DIY Coding Projects You Can Do with Your Kids at Home – Fun & Creative Learning Together!

Growing up today, children are surrounded by artificial intelligence – from voice assistants that answer their questions to apps that personalize learning. This rapid change can feel daunting, but it also opens exciting opportunities. Global experts note that nearly 44% of job skills will shift in the next five years due to AI. In demand are skills like critical thinking, creativity, and social intelligence – the very human qualities that AI cannot easily replicate. In other words, to thrive in the age of AI, children need a mix of tech know-how and human-centric skills. An illustration of the top 10 job skills predicted for 2023. Many of the leading skills are cognitive or social-emotional (such as analytical thinking, creativity, and empathy), highlighting the growing importance of human strengths in an AI-driven world. So what should kids learn, exactly? This article will explore three areas: formal education (what schools should teach), extracurricular activities, and things parents can do at home. By focusing on these, we can help our elementary and middle schoolers grow into curious, capable, and compassionate individuals in a high-tech world.     Formal Education: New Basics for the AI Age Schools still teach the ABCs and 123s, but in the AI era the curriculum must expand to new areas. As UNESCO notes, adding skills like empathy, creativity, and critical thinking into lessons is essential. Important areas schools should cover include: Coding and AI Literacy: The basics of coding (even simple drag-and-drop coding or robotics) help kids understand how technology works. Coding teaches logic and problem-solving. Many countries now introduce coding in elementary school, and some even start AI concepts early. Learning how a computer “thinks” empowers children to go from tech consumers to creators. Digital Literacy and Ethics: Children must learn to use digital tools safely and responsibly. This includes understanding online privacy, cyberbullying, and how to spot misinformation. As AI tools (like chatbots or deepfakes) appear, students should discuss ethics and fairness in technology. Early lessons in digital citizenship help kids navigate an AI-filled world with wisdom and care. Critical Thinking: Instead of memorizing facts, kids need to learn how to think. Schools can nurture this by tackling open-ended problems and encouraging questions. When children practice analyzing situations and learn from small failures, they become flexible thinkers. This skill is key in a future where they’ll constantly need to adapt and solve new challenges (often alongside AI tools). Creativity and Innovation: AI is good at following patterns, but human imagination is still unmatched. Through projects in art, writing, science, or coding, schools can spark creativity. Whether it’s writing a story or building a gadget, creative tasks teach students to experiment and innovate. By “thinking outside the box,” children learn to come up with fresh ideas – a trait that will help them stand out in an AI-driven future. Collaboration and Social Skills: Working well with others is a skill that never goes out of style. Group projects in class teach kids how to communicate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts. These experiences also build empathy – understanding and respecting others. In the future, most jobs will require teamwork (often human-AI teams), so learning to collaborate early on gives children a huge advantage. Not all schools have updated their curricula yet. In fact, only a few countries have launched formal AI lessons in K-12 education, while many others are still catching up. Parents can advocate for these changes, but learning doesn’t only happen at school. That’s where after-school experiences can help fill the gaps.     Learning Beyond the Classroom: Extracurriculars and Hobbies Beyond the classroom, extracurricular activities give kids a chance to explore and build skills in fun ways: Coding & Robotics: Many communities have coding classes or robotics teams for kids. In a coding club, children might create simple games or program robots, practicing logic and persistence as they debug problems. Robotics competitions get kids working together to solve challenges. These activities show them they can build technology, not just use it. STEM Clubs and Camps: Programs focused on science, technology, engineering, or math let kids dive into hands-on projects. They might design a gadget, launch a model rocket, or even experiment with a simple AI-powered game. The informal setting makes learning fun and fuels their curiosity. Tackling STEM challenges outside class also teaches kids to be resourceful and think on their feet with peers. Creative Arts & Making: Activities like art, music, drama, or creative writing nurture imagination and innovation – qualities machines can’t replicate. Joining a theater group or art class helps kids express themselves and think creatively. Maker workshops (like tinkering with crafts, coding a gadget, or 3D printing) encourage problem-solving from a fresh angle. By creating something of their own – a story, a song, a piece of art – children learn to think outside the box. Team Sports & Groups: Sports teams, scouting, or any group activity teach teamwork and perseverance. When kids play on a team or do a group project, they learn to communicate, solve conflicts, and bounce back from setbacks. These experiences build character and resilience. They also mirror the collaborative spirit needed in most workplaces. Knowing how to cooperate and lead will help your child no matter what career they pursue. Extracurriculars often ignite passions that carry into adult life. Whether your child loves coding, soccer, or painting, these activities complement academics with practical skills and confidence. Just as importantly, children see that learning can happen anywhere – not just in a classroom – keeping their love of discovery alive.     