Learning to code and program is a great skill set for any child today. Coding can not only bring educational benefits but can also help boost confidence, perseverance, organising, and problem-solving skills.
Trying to understand the different coding languages can be a little intimidating for children, especially for those who are just getting started. Moreover, learning anything new is rarely easy. But fortunately, there are plenty of resources available for every skill and experience level.
From Python to Scratch, in this article, we will take you through the advantages and the level of challenges of these coding languages.
But before we begin, let’s address the big question in your mind, “Is my child is too young for coding?”
When Can My Child Start Coding?
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Experts believe that even primary school children can start to learn computer programming. Some studies also show that children who code from an early age perform better academically than children that don’t.
Furthermore, it has also been seen that children who start coding from an early age, enter STEM areas both in school and in their professional life.
In fact, there was a push in primary schools for children in the 1980s to learn the basics of computing using the now-defunct BBC computers. Schools in the UK brought the popular Big Trak toy vehicle to help children learn the basics of programming.
Here is an overview of the five best programming languages for children who want to learn to code.
5 Best Programming Language For Kids In 2021
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1. Python
Python can be one of the easiest coding languages to learn.
- It’s a programming language that reads like normal speech. Plus, it requires fewer lines of code to get up and running.
- With Python students will face fewer hurdles with regards to learning how to program. They can learn how to construct programming ideas and then transfer these ideas into instructions that the machine can interpret.
- Python programming is versatile enough to be used in intricate fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
- Many of the common functionalities are already built into Python, which makes this a great language for children to learn.
- Companies like Google and Disney use Python, and it’s a very popular language in the scientific field as well.
2. Ruby
It has the most readable syntax for beginner programmers.
- A lot of the code that students are typing into the machines are self-explanatory.
- This is a really important factor for children who are still learning the concepts of programming. At the end of the day, children need to understand and clear basic concepts to write good scripts.
- Ruby is a very robust language and was originally used to create Twitter.
3. Scratch
While the language is simple for children, there are enough functionalities and options that makes it useable for even experienced programmers.
- It provides a solid base of programming principles where children can drag and drop code blocks to create games, animate characters and build apps.
- It has a very interactive online community where people share their artwork and games with each other.
- You can introduce your children to Scratch to show them how fun coding can be.
- You can also use this language for teaching basic concepts like problem-solving and if-then thinking.
4. C++
This programming language can look a bit like math and may put students off the idea of learning to code. But learning C++ can actually open many doors into the world of programming.
- Despite the complexity and the amount of time you need to devote to learning this language, C++ provides teens with a very deep understanding of programming.
- This programming language can be useful for those students who want to program in the gaming industry as they can create systems software and different kinds of games.
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5. Java
It is no doubt a bit harder to learn than either Python or Ruby, but if you choose Java as a first-time programming language, it is going to make learning any subsequent language a bit easier.
- You can make use of several toolkits, and online resources to create anything using Java.
- But there can be a few initial hurdles like installing JDK and understanding how the syntaxes work. However, the object-oriented setup of Java can make it easy for students to progress.
- Java is a statically-typed language, which means it requires you to specify a variable type. While this means that the apps you develop with Java are more stable and maintainable, it is also true that Java can take longer to master than other languages.
- Java is one of the best good programming languages for children. Coders use it to make large backend environments and game engines.
So folks, all you have to do is choose the right program and the right learning approach, and it won’t take your children long enough to master the basics. Who knows, the next big app idea could be brewing at your home now!
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