Coding for Kids
Are you looking for an online coding program for kids that can help your child learn to code and prepare them for the digital world? Look no further as we compare the top two choices in this blog – Tynker and CodeMonkey.
Tynker Coding for Kids Overview
Tynker is an excellent platform for kids of all ages and skill levels. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of courses, including Python, JavaScript, Game Design, AI/ML, and Minecraft Modding. Tynker’s courses are designed to be engaging and accessible, with drag-and-drop coding blocks, a visual programming interface, and a library of pre-built assets and characters that kids can use to build their own projects. Additionally, Tynker provides a range of tools and resources for kids, including coding courses, projects, and games. Perhaps the most significant point of differentiation Tynker offers
CodeMonkey Coding for Kids Overview
CodeMonkey is a game-based platform that teaches coding to kids coding in real programming languages like CoffeeScript (an offshoot of Javascript) and Python. The platform offers self-guided activities, allowing children to work at their own pace and learn by solving challenges and puzzles. CodeMonkey’s curriculum is primarily focused on teaching coding fundamentals such as syntax and logic, making it an excellent choice for kids interested in computer science (vs. what they can do with computer science skills). Additionally, Codemonkey offers a range of teacher resources, including lesson plans, presentations, and assessments, making it a solid choice for educators.
CodeMonkey vs Tynker: Quick Comparison
Both Tynker and CodeMonkey are web-based, allowing them to be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Tynker also offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, which provides greater accessibility for kids who want to learn to code on-the-go. CodeMonkey, on the other hand, has discontinued its mobile apps, which means that it is only accessible via a web browser and therefore you’ll need a live web connection. Tynker has an easy setup while some users have reported that CodeMonkey courses can be difficult to progress through, even with the given hints they provide.
CodeMonkey vs Tynker: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tynker | CodeMonkey | |
| Appropriate for Grades | K-12 | K-8 |
| Offers Live Instruction | Included with Paid Plans (two sessions); optional live instruction available for purchase | ⛔ |
| Curriculum Overview | 300 lessons in six progressive levels covering block coding and text coding. 33 electives including Minecraft Modding, game design and AI. 5,000+ coding activities, puzzles, and games; all skill levels. | Block-based coding for Pre-K to 2. Math & coding practice for grades 2-4. Text-based coding and Digital Literacy courses for grades 3-5. Game creation courses for grades 6-8. Python course for grades 6-8. Python & Chatbot course for grades 6-8. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid plans available | Free + Paid plans available |
| Progress Tracking & Reporting | ✅ | ✅ |
| Used in Schools | Yes, 500,000+ teachers and 100,000+ schools | Yes, # schools unknown, 180,000+ teachers |
| Peer Support / Community | Kid-Safe community, summer camps, competitions like CodeJam, etc. | Summer camps, competitions like Code Rush. |
| Trusted by Leading Brands | Apple, Google Education, NASA, Microsoft, BBC Learning, Lego, Mattel, Minecraft, Hot Wheels, Barbi, SMART, etc. | Microsoft, learning.com, scratchpad, nearpad, digitalkiz, code.org, globed |
| Mobile Apps | Three available:Tynker: available for iOS and AndroidTynker Junior for ages 5-7: available for iOS and AndroidMod Creator: available on iOS | ⛔ |
| Awards | Common Sense Media Learning, National Parenting Awards, Parents Choice, Smart Media, Digital Education Award, Brain Child, Mom’s Choice, Parent’s Pick | SIIA CODiE, EdTech Review, EdTech Impact, Mom’s Choice, Edtech Breakthrough , What’s On 4Kids, Parents’ Choice |
CodeMonkey vs Tynker: Curriculum Comparison
| Tynker | CodeMonkey | Comments | |
| Support for Pre-Readers | ✅ | ✅ | Appropriate for introducing very young children to coding concepts and computational thinking. |
| Digital Literacy | ✅ | ✅ | An essential skill for any child growing up in today’s digital world. |
| Block coding | ✅ | Limited | A good starting point for young children learning coding concepts and a foundation for more advanced coding concepts. |
| Creative coding, music and animation | ✅ | ⛔ | Allows children to express their creativity while learning coding concepts and building practical skills. |
| MInecraft modding, mobs and skins | ✅ | ⛔ | A popular application of coding concepts, but may be of less interest to children who are not already Minecraft fans. |
| Game Design | ✅ | ✅ | A popular and engaging way for children to learn coding and a practical application of coding concepts. |
| STEM | ✅ | ✅ | Encourages children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on coding projects. |
| Web Development / HTML | ✅ | ⛔ | A practical skill for children interested in creating websites or web-based applications. |
| Python | ✅ | ✅ | A widely-used programming language with many practical applications, including data science and machine learning. |
| Data Science | ✅ | ⛔ | A growing field with many practical applications, including business, healthcare, and scientific research. |
| AI/ML | ✅ | ⛔ | A rapidly growing field with many practical applications, but may be more appropriate for older children with a stronger coding foundation. |
| Robotics and IoT | ✅ | ⛔ | A specialized area that may be of interest to children with a particular interest in these fields, but may require additional equipment and support. |
| AP Computer Science Courses | ✅ | ✅ | AP Computer Science courses are designed to be equivalent to college-level computer science courses, providing students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience that can earn them college credit and demonstrate their readiness for higher education. |
CodeMonkey vs Tynker: Coding for Kids Pricing Comparison
| Pricing | Tynker | CodeMonkey |
| Option 1= Short term plan | $20 per month billed quarterly | Starts at $9 per month billed quarterly |
| Option 2= Annual plan | $16 per month and $192 billed annually | Starts at $6 per month billed annually |
| Option 3= Lifetime plan | $360 as one-time payment | – |
CodeMonkey vs Tynker: Which one should you choose for your child?
Both Tynker and CodeMonkey are excellent platforms, but Tynker is a more premium offering that offers versatile courses and activities to kids based on their current learning level. Tynker is a more flexible and well-rounded platform than CodeMonkey, offering a range of advanced courses for advanced kids and teenagers. While CodeMonkey is priced lower than Tynker, it has limited options for courses and activities and lacks courses on data science, AI/ML, web development and ever-popular Minecraft coding exercises. The outcomes your child can get with Tynker are much higher, making it the better long-term choice between the two.
More Coding for Kids Reviews & Comparisons
We hope you found our head-to-head comparison of Tynker and Scratch helpful in your search to discover the best coding education resource for your child. If you’re eager to dive deeper, don’t miss out on our other insightful comparisons that can help you make a well-informed decision. Check out our head-to-head comparison of Tynker and codeSpark, a review of Tynker vs. CodeWizard, a look at how Tynker compares to IDTech, and we take a look at how Tynker stacks up against Code.org. Still curious? You can check out our head-to-head review of Tynker vs. Kodable and Coding with Kids.
