Hopscotch-Programming for Kids
By Amanda Bindel,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Easy-to-use visual tool makes coding fun and social.
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Hopscotch-Programming for Kids
Community Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Do not buy!!!
Just why
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Privacy Rating
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Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What’s It About?
Kids create games and animations with HOPSCOTCH-PROGRAMMING FOR KIDS by dragging and dropping commands and instructions into a script. Kids choose characters — like colorful monsters — and customize commands to make the characters move where they want or do what they want. They can start from a blank project or build on a starter game. Kids can share their programs, and kids can play remix, or comment on projects created by other users.
Is It Any Good?
This basic programming platform is a great way to introduce kids to coding and computational thinking. With fun characters and easy-to-use visual blocks for commands, Hopscotch-Programming for kids lets users explore the fundamental concepts of computer programming without worrying about the minute details of more sophisticated programming languages just yet. They'll think like programmers, from coming up with their own idea to implementing it and troubleshooting it. While it's is a good starting point for learning about computer programming, kids may get frustrated with the limits of the app and their abilities. This tool won't help them create the next Minecraft, so you may want to set realistic expectations and show some examples of what kids can do. The community features some great examples of what kids can create, and is curated by moderators. Overall, this app is a solid choice for introducing mobile device users to the world of coding, and it works best with thoughtful guidance and scaffolding from parents.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Talk about coding: What are the benefits of learning the basics of coding with apps like Hopscotch-Programming for kids? Beyond games, how is coding used in the world?
Talk to kids about being safe in online communities by not sharing personal details.
Start kids off with step-by-step logic apps such as Kodable Pro or Tynker and then move them to Hopscotch: Learn to Code Through Creativity to create their own programs.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects: Science : engineering
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : logic, strategy, Creativity : combining knowledge, producing new content, Tech Skills : digital creation
- Pricing structure: Free to try ($7.99/mo, $79.99/yr)
- Release date: August 22, 2016
- Category: Education
- Topics: STEM
- Publisher: Hopscotch Technologies
- Version: 3.40.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later.
- Last updated: May 27, 2020
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Where to Download
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