Coding for kids: a game or preparation for an IT career?

Author: Zuzana Kocáková

Lifestyle

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The modern age has brought with it a wealth of technologies that we are exposed to from an early age – and programming is no different. The younger generation is experiencing it. Despite the common belief that coding has a negative impact on children, it also has many benefits for them. In this article you will learn at what age it is ideal to start programming and which languages are suitable as programming languages for children.

With the growing demand for quality software developers, technological development and automation, we are coming into contact with programming much earlier than in the past. Although many people may perceive this phenomenon negatively, programming for beginners (check also our article Coding tips for begginers) brings many benefits at a young age, which children subsequently benefit from in adulthood.

When to start programming

The development of each child is very individual. Based on the cognitive-structural theory of development developed by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in 1971, and thanks to modern educational tools, several experts state that the ideal age for children to start programming is the fifth year of life. This is because at that time they are in what is called the pre-operational stage and are also beginning to perceive how to understand the world through mental representations based on words and distinct images.

During this period, their ability to imitate objects also develops, so that they more easily learn the observed actions. One of them can be, for example, programming in a playful way using websites, mobile applications, interactive games or robotics.

Benefits of programming for children

As we mentioned in the introduction, programming brings with it many benefits, especially at a very young age. Many children play mobile, computer or video games in their free time. Their interest in programming could therefore be driven by a motivation to understand the games better and to create their own alternative stories and worlds. On top of this, they will also receive several benefits that can prepare them for a successful IT career and help them to develop further. The main benefits of programming for children include:

• development of logical and algorithmic thinking,
• fostering creativity,
• understanding the fundamentals of computer science and robotics,
• developing digital skills,
• entertainment and relaxation,
• laying the foundations for further education and a possible career as a developer (the job of a software developer is interesting not only because of the attractive IT projects, but also the above-standard Java developer salary plays a big role).

Programming languages for younger and older children

Not all most used programming languages are suitable for children. Programming in Java (check Java coding tips for better understanding and use of language) would be too difficult for them to understand, but there are many programming environments adapted for different ages.

Scratch programming for kids

Visual Programming Language and Programming for Kids Scratch Starter is an educational program designed to introduce the basics of programming and creative thinking. Programming in Scratch is designed for children and beginners in programming. Scratch is designed to be accessible to beginners and provide an interactive and fun way to learn programming.

Scratch Starter programming for kids can be tried using the free ScratchJr app. It is a basic version of the popular visual programming platform Scratch, which is specifically designed for children aged 5 to 7 years old. ScratchJr (Scratch Junior) allows children to create their own interactive stories and games using code and a simple drag and drop interface. Programming Language for Kids is designed to make learning programming fun and intuitive for the little ones.

JavaScript programming language and p5.js online environment

A great way to teach kids how to program in JavaScript is the p5.js platform. The environment is suitable for older children who are about 12 years old and up and uses Javascript to write the source code. Similar to Scratch programming, p5.js contains a rich library of commands and various customization examples. Created projects can also be sent via a web link, allowing children to share their creations with friends or even teachers at school.

Educational platforms and programming for kids – online courses

One of the world’s best-known educational platforms is Code.org, also available in Slovak. It offers a variety of simple and fun games to help children learn the basics of programming while creating their own projects. For example, they can program a dance party, create minecraft projects and so on.

At Code.org, you can find online coding courses for kids, as well as one-hour sample lessons suitable for all ages, which are part of the global Hour of Code project. During the lessons, children learn block programming in thematic courses. For example, there is a course called Dance Party, Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen or Angry Birds.

The Hour of Python website works on a similar principle, but is more suitable for older children because of the more advanced functions and the need to know at least basic English. During the one-hour lesson, even a complete beginner will learn the basics of programming in Python in a fun way.

The Coding Giants online programming course for kids is also offered by the Coding Giants programming school. There is a choice of half-year or short online courses for children aged 7 and up, which build on each other systematically and extend the knowledge acquired in Scratch, Python or HTML. The platform offers game programming for younger children from age 7 to 9 years, computer games and programs for children from 10 to 12 years old, and an introduction to C# programming for older children from 13 to 19 years old.

Fun programming for kids with interactive games

Programming can also be taught through interactive games where children not only have fun, but also learn something. For example, the popular online educational game GalaxyCodr provides fun block programming and apps for kids for free. The platform is suitable for children from age 8 and up and uses a creative space environment with ten planets, each covering a new learning area.

Other popular games that offer programming basics for kids are Minecraft (Minecraft programming) or the online gaming platform Roblox. We can also mention the Blockly Games with activities such as Puzzle, Maze, Bird, Movie or Music, which teaches beginners how to program using blocks.

For fans of adventure role-playing games, we recommend the CodeCombat platform. This is an excellent choice if children want to learn text-based programming in Python, JavaScript or C++. The CodeCombat website also offers an online coding education course for children, but only in English for now.

Programming for kids: books, interactive toys or offline activities?

There are many great methods, resources and courses available on the Internet today that can easily teach children to program in different environments and languages in a relatively short time. However, there are also other options such as educational books for young programmers, interactive toys and robots, clubs and various competitions.

For example, the Ozobot or Makeblock mBot Robot Kit are popular programmable robots, and LEGO also provides interesting opportunities to teach children programming on a tablet or computer. Building blocks, block programming and robot control using LEGO MINDSTORMS is ideal for older children. Thanks to the LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, younger programmers can learn the basics of programming, engineering and robotics.

Programming for children in Bratislava

If you want to treat your kids to fun activities where they can learn to code, and you live in Western Slovakia, or you don’t mind travelling, try coding for kids in Bratislava at CoderDojo, a global network of free coding clubs for kids aged 7 to 17. We also recommend programming and robotics competitions, such as the First Lego League, where children can show off their creations and compare their projects with other programmers.

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Treat your children to an online coding course for kids and open the door to a world of creativity and digital literacy. There are plenty of options. You’ll contribute to their development and maybe they’ll thank you in the future when they find a job because of it.

If you’re already an experienced Java Developer Senior or you’re more of a junior developer, we’ve got the door open for you. View our job offers, join the team of a leading IT company and benefit from our wide range of employee benefits. These include, for example, that children are welcome at msg life Slovakia. Together we are creating the future and it starts today!

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Coding for kids: a game or preparation for an IT career?

Zuzana Kocáková

At msg life Slovakia I take care of the company culture, events and I am part of the marketing team. I like a job where I can be creative and contribute to making my colleagues at msg feel good. I regularly prepare for you not only news and interesting things from the world of information technology and insurance, but also from behind the scenes events at msg life Slovakia.