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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that CodeMonkey provides practice coding with a real programming language to solve a variety of puzzles. The game's developers have worked hard to make the puzzles accessible and provide the right guidance at the right time. But parents should expect kids to get stuck, requiring some encouragement and, depending on their age and ability, some help to get past some of the more challenging levels. There's no offensive content to be found on the site or in the puzzles, so parents can focus on helping their kids learn how to code. Under the CCPA law you have the right to protect your personal information. Make a Do Not Sell request to CodeMonkey.
Community Reviews
Excellent way of exploring programming concepts
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CodeMonkey
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What’s It About?
In a magical land, a bad gorilla has stolen the Code Monkey's bananas. Across almost 100 levels, users learn to write simple code phrases to guide the Monkey across the screen to retrieve his missing fruit. Little kids can begin with block-based code, but older kids can dig into a version of JavaScript and Python through actual courses. Code increases in complexity from stage to stage, so there are only a few activities that are really free-form.
Is It Any Good?
In a market filled with lots of great code-learning games and sites, CodeMonkey stands out with its cheerful graphics, carefully constructed puzzles, and thoughtful sequences of puzzles. These courses definitely provides a solid introduction to the basic concepts of programming and code structure. Each level is viewed from a top-down perspective, and students must write and "run" code snippets on the right side of the screen to steer characters across each level on the left side of the screen. This two-sided style helps students instantly see the results of their work.
Each new level introduces an additional piece of code or a new function, or challenges the player to put the pieces together for themselves. After players get the gist of the interface and puzzles, the focus is on getting each solution not only to work but to work well so they receive the maximum number of stars. Puzzles can be tough, so it's very possible kids will experience some frustration. However, there are hints available. But if you have a kid who wants to skip the blocks and get right to Python or CoffeScript, CodeMonkey is a great investment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how computer code controls what happens in programs, such as games. Has CodeMonkey helped you figure out how some of your favorite games are made?
Families can talk about careers in computer programming. Would you like to become a programmer? What seems appealing about programming? What doesn't?
Families can talk about how computer programming helps you break down complex problems into smaller, easier-to-solve pieces.
Website Details
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, Math: measurement, patterns, sequences
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, decision-making, logic, problem solving, solving puzzles, Creativity: combining knowledge, Self-Direction: achieving goals, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Genre: Educational
- Pricing structure: Free to try (Free to try, then $6.00/mo. or one kid, $12/mo. for three kids, or $20/mo. for five students in a homeschooling environment.)
- Last updated: March 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Block-based coder makes programming, animation accessible.
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Code.org
Clear instruction can turn kids into coding superstars.
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Codecademy
Smart site gives teens hands-on experience with coding.
For kids who love coding
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