Computer programming or coding is a skill and subject that's becoming increasingly popular, especially for younger generations.
After all, the children in schools today will be those working with the computers of tomorrow and since computers play a greater role in our lives, it certainly helps to know how they work and how to make them work.
More and more companies also require programming skills, so if you're thinking about getting your kids into coding, it could be something worth seriously considering.
Even jobs that traditionally had nothing to do with computers or information technology now require basic IT literacy, knowing how to read and write code for computers seems almost essential.
The Best Programming Languages for Children to Learn
Much like with natural languages (the ones humans speak), there are lots of different programming languages. Different programming languages serve different purposes, have different applications, and offer different advantages and disadvantages.
In the same way that it makes sense to learn French if you want to live and work in a French-speaking country, the programming language (or languages) that your child chooses to learn can affect what they'll be able to do with their coding skills.
Certain programming languages are more ubiquitous than others, while less commonly used languages may serve specific purposes for certain industries.
Generally, it makes sense to let your child choose one of the more popular programming languages as this will provide them with more options further down the line.
The comparison between natural languages and programming languages doesn't end there, though. Much in the same way that children are more adept at learning to speak foreign languages, they're also excellent learners when it comes to picking up programming languages.
To get started, programming languages like Python, Scratch, Java, and Lua could be useful.
Let's take a look at what they are, what they do, and why your child could consider learning one or several of them.
Python
The Python programming language is often thought of as one of the easier programming languages for coders of all ages to learn.
Python's applications are wide-reaching, too, and kids may be familiar with some of the social media platforms that use Python like Instagram and YouTube.
The best way to get kids interested in Python, though, could be by showing them how Python can be used to make video games. While it isn't the industry standard since languages like C++ and C# are commonly used in game development, Python can still be used for certain types of video games.
Scratch
Kids may also be interested in learning to code in Scratch since this is a visual programming language. This is particularly useful for visual learners or even children with dyslexia.
Scratch uses a drag-and-drop interface and is great for introducing children to the core concepts of programming; the things they'll need to know to program in any programming language.
Java
Java is one of the world's most popular programming languages. Since Java is so widely used, it's often recommended that programmers familiarise themselves with the language as it can lead to many career opportunities.
Children interested in coding may also like to know that Java was used for applications like Gmail, Twitter (now X), and Minecraft, one of the world's most popular video games.
Lua
Lua isn't probably the first programming language that you'd want to introduce your children to since it isn't the simplest of them. However, it is the programming language behind applications like "Angry Birds" and "Roblox".
We'd recommend Lua more for children who've shown an interest in coding for some time and have already learnt another programming language.
Of course, the best way to work out which programming language is best for your child is by asking them why they want to learn how to code and the kinds of software solutions they're interested in making. You know your child best.
Coding Programmes and Courses for Children
Coding can be complicated so it helps to make sure that your children have structured courses or lessons to follow. There are many ways to get stuck with coding so you don't want them to dive head-first into it.
Instead, studying a course or program is probably the best way to get them interested in programming and ensure that they don't give up.
However, children need to be taught differently from adults and they mightn't have the attention span required to focus on the programming courses designed for adults, which can often be quite dry and boring.
Here, we have a few programming courses and programmes that we think children interested in coding would enjoy.
Minecraft Mods
If your kids are interested in Minecraft, this could be the way to get them interested in programming.
Modding is the process of tinkering with the code from video games and programs to add new features and functions. Several programming courses teach you how to code through the process of modding video games like Minecraft.
Again, the best way to get the kids interested in coding is through the things they're already interested in and if they have a passion for any other video games or apps, use them as a gateway to show them more about programming.
Scratch Coding
The Scratch Coding course teaches you how to code using the Scratch programming language. Scratch, as we mentioned earlier, is a great programming language for kids because of the visual block drag-and-drop interface it uses rather than relying on writing hundreds or thousands of lines of code.
Code Combat
Code Combat teaches kids (and adults) how to code through gaming. This is mostly RPG (role-playing game) so children who are already fans of the genre will certainly get a kick out of it.
The programming languages taught in Code Combat are Python and JavaScript, two of the most commonly used programming languages in the world.
Coder Kids
Coder Kids offers coding camps for children. While the in-person camps take place in Texas, there are online coding camps, on-demand courses, and private lessons available.
Coder Kids focuses mostly on Scratch initially with lessons like the "Introduction to Scratch Coding".
Great Online Resources and Websites for Kids Interested in Coding
While it'd be great to only require one resource to teach your kids how to code, it's useful to use a variety of offline and online coding resources.
Since the internet is built on code (all information technology is), there's a wealth of useful online resources for learning how to code as well as numerous coding communities.
While certain online coding communities mightn't always be suitable for children, we've found some useful online coding resources that are.
Lightbot
LightBot is essentially a puzzle game that teaches kids about the core concepts of programming while you play.
In addition to coding elements like overloading, sequencing, and recursive loops, players can also learn about programming logic, which is essential for anyone wanting to learn how to code.
You can LightBot for Windows, Mac OS, Kindle, and iOS devices.
Cargo-Bot
Cargo-Bot works in a similar way to LightBot. Through play, children (of all ages) can learn more about programming without even realising it.
Cargo-Bot teaches the Codea programming language as players need to program the bot to solve puzzles and deliver its cargo.
Swift Playgrounds
Swift Playgrounds is about teaching users how to code in the Swift programming language. It was developed by Apple.
Players explore a 3D environment with their own character and can even create games and apps within Swift Playgrounds.
codeSpark Academy
The codeSpark Academy app is for younger children (ages 5 to 9). It teaches them the basics of coding like sequencing, loops, and conditions through puzzles and mini-games.
Tynker
Last but not least, we have Tynker, which can go from the basics for very young kids to more advanced coding topics for older kids.
Users can learn about programming, game design, web design, animation, and robotics, though there are also things like Minecraft modding, game design, Python, and CSS for them to explore.
Tynker complements other learning resources (and the courses we mentioned) as Tynker itself isn't particularly structured, allowing children to learn through exploration.
Don't forget that kids can also learn about programming languages and how to code with private tutors. Just search for programming or coding on the Superprof website and you can start browsing the profiles of private tutors in Ireland and all over the world.
You can see how much they charge, what their other students have to say about them, and whether or not they offer that all-important first free lesson.
Thanks to many programming tutors on the Sueprprof site offering the first lesson for free, you can try a few different ones out before choosing the one that's right for your child and how they learn best.
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