To get acquainted with IT, a child does not need to immediately sign up for paid lessons. Free online programming training for schoolchildren will help you get a first impression of coding.

Students have the opportunity to study programming and create video games and Internet pages for free. These skills not only contribute to the improvement of educational achievements, but can also serve as the basis for a future profession in the field of information technology. The Pixel online School for Children offers specialized courses that will give young technology lovers the opportunity to learn programming and explore the IT industry.

Subject matter: HTML, CSS and JavaScriptAge-related limits: 12+How much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 7 lectures, 44 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

The web development program for young inquisitive minds includes learning the basics of creating websites using HTML, formatting through CSS and programming in JavaScript. The course participants will learn how to design websites. The Brackets code editor is selected as a working tool, in which projects will be created. The course covers working with HTML tags, text styling, the basics of responsive layout and the use of jQuery. The program also provides an introduction to the principles of code commenting and methods of combining tables.

Various game techniques for mastering the layout are being explored. The focus is on technologies such as CSS Grid and Flexbox, features of using selectors and pseudo—classes. Practical tasks include the development of a calculator and the creation of an online store with a variety of lists, images and hyperlinks. In the process of work, it is necessary to implement the search for products, loading the product base and applying transformations.

The videos are designed for those who are just starting their way in the IT field and do not require prior knowledge. The tutorial videos will help you learn the basics of programming in just one hour, which is ideal for quick learning.

Subject: Python, ScratchAge-related limits: school ageHow much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 15 lectures, 1 hour 13 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

The student plunges into studying computer literacy and development. The course of the online school of programming for schoolchildren includes 3 modules.

At the initial stage of the course, the main focus is on familiarization with computer hardware and basic software. Students delve into the architecture of the computer, study the functions of the keyboard keys, learn how to create surveys and use a computer mouse to draw, as well as master data storage methods. In the next section of the course, the focus shifts to the study of visual programming on the Scratch platform. The program includes familiarization with the interface of this environment, working with sprites, programming blocks and a coordinate grid. The course also provides work with backgrounds and sounds, as well as the basics of controlling the movement of objects.

In the final part of the course, students will immerse themselves in the world of Python, understand the process of installing it on various devices and get acquainted with the basic programming concepts: branches, loops, arrays of data. This knowledge will open up opportunities for them to create entertaining games and interactive applications. Video tutorials will provide an opportunity to study the material in depth, focusing on complex aspects and consolidating skills in real practice. The course will be useful for young enthusiasts of computer technology and game development, even if they do not have prior knowledge in the IT field.

Subject: PythonAge-related limits: 10+How much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 7 lectures, 29 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

A novice programmer will have to learn the basics of writing Python code, and the first step is to install the Visual Studio Code editor, which will allow you to start practicing immediately. In the learning process, it is necessary to master basic concepts: for example, to master working with conditional expressions, functions, loops and arrays of data. It is also important to understand the principles of performing logical operations, repeating instructions in a program, and being able to add and remove data elements. Module skills and the ability to reuse code are also important aspects in learning Python.

In the process of mastering Tkinter, you will have the opportunity to explore creating a GUI for applications. This will allow us to develop a random number generator in the future and use various mathematical operations.

No specialized knowledge is required for programming for children online in Russian. Lessons take only half an hour.

Subject: BlenderAge-related limits: not specifiedHow much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 10 lectures, 1 hour 21 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

Teaching programming to children and teenagers includes working with 3D modeling. An example to study is the creation of a three-dimensional minion from Despicable Me. The course will help you master the basics of creating three-dimensional objects, such as cylinders and spheres, which will form the basis of the character's body, arms and legs. After that, students will learn how to "dress" their minion by designing his characteristic work suit with straps on him.

The study of sculptural modeling includes a number of key stages: from setting up the basic grid and creating volumes to fine-tuning the shape using specialized tools. An important place is occupied by detailing, in particular, work on hands, fingers and facial features. To make the project complete, it is also planned to develop accessories, for example, glasses, including their strap and lenses. In addition, it is planned to create a UV scan for the costume and hands of the character, which will allow you to more accurately apply textures and improve the visual qualities of the object. It is expected that this stage will give the model more realism and help in further animation, for which a frame system simulating a skeleton will also be developed and seams on the costume will be added.

During one of the classes, a novice 3D artist will learn how to work with textures: he will create images for eyes and shoes, apply materials to animate eyes and glasses, and also paint gloves. Students will also learn the basics of animation: learn how to set keyframes, animate the skeleton of a model and export it to a separate file. In addition, the course will provide skills in working with the camera, adjusting colored objects, adjusting lighting and shadows on the stage, and completing the learning process consists in rendering the scene.

The instructions do not require strict compliance with certain conditions, you can start with basic computer skills.

Subject: ScratchAge-related limits: not specifiedHow much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 10 lectures, 1 hour 54 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

Online programming courses for children 7 years and older are dedicated to the implementation of game projects in the Scratch environment. Video tutorials will help you build games and animations — from the popular "Snake" to the complicated Undertale and Doom. 

Studying at the Internet programming Academy for students will give them the opportunity to learn how to create a variety of game projects, such as a dental simulator for a crocodile, a musical game in the style of Friday Night Funkin, the arcade game "Doors", the strategy "Plants against Zombies", the game "Fishing", Mario adventures and RPGs. During the training, students will master the basics of IT, learn how to design game worlds, develop a script and control mechanics. In addition, they will be able to add new characters, integrate enemies, program movements and jumps, and test the written code.

You do not need to have specific knowledge in programming or development to work. It is enough to be able to confidently use a computer and an Internet browser.

Subject: PythonAge-related limits: 9+How much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 8 lectures, 1 hour 49 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

A participant in online programming courses for children 9 years and older is immersed in Python coding and computer skills development.

