Hey Kids! Learn Real Coding at Home with Bitsbox

This post was created in partnership with Bitsbox. I was not financially compensated for this post but received a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me! #BitsboxKids #STEM #Bitsbox

Last summer we enroll my son in his first coding camp. It was geared toward his favorite game Roblox so needless to say he was all about it. Not to mention, he had his best friend there too so what was not to love?

They both had so much fun and were so eager to learn (even after camp) that we allowed them to continue going weekly throughout the school year.

These camps and classes are not cheap. I mean — our other son played travel baseball (which is expensive) and the fees for these classes were right up there. We didn't mind, though, since this was his ‘thing'.

Our thought was coding is an actual valuable skill. It's something he could make a career out of one day if he wished. My husband is a programmer so we are very informed of how having this skill can impact one's life (in a positive way).

The only real downside of these classes is that you actually have to drive there and adhere to their time table. It's time we don't always have. Life gets hectic and that's why I'm so glad I was introduced to Bitsbox.

Bitsbox is a subscription box for kids that's all about coding. It gives kids all the tools they need to create fun little apps in the comfort of your own home.

We tried out a Deluxe Bitsbox and it included:

• Bitsbox Binder
• Coding Cards
• Grownup Guide
• Stickers & Chart
• Trading Cards (These are five more cool apps your child can make)
• Temporary Tattoos
• Mystery Toy (We got a Zoo Animals ‘Paint by Sticker' book)

and of course, all Bitsbox's come with the ability to use and code on the Bitsbox website.

Uses Real Code

As a parent, I love that everything you get can be neatly contained in the binder and ready for use at a moments notice.

The best thing I think that Bitsbox offers is the ability to learn real code. In those coding classes and camps, I mentioned before, it's more of a drag and drop type system. The kids aren't actually typing out code but with Bitsbox you do!

The kids actually have to sit there, type, and copy real code to create an app. To me, this method of learning is far superior since the kids are indeed coding. They get to see what's really behind the app making it work and then they get to use their creativity to change it up.

Encourages Creativity

My son has a grand time changing the Fills, Stamps, Text, Sounds, Commands, and Songs. He would do unexpected things like make a cat bark and just giggle away.

In one of the apps, you make a ‘Doggle Head' — you know — a dog bobblehead. Instead of a dog bobblehead on a red carpet, he changed it into a cat bobblehead in space playing vortex music. It was pretty neat!

And, this is something that your child can do with all the Bitsbox app projects. It truly makes their creativity shine!

Engaging

The code for the apps are fairly short and always something fun the kids will love. It keeps them engaged and pushing forward. There are also little challenges at the bottom of some of the apps to get your kids thinking even more.

Each month, your box will feature a new theme with new skills to learn.  The theme of our box was ‘Animal House' which couldn't have been more perfect for my son. He loves animals!

It introduced ‘coordinates' and concentrated on the commands ‘fill, stamp' and text'.

Real Working Apps

Every app your child makes and be zapped to a tablet or smartphone with the use of a QR reader.

My son thought this was really neat! And, any changes you make to the app will then also appear on your device.

Cost Effective

Three different subscription plans are offered, all of which are a tremendous value when compared to brick and mortar coding places. Plus the more months you subscribe to the cheaper it gets.

Not to mention, you cancel or pause your subscription at any time!

• Digital Bitsbox – PDF download of the app projects ($19.95/Month)
• Basic Bitsbox – Binder, Coding Cards, Grown Guide, Stickers & Chart ($29.95/Month)
• Deluxe Bitsbox – Everything in the Basic Bitsbox plus Trading Cards (extra projects), Temporary Tattoos, and a Mystery Toy ($44.95/Month)

Are you ready to try Bitsbox? It makes a great gift – try it today!