Hopscotch: Coding for kids

Parents need to know that the Hopscotch: Coding for kids, a visual programming language app is suitable for children aged 9 and upwards and is a programming game that provides scaffold learning (step by step) for computer coding. The app has many levels to complete and provides excellent, colourful graphics and a user friendly interface. The app has no in-app purchases with no adverts. It's a lot like Scratch and ScratchJr, two other block-based coding tools, and one big difference is that Hopscotch is built just for mobile devices.

Hopscotch app is relatively easy to use and navigate and once shown to your child they should be able to progress with the app unsupervised, however it is noted that your child needs to be an independent reader to get the most from this application. The application requires you to sign in with an account and email address; some parents may find this a little off putting. The home screen displays two options to either Make or Play. The Make option enables you to start a project. Parents and children alike will find this very overwhelming and we suggest that you follow one of the projects with the in-app video to get used to the controls. There are four of these. We tried to return to the other option of Play but seemed to be locked in a different screen version of the application. However, there are many options here and a number of different categories.

Children can create animations and games by dragging and dropping commands and instructions into a lined script. Children choose characters, colorful monsters or animals and customize commands to make the characters move where they want or do what they want. They drag each command into place in the script and customize as they choose. They can easily experiment with what different commands do and revise their script as needed. Hit Play to run their script, and they can share it with others via email.

The app offers a simple drag and drop selection of visual blocks that represent the basic of computer programming. Children can also work with advanced functions such as loops, variables and conditional statements. While the app provides the basics for coding some children may find the application limited as the games and animations created are quite basic. Parents might what to consider further applications that provides more variety of more complex coding.

Hopscotch is a good example of a scaffolding learning platform for children. Children will start with the simplest of coding and very quickly can build their confidence to create advanced animations and games. We did find that the app was a little overwhelming in places and children would benefit from further examples for inspiration. However, the interface is easy to use the characters are colourful and bright. Start kids off with step-by-step logic apps such as Kodable or Tynker and then move them to Hopscotch: Learn to Code Through Creativity to create their own programs.

This is a good application but your child may need more support than other computer programming apps in a similar age range. This application is free and supported by a great website with further ideas to explore.