Baby Loves Coding Board Book
Ages: 3-5
Skill Building: Science, curiosity
Where to Buy: Amazon
These books are perfect for introducing your children to STEM at a young age. These books introduce complex subjects like coding, aerospace engineering, gravity, and thermodynamics, but in a way that even a 3-year-old can understand. They are also beautiful and visually stimulating and even come with an adorable periodic table poster of the alphabet.
Let’s Go Code! Activity Set
Ages: 5-8
Skills: Coding, Problem-solving, teamwork
Where to Buy: Amazon
The great thing about coding is sometimes you don’t need a computer to do it! With the Let’s Go Code! Activity Set, children can learn the fundamental basics of coding without digital access while also building gross motor skills and directional sense. The set invites children to incorporate physical movement with problem-solving skills to solve different maze combinations and is a perfect way to get active and creative!
Osmo Coding Starter Kit
Ages: 5-10+
Skills: Programming, critical thinking, problem-solving
Where to Buy: Amazon
In today’s digitally driven world, it’s important for youth to understand how emerging technologies work. Through beginner coding concepts and hands-on physical blocks, the Osmo Coding Starter Kit is a great way to introduce digital and coding skills to help children explore creativity and promote critical thinking.
Sphero Mini
Ages: 8+
Skills: Block-Based coding, Javascript, creativity
Where to buy: Amazon
Say hello to the Sphero Mini! This coding toy is an Actua favourite used during our Outreach Camp delivery in northern, remote and Indigenous communities in Canada. With the Sphero Mini, youth can code and program a mini robot that can be taken through multiple circuits and challenges. Suitable for all ages and coding skill levels, it offers collaborative and creative ways for youth to build computer science skills.
Code This!
Ages: 8+
Skills: Coding, Computer science
Where to buy: Amazon
The pandemic has caused children and students to spend more time online and in front of screens. Code This offers a screen-free resource for children to develop coding and programming skills. The activities send children on various missions where they’ll write algorithms, decode ciphers and create loops. It’s an excellent way to introduce your child to computer-programming concepts.
Code Like a Girl: Rad Tech Projects and Practical Tips
Ages: 10-14 years
Skills: Coding, Computer science
Where to buy: Amazon, Indigo
Girls can enjoy all of the gifts in our list, but there are also resources specific to that empower them to think big and know they too can code! With this book, girls can use coding to express themselves, be creative and learn that coding can be part of their everyday lives.
Coding in the classroom
Ages: Adults (parents and educators)
Skills: Computer science integration
Where to Buy: Amazon
An educator and parent favourite, Coding in the Classroom equips you with the tools to teach computer science. This book offers an affordable way to increase your child’s or student’s computer literacy.