Parenting in the Age of AI: Fostering Skills at Home Home is where children develop habits and attitudes that last a lifetime. Here are a few ways parents can instill important skills: Encourage Curiosity: Embrace your child’s “why” and “how” questions. When they ask something, explore the answer together – look it up or do a quick experiment. Show them how you find information and think through problems. By feeding their curiosity, you teach them that learning is a fun, ongoing process. A child who knows how to learn will adapt more easily to new technology and ideas. Nurture Creativity: Provide opportunities for unstructured play and creative projects. Give them art supplies, blocks, or even cardboard boxes to invent games or stories. This kind of play develops creativity and problem-solving. It shows kids they can have fun and be imaginative without a screen. By encouraging make-believe and projects at home, you help your child practice thinking in original ways – a skill that leads to innovation. Model Lifelong Learning: Let your child see you learning new things too. Talk about a book you read, a recipe you tried, or a problem you solved. Show that adults also face challenges and figure things out. For example, say, “I didn’t know how to fix the Wi-Fi, so I watched a tutorial and now it works!”. This teaches kids that it’s okay not to know everything and that perseverance pays off. If a new app or gadget confuses you, learn it with your child – you might even ask them for help. Your example will teach them that learning never stops. Set Tech Boundaries: Establish healthy tech habits early – for example, no screens at dinner or no phones after 8 PM – and explain why (screen time can affect sleep, and family time is important). Teach basic online safety: don’t share personal info or talk to strangers online, and ask a parent if something seems odd. As they get older, discuss using the internet and AI responsibly. If they use a homework-help chatbot, remind them it’s for hints, not copying answers. By guiding them, you help your child develop a balanced relationship with technology – they’ll enjoy the benefits without the harms. Teach Empathy and Social Skills: Make kindness and communication a daily practice. Encourage your child to think about others’ feelings (“How do you think your friend felt when you said that?”). Practice listening and taking turns during family conversations. When conflicts happen, help your child talk through the situation calmly and see the other person’s perspective. These exercises build emotional intelligence. Kids who learn to manage emotions, be considerate, and resolve disagreements will have a big advantage working with others in the future. By nurturing curiosity, creativity, kindness, and responsible tech use at home, you’re giving your child a solid foundation. They will grow up comfortable with technology but not overdependent on it, and tech-savvy yet also empathetic and adaptable. In a world full of smart machines, those human qualities will set them up for success.   Conclusion: Preparing Kids for a High-Tech Future The age of AI is here to stay, and our children will grow up with technologies we can only imagine. As parents, we don’t have to predict the future; we just need to equip our kids with adaptable skills and strong values. By ensuring they learn both technical skills (like coding and digital literacy) and human skills (like creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and teamwork), we empower them to use AI as a tool and not be overshadowed by it. In many ways, the heart of parenting remains the same. Encouraging your child’s curiosity, supporting their dreams, teaching them right from wrong, and providing love and support will always be crucial. These foundations, combined with opportunities to learn about technology and the world, will help your child thrive no matter how things change. They’ll be tech-savvy but also creative, digitally literate but also kind. With that balance, your child won’t just be prepared for the future – they’ll be ready to shape it.       Glossary of Key Terms Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology allowing computers or machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Coding: Writing instructions for computers to execute tasks; fundamental for building software, apps, and robotics. Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively find, evaluate, use, and create information using digital technologies and tools. Digital Ethics: Understanding and applying ethical principles when interacting in digital environments, including respect for privacy and prevention of cyberbullying. Critical Thinking: Analyzing facts to form a judgment, solve problems effectively, and make informed decisions. Creativity and Innovation: The ability to produce original ideas, approaches, and solutions that are valuable in various contexts. Collaboration: Working effectively with others toward a common goal, emphasizing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Empathy: The capacity to understand and share the feelings of others, critical for emotional intelligence and successful relationships. STEM: Acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Digital Citizenship: Responsible and ethical behavior when using technology, including understanding privacy, online etiquette, and digital safety.     Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What age should children start learning about AI and coding? Children can begin learning the basics of coding and AI concepts as early as elementary school. Simple visual coding languages and robotic toys are age-appropriate ways to introduce these topics and build foundational skills. How important is creativity in an AI-driven world? Creativity is crucial, as it allows humans to envision and develop original ideas and solutions. While AI excels at repetitive tasks and pattern recognition, human creativity remains unmatched in problem-solving and innovation, making it a highly valuable skill for the future. Can after-school programs really enhance my child's readiness for an AI-driven future? Yes, after-school programs provide hands-on, practical experiences that complement classroom learning. Activities like robotics clubs, STEM camps, arts programs, and team sports help children develop critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and resilience—skills highly valued in the AI age. How can parents teach children digital ethics effectively at home? Parents can teach digital ethics by openly discussing online behaviors, setting clear rules about screen time, and modeling responsible technology use. Regularly talking about topics such as online privacy, cyberbullying, and misinformation helps children navigate digital environments safely and responsibly. What can parents do to foster emotional intelligence? Parents can encourage emotional intelligence by regularly discussing feelings, modeling empathy, resolving conflicts constructively, and encouraging their children to see things from another person’s perspective. Regular communication and open dialogue build strong emotional skills. Is critical thinking more important than memorization in education now? Yes, in the AI era, critical thinking is becoming increasingly essential. While memorization has its place, critical thinking skills enable students to analyze information, make informed decisions, and adapt to rapidly changing scenarios, helping them thrive in a dynamic and uncertain future.

As parents, we want to understand the world of children that often seems “absurd”-full of fantasy, but also full of potential. In today's digital era, that world of imagination can be realized not only through drawings or handwriting, but also through digital media such as coding, animation, and game development. So, what can we learn from Jumbo's story about children and technology? 1. Children's Imagination Is Their Greatest Asset Jo, the main character of Jumbo didn't create Jumbo because she was told to, but because she felt alone and wanted a friend. Children have a rich inner world, and imagination is often the bridge to expressing emotions or exploring new ideas. Unfortunately, in an education system that focuses too much on academics, children's imaginations can be forgotten. In fact, in the world of technology, creativity is a major force. Many great innovations were born not from knowledge, but from the courage to imagine things that do not yet exist. As parents, we can start by asking: “If you could make a robot like Jumbo, what would it be like? Can it do anything?” From there, children learn to think creatively and express ideas concretely. 2. Technology: Not an Enemy, But a Tool of Expression In the movie Jumbo, technology serves as a medium of expression-not just an entertainment tool. Just like Jo who built Jumbo from scrap, kids today can also create something from what they have: laptops, tablets, and internet connections. However, the use of technology must be directed. Gadgets are not always bad. If used with a clear purpose, they can be a means for children to learn to think logically, innovate, and even convey their feelings. Instead of forbidding children from playing with gadgets, we can ask: “What can you make with it?” “Do you want to try making your own game or animation?” This is where technology changes function: from passive consumption to active creation. 3. Every Child Can Be a Creator, Not Just a User The movie Jumbo gives us one important message: children have the capacity to create something extraordinary, as long as they are given the opportunity. Not every child has to be a scientist or engineer, but every child can be a creator-they just need the right platform. Nowadays, learning technology such as coding or animation can start as early as elementary school. Children don't need to build robots right away, but they can start by creating characters, organizing storylines, or creating small games. This process trains many things: from systematic thinking, problem solving, to cooperation. And most importantly? They learn to believe in their own ideas. Are we ready to give children the space to create? As parents, we have an important role to play in assisting and facilitating our children's explorations - not rigidly directing them. Children's imagination, like Jo in the movie Jumbo, is often the early foundation of 21st century skills: creativity, empathy, technological literacy and innovation. Giving space to play and imagine with technology could be the first step towards a brighter future for our children. Help Your Child Bring Their Wild Ideas to Life with Timedoor Academy At Timedoor Academy, we believe that every child has tremendous potential to create and not just follow. Through programs such as coding, animation, and digital design, children are encouraged to hone their imagination and put it into tangible form: from interactive games, animated characters, to personal digital projects that reflect their ideas and feelings. With a fun and structured approach, we help children understand that technology is not just consumption, but also a space for exploration. Our classes are online and interactive, guided by professional mentors from Indonesia and Japan, and designed for children aged 5 to 18 from various backgrounds. So if your child has an imaginary world as big as a Jumbo robot, maybe they just need one thing: the right environment to make it happen. Timedoor is here to be the bridge between a child's idea-rich world, and a bright future!

