools, as well as our own building projects.

5. Junior Robotics

Vex VR takes the hugely popular Vex robotics system and puts it into a digital world, where students use block code to help the robot move and interact with its environment. This is a great opportunity for students to combine their interests in robotics and coding. Plus, the Vex VR tool is free to use.

5. Beginner Roblox Game Coding

In this fun class, students learn the basics of how to code for Roblox, and create fun Roblox games using a block coding platform that is friendly for elementary and middle school students. They’ll find out how to create a multiplayer game, a game modeled after the hugely popular infinity run game where players have to turn, dodge, and jump to avoid obstacles and earn points, and more.

Programming Learning Path for 8 Year Olds

When coding, programmers use a systematic approach to solving their problems. When learning coding, the approach must also be systematic. Following a progressive path that starts simple, then gradually increases in difficulty helps students stay focused and minimizes unnecessary frustration.

Not sure what your third grader should be learning? Our experts have selected a great combination of live online computer science classes that you can choose based on your child’s interests. Following this path allows your child to continue learning and developing their skills, while making it easier for you to plan. Choose from third-grade learning paths for game makers, young inventors, art-minded students, and more.

Best Free Coding For 8 Year Olds

If you want to try something for free to see what your child is interested in, explore these free options first.

1. Scratch Free

In free Scratch classes designed by experts from Stanford, MIT, and Google, students learn the basics of how to use the beginner-friendly block-based interface live online with great teachers. In these 55-minute live online sessions, your child will enjoy programs created by other students, and work together to create their own fun games.

2. Google CS First

CS First is completely free — any number of students, all the materials, as many lessons as you want. Students learn through video tutorials and block-based coding in Scratch. It would be best to guide your child through the curriculum, as it can be a bit tricky to navigate.

3. Kode.org

Code.org has launched a number of successful free programs for self-paced coding programs, such as Code Hours program that has been used by millions of students around the world! Their 100% free B Curriculum teaches students block coding through instructional videos and hands-on exercises. Students can save their progress by creating a Code.org account. This approach is great for students who are highly motivated and like independent learning.

Coding Tutorial for 8 Year Olds

Once your students have tried Scratch (or another block coding tool) for some time, the best way to continue developing their skills is with hands-on practice, like this tutorial.

1. How to make a jumping sprite

While making characters walk back and forth on the screen is relatively easy, learning to make sprites jump and interact with objects in Scratch requires careful coding and is an intermediate skill when it comes to game design. Here’s how!

2. Make a game of catching fish in Scratch

Catch games are a simple but fun entry point to Scratch coding. Students will be able to use loops, events, and variables to create their projects. There is a lot of room for customization, where students can choose whatever sprite they want for catch and drop sprites.

3. Make a Mario Game in Scratch

This one is the most challenging listed here. In this tutorial, your students will learn how to create a Mario game in Scratch. Super Mario Bros., released in 1985, is arguably one of the most popular video games of all time, and is the poster child of not only the entire Mario franchise, but, to a certain degree, Nintendo as a whole. Super Mario Bros. belongs to a very popular arcade game genre: Side-Scrolling Platformer.

Learn Coding For Eight Year Olds

So there you have it: a series of ways to get your 8 year old interested in coding! Between robotics, Roblox, and more, your child is sure to find a coding program that can both entertain and educate them. If any of this sounds like a good fit for your students, check out free online coding classes led by experts to get started. Happy programming!

Written by Create & Learn instructor Dominic Occhietti. Dominic is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he studied music performance and computer science. She really enjoys teaching, whether it’s coding classes, French horn lessons, or even downhill skiing lessons!