One of the best ways to get started coding is to learn to code unplugged! By taking coding offline, it’s easy to focus on the basic concepts of coding, which are fundamental to learning to code.
Did you know you can learn basic coding skills with a simple deck of cards? We’ve created a wide variety of creative unplugged coding activities to get your kids learning to code screen-free. Most of our activities require little prep and use simple household items you already have.
Here at teach your kids code, we believe in the importance of learning to code at a young age. Not only is programming a valued skill in the workforce, coding also teaches computational thinking skills that have many benefits beyond the computer.
It’s easy to get started with offline coding. Check out our most popular unplugged coding activities below.
Unplugged Coding Activities for Kids
It's easier than you think to get kids started with coding. These fun unplugged coding games are the perfect way to get started with coding at home or at school.
One of the easiest ways to get started learning about coding is with a simple deck of cards. Using a grid, students will learn all about sequences, algorithms and debugging in this fun coding activity. This activity takes only two minutes to prep and is perfect for kids age 4 and up. Read about how to get kids started in the full article below!
This silly coding activity is so much fun! Kids will learn the basics of sequencing and algorithsm while getting a chance to get their friends wet. We used water guns to add fun to this outdoor coding activity. This is one of our most popular unplugged coding activities!
Magnetic tiles are one of the best new toys around. The creative possibilitie are endless with these fun building toys. Magnetic tiles can also be used to help kids learn to code! In this grid-based activity students will learn all about algorithms and debugging .
In this fun glow in the dark activiy, kids will learn about 'if/then conditional statements'. Conditional statements are an important part of computer programming, and this activity will get your kids familiar with the basic concept. You only need a few glow in the dark items for this very simple coding activity.
Here's another use for your left over plastic easter eggs! Students will learn to code their way to the egg prizes in this super easy unplugged coding game. We include the concepts of algorithms and debugging in this coding activity.
For Hotwheels lovers, this is another super fun grid-based offline coding activity. In this activity we will focus on the concepts of algorithm, sequence and debugging. This easy activity takes less than 5 minutes to set up.
Did you know that Origami can teach kids some of the principles of coding? In this blog article we will show you how to incorporate the concept of decomposition into your origami lesson. Students will have fun with computer coding concepts and also get to make some cool origami creations.
Have you always wanted to invent your own app? These fun OFFLINE worksheets will help your students think about the fundamentals of app design without using a computer. Our printable worksheets are perfect for the classroom.
Students as young as 5 years old can already learn the basic concepts of coding! These kindergarten coding worksheets will help your students learn to code without a computer.
Unplugged coding activities refer to activities that teach the basic concepts of coding without the use of a screen. Explore the options we have for unplugged coding above.
It’s easy to get started with unplugged coding. We can even teach the basics of programming with just a deck of cards! We’ll take you through our unplugged coding ideas step by step in the articles above.
You can get started on the basic concepts of coding using our unplugged coding activities above. Eventually, to design more complex apps and computer programs you will need to take your coding experience online.
Unplugged coding refers to learning coding skills without the use of technology. We can teach the basic concepts of coding with just a deck of cards. Check out our ideas above!