In today's digital age, many parents are turning to technology to support their child's education. If you're searching for apps for kids learning English, you are in the right place. The right apps can help children build their vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and master grammar while having fun through interactive games, songs, and storytelling. This article features the 10 best apps for kids learning English in 2025. Whether your child is a complete beginner or looking to sharpen their English skills, these apps offer engaging ways to learn at home or on the go.   10 Best Apps for Kids Learning English in 2025 (Fun and Effective Tools)   1. Duolingo Kids Why it’s great: Duolingo Kids simplifies English learning with bite-sized, gamified lessons. The colorful design and rewards system make it exciting for young learners. Key Features: Fun vocabulary practice with visual cues Audio support for correct pronunciation Progress tracking for parents Ideal for: Children aged 4 to 10 who enjoy playful, interactive learning.   2. Lingokids – Playlearning App Why it’s great: Lingokids offers a complete English learning experience for kids. It includes games, songs, and videos that cover grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. Key Features: Adaptive learning based on skill level Downloadable content for offline use Weekly progress reports for parents Ideal for: Preschool and elementary-aged children who learn best through play.   3. Endless Alphabet Why it’s great: This app uses adorable animated monsters to introduce English words in a fun and engaging way. It's great for building vocabulary and early literacy skills. Key Features: Animated word puzzles Clear voice narration No ads or distractions Ideal for: Toddlers and young children who are just starting with apps for kids learning English.   4. ABCmouse Why it’s great: ABCmouse offers a full curriculum, including reading, phonics, and grammar lessons in English. With thousands of activities, kids stay engaged while learning. Key Features: Structured learning paths Hundreds of English storybooks Built-in reward system for motivation Ideal for: Kids aged 2 to 8 who need a well-rounded learning app.   5. Fun English by Studycat Why it’s great: This app uses games and songs to teach kids English vocabulary, phrases, and sentence structures. It's fun and suitable for both beginners and bilingual learners. Key Features: Voice recognition to practice speaking Games covering numbers, colors, and animals Easy navigation for kids Ideal for: Children who want to learn English in a playful environment.   6. Reading Eggs Why it’s great: Focused on reading and comprehension, Reading Eggs offers phonics-based lessons that improve vocabulary and fluency. Key Features: Interactive reading games English storybooks and lessons Adaptive difficulty levels Ideal for: Early readers who want to improve their English comprehension.   7. Khan Academy Kids Why it’s great: This free app includes English reading lessons along with math, logic, and social-emotional learning. The friendly characters guide kids through interactive stories and games. Key Features: High-quality educational content Creative learning tools No ads and completely free Ideal for: Parents looking for high-value, free apps for kids learning English.   8. Monkey Stories Why it’s great: Monkey Stories features a vast library of animated stories in English. Kids can follow along with subtitles, improving listening and reading skills. Key Features: 1,000+ English books and stories Interactive reading mode Daily learning goals Ideal for: Children who enjoy learning through storytelling.   9. Speakia Why it’s great: Speakia focuses on improving speaking and conversational English skills. It uses AI to simulate dialogues, helping kids speak more confidently. Key Features: Speaking practice with instant feedback Real-life conversation simulations Progress tracking Ideal for: Kids who need extra help with speaking and listening in English.   10. Hello English Kids Why it’s great: Hello English Kids offers lessons in vocabulary, sentence structure, and everyday conversations. The app is simple to use and designed for young learners. Key Features: Games and videos for better engagement English tests and flashcards Child-friendly interface Ideal for: Beginners looking for simple and effective apps for kids learning English.   Tips of Choosing Apps for Kids Learning English Choosing the best apps for kids learning English depends on your child's: Age and learning level: Make sure the content is age-appropriate. Learning style: Some children prefer stories, while others enjoy games or visuals. Screen time: Pick apps that are ad-free and encourage short, productive sessions. Look for apps that allow offline access and offer progress reports so parents can stay involved.   Final Thoughts There are plenty of amazing apps for kids learning English, but the key is to find one that suits your child’s unique interests and learning pace. From storytelling apps to full learning platforms, each of the ten apps mentioned above offers a different approach to mastering English in a fun, engaging way. If your child enjoys using technology to learn, why not take the next step with Timedoor Academy’s online coding classes? While they explore apps to improve their English, learning to code can help them develop logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These are essential abilities in today's digital world. Try a free coding class at Timedoor Academy today and empower your child for the future.