CodeMonkey

Coding
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

CodeMonkey was conceived by Jonathan Schor, a visionary who began his journey in programming as a child in the late 1980s. After volunteering in educational settings and teaching programming to elementary school children, Schor identified a significant gap in how coding was taught. He observed that while children were able to create games, the technical challenges of sharing these games were immense, leading to frustration. Thus, the idea for CodeMonkey was born: an online platform that simplifies the process of learning, creating, and sharing coding projects​ (CodeMonkey)​. Officially launched in 2014, CodeMonkey has since partnered with global entities, including an educational initiative with the King of Bhutan, to teach coding worldwide​ (CodeMonkey)​

Differentiation: What Makes CodeMonkey Unique

CodeMonkey stands out in the homeschooling coding curriculum space through its use of a game-based learning environment. Unlike traditional coding courses that may rely on lectures, CodeMonkey utilizes interactive games to teach real programming languages such as CoffeeScript and Python. This approach not only makes learning to code fun but also accessible to younger learners without prior experience​ (Impakter)​. The inclusion of a Game Builder tool allows students to create and share their games, providing a practical application of the skills they acquire and encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

How to Get Started

Starting with CodeMonkey is straightforward. New users can sign up on the website and opt for a free trial, giving them a chance to explore various courses before committing. The platform is designed as an open and go curriculum, which means minimal preparation is required from parents. CodeMonkey recommends regular but manageable coding sessions, ideally 30-45 minutes a day, making it a flexible addition to any homeschool routine.

What Educational Content It Includes

  • Coding Adventure: Learn basic to advanced coding with real syntax.

  • Game Builder: Apply coding skills to create custom games.

  • Dodo Does Math: Integrate coding with math skills.

  • Python Chatbot Course: Advanced course for creating chatbots.

  • CoffeeScript Courses: Text-based coding for older students.

What’s Good About It

Users rave about CodeMonkey's ability to engage children by turning learning into a playful and rewarding experience. The platform's gamified approach is not just about coding; it also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the ability to create and share games is a major plus, giving students a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creations​ (Impakter)​.

What Could Be Improved

While CodeMonkey’s game-based approach is highly praised, some users find the progression between levels occasionally steep, particularly for younger coders. Furthermore, the need for more varied challenges and a more robust user interface could enhance the learning experience, making it smoother for users of all backgrounds​ (Impakter)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents suggest starting with the basics and allowing children to progress at their own pace. They recommend taking full advantage of the Game Builder once basic coding skills are solidified, as it encourages creative thinking. Also, involvement in the community aspects of CodeMonkey can enrich the experience, allowing students to see and learn from what others are creating.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

CodeMonkey is perfect for homeschooling families looking for a comprehensive, engaging, and educational coding curriculum. It suits children who thrive in interactive, game-based learning environments and who are interested in technology and problem-solving.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

This platform might not be ideal for students who prefer structured, traditional learning approaches without the gamification element. It may also be less suitable for those seeking in-depth knowledge of specific programming languages, as the focus is more on general coding principles applied through games.

Grades

CodeMonkey is designed for students from elementary through middle school, roughly corresponding to grades K-8.

Cost

Pricing for CodeMonkey varies based on the plan, with ranges typically from $9 to $39 per month, offering different features and levels of access.

Ways to Get It

CodeMonkey is available directly through their website, offering various subscription plans tailored to individual or educational use. Parents can choose a plan that best fits their homeschooling needs and budget.

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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