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In this CodeMonkey Review, I’m diving into an award-winning platform that’s changing the game in coding education for kids. CodeMonkey stands out with its engaging, game-like approach to teaching real programming languages like CoffeeScript and Python. It’s perfectly tailored for young learners from 5 to 14 years old, offering a smooth transition from block-based to text-based coding. Since its launch in 2014, CodeMonkey has combined technology, gaming, and pedagogy to create a fun, intuitive learning experience. Whether it’s for use in schools, clubs, or at home, CodeMonkey is making coding accessible and enjoyable for millions of children worldwide.
Pricing: Is CodeMonkey Worth It?
CodeMonkey offers various pricing options tailored to different needs. I will provide you with all of the available options to determine if CodeMonkey justifies its price tag.
Home Plan Options: Tailored for Diverse Learning Needs
Individual Plan
The Individual Plan is the most basic, yet comprehensive option for a single child’s coding education. It’s priced at $72 annually (which breaks down to $6 per month) or $27 for a quarterly subscription ($9 per month). This plan includes one child account and one parent account, making it an economical choice for individual learning.
Family Plan
For families with multiple children, the Family Plan is an ideal choice. It costs $144 per year ($12 per month if billed annually) or $54 for a quarterly subscription ($18 per month). This plan accommodates up to three child accounts and one parent account, offering a value-for-money proposition for family learning.
Home School Plan
The Home School Plan is tailored for a more structured educational setting. Priced at $240 annually ($20 per month when billed yearly) or $81 for a quarterly subscription ($27 per month), it includes five student accounts, two teacher accounts, a classroom dashboard, lesson plans, and solutions for all exercises. This plan is particularly suited for home-school environments or small learning groups.
Plan Type | Annual Pricing | Monthly Breakdown (Annual) | Quarterly Pricing | Monthly Breakdown (Quarterly) | Accounts Included |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Individual | $72 | $6 per month | $27 | $9 per month | 1 child account, 1 parent account |
Family | $144 | $12 per month | $54 | $18 per month | 3 child accounts, 1 parent account |
Home School | $240 | $20 per month | $81 | $27 per month | 5 student accounts, 2 teacher accounts |
A Wealth of Learning Tools in All Plans
Each plan, regardless of the level, comes equipped with a variety of learning tools. These include block-based and text-based coding courses, game creation courses, mini-courses, a game builder, a challenge builder, and future releases like Python courses. This diverse range of tools ensures a rich and engaging learning experience for students at different stages of their coding journey.
CodeMonkey stands out with its flexible subscription management, allowing users to cancel auto-renewal at any time, which is ideal for those who prefer not to commit long-term. Additionally, the platform offers a 30-day free trial, giving users the opportunity to explore its features and assess its value in meeting their educational needs before making a financial commitment.
In-Depth Look at CodeMonkey’s Features and Benefits
CodeMonkey shines as a comprehensive, web-based platform in the educational tech landscape, offering a diverse range of coding courses. This review delves into the features and benefits that position CodeMonkey as a standout choice for coding education.
Web-Based Platform: Easy and Accessible
No Installation, Purely Online
Best on Keyboard-Enabled Devices
A significant advantage of CodeMonkey is its web-based setup, requiring no installations. It’s optimized for devices with keyboards, like Chromebooks and laptops. The only prerequisites are a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, or Safari) and an active internet connection.
Programming Languages: From Beginner to Advanced
CoffeeScript: Beginner-Friendly in Coding Adventure
Python: Advanced Learning in Coding Chatbots and Banana Tales
CodeMonkey’s curriculum includes CoffeeScript in Coding Adventure, chosen for its English-like syntax, making it accessible for beginners. For more advanced learners, Python is used in Coding Chatbots and Banana Tales, recognized for its simplicity and real-world application.
Comprehensive Curriculum Across Grades
K-8 Curriculum: Tailored Coding Courses
Courses Designed for Each Educational Level
CodeMonkey’s curriculum spans various grades, each course designed to be engaging and educational, requiring no prior experience. The curriculum includes:
- CodeMonkey Jr.: Introduces coding basics to kindergarteners through gaming challenges.
- Monthly Activity: Offers monthly, one-week-only games for 1st grade and up, themed around current holidays.
- Beaver Achiever: Teaches 1st and 2nd graders coding skills through interactive tasks.
- Dodo Does Math: Combines coding and math for 2nd to 4th graders.
- Coding Adventure: Introduces 3rd to 5th graders to text-based coding.
- Digital Literacy Courses: Teaches 3rd to 5th graders about computers and online safety.
- Data Science Course: Introduces 5th and 6th graders to data science concepts.
- Artificial Intelligence Course: Covers AI concepts for 5th to 8th graders.
- Game Builder: Allows 6th to 8th graders to create their own games.
- Banana Tales: A Python course for 6th to 8th graders.
- Coding Chatbots: Teaches Python through a chatbot interface for 6th to 8th graders.
