Coding Pixel Art for Kids
Category: Education / Coding Activities
60 mystery pictures to decode with coordinates, run-length code and binary: how a computer stores a picture, screen-free for grades 1-5, A4 and US Letter.
Every grid hides a secret picture, and only a code can show it. Your child reads coordinates like B3, run-length codes like 3W 2B and real binary rows of 0s and 1s, colors the squares, and watches a rocket, a castle or a snowflake appear. It is the same idea a computer uses to store a picture. A 76-page printable book with 60 mystery pictures for grades 1-5.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 1 ZIP download with 2 PDF books: A4 and US Letter (each laid out for its own paper, so the grids stay square)
• 76 pages in each book, black and white and ink-friendly
• PRINT-GUIDE.pdf: which file to print, how to print, the three codes and every word explained
• 60 mystery pictures in 3 levels of 20
• 3 explainer pages, one at the start of every level, each with a worked example
• A "How computers store pictures" page: one heart written in all three codes
• 60 bonus questions, one on every puzzle page: write a row again in another code
• 3 make-your-own pages: draw a picture on a blank grid and write its code for a friend
• Star tracker for all 60 pictures, an answer key with every finished picture and bonus answer, and a Pixel Coder certificate
THE LEVELS
• Level 1, Coordinates (pictures 1-20): 10 x 10 grid. B3 means column B, row 3. Color every square in the list
• Level 2, Run-Length Code (pictures 21-40): 16 x 16 grid. 3W 2B 11W means 3 white, 2 black, 11 white. Every row adds up to 16
• Level 3, Binary Code (pictures 41-60): 20 x 20 grid. 1 means color the square, 0 means leave it white
• Simple pictures to discover: a rocket, a house, a castle, a kite, a guitar, a snowflake, a lighthouse and many more
• Every code was decoded by a computer program to make sure it draws its picture
PERFECT FOR
• Kids in grades 1 to 5 (about ages 6 to 11). Younger kids start with Level 1
• Homeschool computer science, math and STEM
• Coding clubs, STEM centers and early finishers
• Kids who enjoy our Unplugged Coding Puzzles and want something new
• Quiet time, rainy days and travel without screens
HOW TO USE
• Read the explainer page together before each level
• Use a pencil, then go over the squares with a crayon or marker
• Cross out each code after you color it, so you never lose your place
• One or two pictures a day is plenty
• Check the picture in the answer key and color a star on the tracker
HOW TO PRINT
• Print at home or at a print shop on regular paper (80 to 100 gsm / 20 to 24 lb)
• Choose "Actual size" or "100%" in the print settings
• Print single-sided
• Pick the A4 file or the US Letter file to match your paper
PLEASE NOTE
• This is a digital download. Nothing will be shipped
• The pages are black and white; how they look can vary a little with your printer
• Designed by Printivora: an exclusive design for our shop, built from our own original ideas and prompts, with the help of AI tools.
• For personal, family and single-classroom use only. Please do not resell, share or redistribute the files
• Level 3 has small squares (20 x 20 grid). A sharp pencil or a fine marker works best
Questions before you buy? Send a message and I will be happy to help.