As part of the training program, students will immerse themselves in the process of creating programs and game applications, as well as get acquainted with the basics of 3D modeling and the principles of AI operation. The initial stage of the course involves the development of a simple game "Rock, paper, scissors", which will help students understand the basic IT principles. Next, using the example of creating the game "Snake", students will be able to apply what they have learned in real tasks. The course also includes the development of such familiar projects as Tetris and Ping Pong.

The training program provides for the development of useful applications, for example, a calculator, which serves as an example for studying the interface. Students will be able to practice creating watches and utilities for smartphones. Also in the lesson plan there is the development of building artificial intelligence for recognizing animals and working with numbers. The training is designed for those who already have basic knowledge in programming, and is conducted in a video format.

Subject: Python, RobloxAge-related limits: school ageHow much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 18 lectures, 2 hours and 30 minutes. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

Programming in Python and Lua in Roblox will become the basis for teaching students IT skills in an online course. The curriculum begins with the development of basic concepts in the field of software development. To begin with, students will learn how to work with tools such as Visual Studio Code and Roblox Studio. During the course, the basics of the Python language will be studied in detail, including working with variables, data types, functions and operators, as well as mastering program flow control structures.

The training course will teach programming, including the creation of bots for Discord and image generators, as well as the development of websites. The Lua language and its features will be studied for the development of three-dimensional games, including level design, creation of game mechanics and scenarios. The course will provide skills to customize game elements such as characters, objects, and environments. The training will provide an understanding of designing virtual worlds, writing scripts and dialogues, as well as responding to player actions and changes in the game.

Programming for beginners will now become an exciting journey into the world of game creation. Master the basics of character movement, interactive object selection, and combat mechanics integration. The course includes visual video tutorials and detailed instructions. The course material is regularly updated, current topics and the latest technologies are added to it. No prior knowledge is required to start training.

Subject: BlenderAge-related limits: school ageHow much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 11 lectures, 2 hours 8 minutes. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

Students of the online programming school for children understand the features of 3D design.

The kid will be able to get acquainted with the management of the program, learn how to create three-dimensional models and animate them. He will learn how to work with light and applying textures to objects. The teenager will discover the secrets of tools for modeling and adjusting materials, he will learn how to control animation frames and manipulate grid structures, understand the use of tools to change shape and add volume. During the practice, you will have to create your own stage and car. In the process of modeling the car, it will be possible to transform a simple cube into a car body, use cylinders to form wheels, and refine body elements such as a radiator grille and headlights.

To learn how to create 3D images, you need to be able to interact with computer technology.

Subject: RobloxAge-related limits: 10+How much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 10 lectures, 51 min. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

In online programming courses for children, young coders will have to face the development of game projects.

The student will have to master the creation of a Tower-style game, where the task is to overcome obstacles as they climb up. Tips are provided on the selection of elementary forms for building levels and barriers. He will also be able to develop runner and clicker — types of games where actions are reduced to running and mouse clicks in designated areas. The teenager will acquire the skills to create simulations, such as chopping trees and collecting coins, as well as learn how to ask questions to the ChatGPT neural network to obtain the necessary program code.

There will be an interesting lesson in creating your own server for playing Roblox, which will give you the opportunity to team up in the game with friends from different parts of the globe. For those who are interested in music and love to dance, an educational video about creating a musical rhythm game will be presented. A master class on setting up and developing the game Garten of BanBan 2 is also planned, where players will explore abandoned kindergarten halls and unravel the secrets hidden in them.

This course will be an excellent choice for those who are interested in video games and want to learn programming. It is also suitable for those who already have the skills to work in Internet browsers. Classes are organized so that students can study the materials at a convenient time.

Subject: RobloxAge-related limits: 10+How much does it cost: free of chargeDuration of study: 12 lectures, 2 hours and 6 minutes. video contentLink to the website: https://stepik.org

The online game creation course offers children an exciting immersion into the world of programming using the Lua language. The course participants will learn how to build 3D games, starting with the basics - creating their own island, which will become the foundation for their digital universe. Later, the course will teach them how to develop the functionality of in-game stores to purchase items needed by players in a competitive "Battle Royale" format, where the most skilled and strongest wins.

Participants of the course will be engaged in the creation of various structures and objects: from the construction of a metal bridge to the installation of an electric fence, from the construction of storage facilities to the arrangement of a garage. They will also have to equip a parking lot, develop a protective bulletproof vest, first aid and even a parachute. During the training, the cadets will learn how to design scenery and create animation. The final stage will be a demonstration of their projects. The course is presented in the format of video lectures and is suitable for those who are just starting out in the field of development.

For school students, the study of information technology becomes the key to development and success in their future careers. Online programming courses for children, available without payment, offer an exciting way to enter the field of modern technology and do not require investments.

For those who wish to deepen their knowledge in the field of programming, there are specialized courses. If you are looking for a suitable educational institution for your child, we recommend that you pay attention to the ratings of online programming schools for children. In such reviews, you will find a list of training programs that specify age restrictions, duration of courses and their advantages.

When choosing a programming school for your child, do not stop only at the top online programming schools for children. It is also important to read the reviews of those who are already studying, study the proposed program and make sure that the course meets the interests of your child. It is recommended to attend a free lesson to see if the training format is suitable. And, of course, do not forget to ask the opinion of the smallest student!

The low price of online programming courses for children is not always an indicator of their quality. It is important to ensure the professionalism of the teachers and the high level of educational materials before making a decision to purchase a course based only on its cost.

Take a closer look at the educational lessons of the Pixel IT school - places from the rating of the best online programming schools for children: help your child acquire an entertaining hobby and step into a highly paid IT future.