Best Screen-Free Coding Activities for Kids

Contrary to popular opinion, learning programming and STEM for kids is not limited to the computer alone. Kids can gain expertise in coding with just books, worksheets, offline coding kits, etc. Screen free coding activities come in several forms. For instance, learners can acquire basic theoretical and practical coding knowledge with coding worksheets. Just as computer programming can be learned with various mediums, including coding kits, online communities, coding games, etc., off-screen coding can also be taught using coding books, coding worksheets, physical games, and activities, among others.

While students need to learn using computer programming, the role of offline coding cannot be overruled. Offline coding activities teach the theoretical aspects of programming and STEM as a whole. Reading a coding book, for instance, exposes readers to coding terminologies, their meanings, functions, etc. Then, when they begin to code using computers and other devices, they will understand why certain things are done in certain ways, and apply computational thinking in performing tasks.

There are other benefits of offline coding and hands-on activities for kids, some of which include the ability to focus on learning rather than getting distracted by gadgets, collaboration skills, computational thinking, etc. This article highlights everything you need to know about offline coding and the best screen free activities for your kids.

Overview of Offline Coding Activities for Kids

Simply put, offline coding is the process of learning to code using offline methods, such as coding games, coding books, coding worksheets, coding kits, and many others. With screen free coding activities, students learn the importance of teamwork, independence, and human relations. They are well grounded in cogent and popular coding terms, which help them ace their milestones when they begin practical coding.

Exposing young kids to computer science and how to code with a computer is great, but not the best. Despite the emergence of technology and digital devices, the importance of traditional methods cannot be ignored. Kids need to fully grasp the necessity of offline activities for coding and in their other subjects as well before you introduce them to computer programs and coding. This would help them place a balance between offline and on-screen coding.

Another importance of offline coding is to allow young children, including pre-kindergartens, to benefit from programming trends and STEM as a whole. They will learn all about the introduction to programming and STEM, sequencing, debugging, algorithms, computer science, computational thinking, loops, statements, logical thinking, and many more. A concrete knowledge of how these terminologies work is important for anyone who wants to become a programmer, and when kids finally begin combining both the theoretical and practical aspects of coding, it will be seamless and easy to learn!

Samples of Offline Coding Activities for Kids

Coding Books

Some coding books contain both offline and on screen free coding activities for kids. These books are great starter kits for kids who want to develop their careers in STEM. Some coding books for kids include Hello Ruby, Coding projects in Python, 3D Game Programming for Kids, etc.

Coding Worksheets

Coding worksheets are important for kids, as it helps them to focus on specific topics at a time. Coding worksheets enhance focus and build concrete learning in kids. Our article on the best offline coding worksheets for kids contains everything you need to know to get your kids started with coding worksheets.

Offline Coding Games and Kits

Who says learning has to be boring? With coding games and kits, kids can learn all about coding terminologies and how to create several projects in a fun and mind-blowing way! Some offline coding games kids can engage in include Lego toys, teaching a robot to stack cups, coding board games, etc.

A Roundup Of The Best Offline Coding Activities For Kids

Here are the 5 best offline coding activities for kids to learn.

If-Then Coding Game

The if…then statement in coding checks for correctness and specificities in codes. This is a coding term for kids to attempt when coding, but thankfully, they can learn all about if…then statements from the comfort of their homes. This is a fun game kid can play with their family and friends.

It involves a group of players, where one person acts as the programmer, while others represent the computers. In coding, the programmer gives the computer specific instructions to follow at a specific time. Kids can spice up the game anytime and invent different ways of playing with their friends. The if-then game teaches several coding concepts including algorithms, specifications, sequence, and fact-checking, among others.

In addition, there are various difficulty stages in this game. For instance, the ‘programmer’ instructs the ‘computers’ to repeat exactly what they do. This is very easy and requires little stress. The ‘programmer’ can also spice it up and command the ‘computers’ to perform a certain action when they do something, they do something else, i.e. if I(programmer) move two steps, then you(computers) move sideways, or you sit on the ground. The if-then coding game is perfect for kids to have fun with their friends.

Lego Coding

Kids can engage in tons of offline coding activities with lego coding. Lego is a colorful building block toy for learning how to code. The lego plastic bricks can be easily assembled and disassembled, making them seamless for kids to use. Kids can build several incredible activities like a DIY lego chess set, a lego lantern, lego picture puzzles, and lego snow globes, among others.

Lego coding is highly practical and this promotes independence, creativity, and teamwork. The amazing part of the lego bricks is that it is compatible with both online and offscreen coding. So, learners can continue to use the toys after they transition to online coding. Lego bricks are effective and fun for learning how to code offline!

Binary Bracelets

Learning how to make binary bracelets sharpens learners’ programming and math skills. Kids can learn how to write their names in binary and encode their names on a binary bracelet. They can also gift binary bracelets to their families and best friends.

In addition to having fun, kids will also learn about how to write the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), which is the standard way that computers communicate. To begin this activity, you will need paper and pen, a printable binary code sheet, beads in two varying colors and shapes, and pipe cleaners. You can have your kids figure out the correct binaries themselves, or write them out for them to follow.

This YouTube video explicitly explains how to make and design a binary bracelet.

Offline Coding Worksheets

You can never go wrong with offline coding worksheets for your kids! Coding worksheets equip kids with various coding concepts, including branching, loops, sequence, statements, decomposition, abstraction, algorithms, etc. Parents can also record their lessons and keep track of their kids’ progress.

Offline coding worksheets for kids are crucial to your kids’ programming journey. You can test their knowledge through these worksheets, and keep them focused on learning step-by-step. There are several offline coding worksheets for your kids, including the themed coding worksheets, coding adventure: learn sequencing, free, printable worksheets from code wizard, and many more.

Our article on the best offline coding worksheets for kids (include link) explains everything you need to know about coding worksheets for kids, and how to use them.

Hello Ruby

Hello Ruby is a screen free coding activity completely suitable for little kids. It is a coding storybook incorporated with lessons, puzzles, and creative activities. The protagonist of the storybook, Ruby, is a young ambitious girl determined to solve any puzzle. Her character serves as a motivation to other kids who will want to emulate her and solve the puzzles, just like she does.

Hello Ruby explains the concepts of programming, technology, and computers for kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Screen-free Coding?

Simply put, screen-free coding is the process of learning how to code without using a computer device or any other gadget with a screen; it could be a phone, an iPad, desktop, etc. screen free coding constitutes methods such as coding books, coding worksheets, offline coding games, physical coding classes, or offline coding kits.

How do I teach my kids how to code for free?

The good thing about coding for kids is that you can learn it all for free! Many coding resources and programs comprehensively equip kids with programming and STEM-related skills without having to pay any sum. The Hour of Code is a great way to start coding for kids. The opportunities are limitless and available for anyone interested in coding apps, games, and robotics.

Summary

Screen free activities can teach kids how to code. It’s a matter of learning how to use algorithms and learn them without having a computer or tablet. There are plenty of ways to learn patterns, puzzles, and problem solving for computers without using a computer!