How to Teach Kids Programming and Coding

Computer programming in current times is an in-demand and lucrative option for kids. It is one skill kids should learn as early as possible in and outside of school to become good programmers (and problem solvers at the same) later in life. Reportedly, well known personalities like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg began coding at a very young age. However, parents and teachers often wonder how to teach programming to kids and what are some of the best coding programs for kids.

One thing though, every parent and teacher should remember that it is not only the programming language that is important but also the concept. Kids should learn how to solve problems with coding. It is a step by step process, and once learners systematically become part of the process, it is not difficult to code. Mentioned below are some resources which can be used to help your child learn programming and coding.

TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD LEARN PROGRAMMING AND CODING

{1} Scratch

It is a kids programming language developed by MIT Lifelong Kindergarten Lab, which used a block style storytelling technique to teach the fundamentals of coding. It can be used freely and offers many tutorials for the students as well as the parents. It also allows the kids to practice what they have learned by making animations and games, which then can be shared in the online community.

{2} Lightbot

It is one of the most famous coding games for kids designed by Danny Yaroslavski. Through it’s functioning as an online flash game, it introduces kids to the concepts of sequence, conditionals, and loops. It is easily available for both Android and iOS at a very cheap price of less than $10 a month.

{3} Blockly

Supported by Google, it uses a block style approach to help kids learn to code. It can output codes in many languages like Python, Lua, Dart, PHP, and JavaScript. This feature makes it highly popular and applies to both young and adult learners. Currently, Google is working with MIT to develop more on the Blocky platform.

Related Post: The 3 Best Coding Programs for Kids & Teens

{4} Move the Turtle

It is a very user-friendly app that allows the kids to learn the idea of graphics, sound, and space in coding. It offers the learner a highly advanced visual platform to learn the concept of coding step by step. It also encourages the user to develop their innovative ideas by using commands like loops, variables, conditionals, etc. It is easily available for both Android and iOS users at a very minimum price.

{5} Alice

Sponsored for free by Carnegie Melon University, it is a very straightforward design to maximize learning. It is a 3D computer programming for kids, which also uses the technique of block learning. It allows children to make their programs, games, and animations by using 3D models and camera motions. It is more suitable for children older than 10 years old and requires a computer running Mac, Windows or Linux.

{6} Sonic Pi

This is a very interesting and unique approach to teaching kids coding and programming through the process of creating certain sounds. It is a collaborative work between scientists and teachers at the University of Cambridge. The learning process in this approach focuses on creativity, and learners are encouraged to develop their ideas involving sound. It is suitable for children as young as nine years old.

Similarly, Alpha Coding is also an online platform where your kids can learn programming and coding through various online courses. Our coding instructors are skilled in numerous domains, which enables them to provide an engaging curriculum and material to kids. You can explore them through free trial classes and then enroll in one amongst a number of coding courses on JavaScript, Python, App Inventor, Minecraft, etc.