Educational Screen Time: Tracking and Self-Paced Learning
CodeMonkey’s platform enables tracking of a child’s progress, offering educational screen time that is self-paced and informative, beneficial for both parents and educators.
Aligned with Educational Standards
Comprehensive Coding Concepts
Adherence to Computer Science and Common Core Standards
CodeMonkey’s curriculum covers universal coding concepts and aligns with computer science and common core standards, ensuring that students are not just engaged but also learning in a way that supports their overall educational development.
CodeMonkey offers a robust and comprehensive coding education platform that is both accessible and educational. Its use of real programming languages, combined with a diverse range of courses and alignment with educational standards, makes it an excellent tool for introducing children to the world of coding.
CodeMonkey Versus Other Coding Platforms: A Comparative Analysis
In the world of coding education for children, several platforms stand out, including CodeMonkey, Scratch, Tynker and CodeWizardsHQ. This comparative analysis aims to highlight the key differences and similarities among these platforms.
CodeMonkey vs Scratch
A Comparison of Approach and Accessibility
Scratch, developed by the MIT Media Lab, is a free programming language and online community. It’s designed for children aged 8 to 16 but is used by people of all ages. Scratch focuses on creative learning, promoting computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. It’s always free and available in more than 70 languages. Scratch is particularly strong in fostering creativity and self-expression through coding.
CodeMonkey vs Tynker
Pricing and Course Offerings
Tynker is another popular platform that teaches coding to children. It offers a blend of self-paced and live coaching sessions. Tynker’s curriculum includes over 5,000 lessons across various coding topics and is suitable for children aged 5 to 18. Tynker’s approach is game-based and story-driven, making it engaging for younger learners. It also offers a wide range of courses, from block-based coding for younger children to text-based languages like JavaScript and Python for older students.
Comparative Table: Pricing and Features
Feature/Criteria | CodeMonkey | Scratch | Tynker |
---|---|---|---|
Target Age Group | Pre-K to 8th grade | 8 to 16 years | 5 to 18 years |
Pricing | $6 to $27 per month | Free | $10 to $30 per month |
Programming Languages | CoffeeScript, Python | Scratch’s own language | JavaScript, Python, and others |
Learning Approach | Self-paced, game-based | Creative, community-driven | Game-based, story-driven |
Accessibility | Web-based, no installation | Web-based, no installation | Web-based, no installation |
Live Instruction | No | No | Yes (with coaching sessions) |
Free Trial | 30-day free trial | Always free | Free access with limitations |
In summary, each platform has its unique strengths. CodeMonkey offers a versatile, self-paced learning environment with a focus on real programming languages. Scratch excels in creative expression and community engagement, while Tynker provides a comprehensive curriculum with a mix of self-paced and live coaching. The choice depends on the specific needs and learning style of the student.
Bonus:
CodeMonkey vs CodeWizardsHQ
My Review of CodeWizardsHQ
CodeMonkey and CodeWizardsHQ cater to different aspects of coding education. While CodeMonkey is web-based and offers a self-paced learning environment, CodeWizardsHQ provides live, instructor-led online classes. CodeWizardsHQ is more structured and may be better suited for students who thrive in a traditional classroom setting.
In summary, each platform has its unique strengths. CodeMonkey offers a versatile, self-paced learning environment with a focus on real programming languages. Scratch excels in creative expression and community engagement, while Tynker provides a comprehensive curriculum with a mix of self-paced and live coaching. The choice depends on the specific needs and learning style of the student.
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation of Coders
A Fun and Educational Journey into Coding
CodeMonkey excels in creating a fun, game-based environment that captivates young minds. It’s designed for kids to embark on their coding journey without any prior experience, making it accessible and inviting. The platform’s approach to teaching through interactive coding courses enables children to learn while playing, which is a powerful method of education.
Building Confidence and Skills in Young Coders
Upon completing the courses offered by CodeMonkey, children are not just learning to code; they are building a foundation of confidence and accomplishment. This sense of achievement is crucial in encouraging continued interest and development in the field of programming.
Alignment with Educational Standards
CodeMonkey places significant emphasis on content that aligns with current educational standards. The platform goes beyond mere coding skills. It incorporates online challenges and unplugged activities that foster computational thinking, collaboration, reasoning, and logic. These skills are essential for holistic educational development and prepare students for future challenges.
Recognition and Awards
CodeMonkey’s commitment to quality and educational excellence has been recognized through various awards. Notably, it received the 2023 i-Learn First Place in Reader’s Choice for Computer Science and was picked for the 2023 Best of STEM Educators in Computer Science for Grades PK-5. These accolades underscore the platform’s effectiveness and popularity in the realm of educational technology.
CodeMonkey is more than just a coding platform; it’s a comprehensive educational tool that empowers the next generation of coders. By providing an engaging, game-based learning environment and focusing on essential skills beyond coding, CodeMonkey is paving the way for young learners to succeed in the ever-evolving world of technology.
If You Want To learn more about coding For Kids, check out my posts here!