Back-to-school season is here, so I thought I’d share the real, messy, fun list of resources I’m using this year — both for teaching my own elementary-aged kids at home and for teaching a middle and high school coding class for local homeschool families. These are the things we’re actually cracking open, plugging in, and playing with.
Project Kit: 30 Days in Space
We got about halfway through last year and LOVED it. This time, we’re starting fresh and using it with elementary, middle, and high school. I think it’s best for middle and high, but the story is fun for everyone — they get “trapped underwater on an alien planet” and have to repair their ship with circuits, microcontrollers, and coding to escape. It’s basically STEM + sci-fi adventure. -> Get it here
Project-Based Book: Electronics for Kids
We’re on an electronics kick lately. I used a few of these experiments in a library class I taught, and they were such a hit that I’m diving in fully with my kids this year. -> Get it here
Project-Based Book: Think Java
This book has been my go-to for teaching Java to everyone — teens, adults, total beginners. I’m using pieces of it with my own kids this year, it’s the backbone of a high school class I’m teaching, and I’ve even based adult and university classes I’ve taught on it. I don’t know, it’s just clean and straightforward. A self-motivated high schooler could get a lot of benefit from this book.
You can grab it in print here or even download it free here.
Robo Rally
We tried Quirky Circuits last year… huge flop. But Robo Rally? Total win. It’s fun, fast-paced, and sneaks in sequential logic practice. I think I love it as a parent because although you can “attack” each other, it just results in hilarity, no hurt feelings. We’ll be playing this a LOT. -> Get it here
Unplugged Coding Activity Book: Programming Unplugged Adventures
This is my signature series for teaching coding concepts to elementary students. It’s on here because, although I do sell this curriculum, I originally made it with my kids in mind. No screens, just solid coding principles for elementary students. This year – right now in fact – my kids are helping beta test the second book (out soon!).
You can get the free primer here or the first full book here.
Coding Practice Coloring Book: Color by Code Great Inventions
We’re using this alongside Programming Unplugged to practice skills through color-by-number — except the “numbers” are actual code. It’s art + history + logic all in one. -> Get it here
I’m so excited for school to start… just three more weeks :). Here’s to a fun, creative, tech-filled year!
If you want more ideas for getting started with coding in your homeschool, download my free guide below!
Please note I did include affiliate links, but all of the products above are things we’re actually using and love.