Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great concept; younger kids will need some guidance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Move the Turtle. Learn to code
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
Kids choose an account and start with Chapter 1. They read the instructions and try to complete the task requested for moving the turtle on the screen. Then they tap "Play" to implement the command, and the game will immediately indicate whether a move was successful. Kids get brief, written instructions for moving the turtle around the screen; use graphics; choose color; include a sound; and more. Kids can also create their own programs from scratch and view examples of pre-written programs.
Is It Any Good?
MOVE THE TURTLE is one of the few apps that does a good job helping kids learn some coding basics. Younger kids will definitely require help from an engaged parent or another adult. Tweens and teens, however, will be able to explore the app more independently, and once they're into it, it can be a lot of fun. If Move the Turtle included more directions, more explanations, and some audio prompts, it could be an effective and fun learning tool for more kids within that broad age range.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
If your kid cannot read yet but is really interested in programming, read the steps to him or her.
If your older kid can read but remains frustrated with the concepts, suggest continuing to work through the first level until it "clicks," providing guidance as needed.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , Math : geometry , sequences , shapes
- Skills : Tech Skills : digital creation , using and applying technology , Thinking & Reasoning : thinking critically
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : March 5, 2013
- Genre : Education
- Topics : STEM
- Publisher : Next is Great
- Version : 1.5.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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