How to Chose the Right Programming Language for Your Child
As if programming were not complicated enough already, choosing the right programming for your child can be challenging. You have to consider several things and do a lot of research so that your child can learn the best and most suitable language for them.
How to Chose the Right Programming Language for Your Child
Since this is the first programming language that your kid would learn, it would act as their starting point and would help provide a good foundation for them in the long run.
With that, we have created this guide to aid you with your research and give you a few tips on how to pick the right programming language.
Interest
One of the best ways to get your kids excited over learning is to tap into their interests. Luckily, there are several coding languages out there that are related or pander to most kids’ interests nowadays.
If your kid likes to play video games, then chances are they might already know a few languages or two. For example, games like Minecraft emphasize customization in their gameplay. With that, players can write their code and incorporate it into their character in the game. Your kids can customize their character on the game by putting Minecraft shaders, packs, mods, and so on.
That being said, choosing the correct programming language would be a piece of cake. You need to learn and understand your kid’s interest, and then afterward, you can find a programming language that is similar or related to it.
Complexity
Learning a new language is already hard enough. What more if you have to learn a new language that only computers and a few people understand?
You should keep this question in mind as you do your research and find the best programming language for your child.
For example, if your kid has no background in programming whatsoever, it might be best to start with block coding. Programming language like Scratch teaches kids the fundamentals of coding and programming through colorful and interactive blocks. From there, your child would be able to learn a few basic coding languages and the fundamentals of programming.
Accessibility
Complexity should not just be your primary concern. You have to also take into account the device, laptop, or desktop that your kid would use. Given that some programming languages have specific system requirements, you have to make sure that your child’s device or computer is compatible with the programming language.
If you do a quick Google search, you will find a few programming languages compatible with almost any device. Programming languages like Java and C are compatible with most operating systems. However, it does not mean that it would run on your child’s computer as well. You still have to check and see whether it is compatible or not.
Doing this would ultimately narrow down your options and help you choose your kid’s correct programming language.
Critical Thinking
The best way to master and learn programming is to create algorithms and solve problems. You should take into account how easy or challenging it is for your child to create an algorithm. If it is too easy, they might just get bored and lose interest; however, if it is too challenging, they might find it difficult to learn and excel.
On top of that, coding and programming, in general, are more of a trial and error. The programming language that you should choose should challenge and put your kid’s ability to the test. This way, they can effectively learn the language and use it in their projects.
Community
Another thing that you should take into account is the community built on that programming language. Some language is more popular to kids than others, so you have to do your research and see which one is more suited for your kid.
Take Lua as an example. This programming language is popular among kids because it is the language used in Roblox.
If you did not know Roblox, it is an app that allows users to upload and let other people play the game they created. It is a platform where aspiring coders can share their work. Aside from that, users can also get inspiration from other peoples’ work.
That being said, you should consider and look more into programming languages that already have a community built around them.
How to Chose the Right Programming Language for Your Child
Once you consider all these things, you should now know what programming language would be best suited for your kids.
All you have to do now is find the best teacher.
In terms of learning programming, there are several routes and options to take. You can have your kid sit in one of those after-school programs, enroll them in kids coding classes, hire a private tutor, and many more.
Once you decide which programming language and how your kid should learn, we highly suggest you run it through with them first and see if this is something that they are interested in and willing to take upon.
