Hopscotch-Programming for Kids
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Free to try
- Education
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Hopscotch-Programming for kids is a drag-and-drop coding app that lets write and share their own programs and animations. Kids can save their creations to their device or choose to share them with the curated Hopscotch channels, and they can play, remix, and comment on other people's creations. 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. The app is free to use, but a monthly subscription unlocks features including more options (like adding your own images) and more templates and tutorials. To register, kids set a username and password and give an email address (a parent's email for kids under 13). Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change. Under the CCPA law you have the right to protect your personal information. Make a Do Not Sell request to Hopscotch.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
My kids love it but I'm concerned
This app is OK, but there's kids, wannabe popular kids.
Amaze!
It has a great interface, wonderful graphics, and a lovable community. There has been some controversial stuff there. Test t... Continue reading
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 - Price: Free to try
- Pricing structure: Free to try ($7.99/mo, $79.99/yr)
- Release date: August 22, 2016
- Category: Education
- Topics: STEM
- Size: 141.10 MB
- Publisher: Hopscotch Technologies
- Version: 3.40.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later.
- Last updated: September 4, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love learning about engineering and coding
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.