How to Code As a Kid

You're never too young to learn how to code! If you're a kid, coding can be an educational way to create fun multimedia projects. Whether you try a programming language made for kids or a simple language like Python, trying online...

Part 1 of 3:

Learning the Basics

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    Take plenty of math and computer science classes. Learning a language is important, but because coding involves basic math and some computer science skills, math and computer science will help you better understand it. Work hard in your math and computer science classes, and ask your teachers for help if you feel confused about any topics.[1]
    1. Taking advanced math or computer science, if you feel comfortable, to improve your baseline knowledge for coding.
    2. If you have trouble with math or computer science, talk to your teacher to make your weaknesses strengths and develop better coding skills in the long run.
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    Attend a coding class. One of the best ways to practice coding is learning from a professional! Look for coding for kids classes at your school or community center, or try an online coding course for kids to hone your skills.[2]
    1. KhanAcademy offers a free online course called "Hour of Code" for kids who want to learn programming. You can find it at https://www.khanacademy.org/hourofcode.
    2. Code.org offers a search button to find local computer science courses for kids at https://code.org/learn/local.
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    Start a coding club at your school. Starting a club can help you meet more kids who love to code and get coding advice from a mentor. Talk to a teacher or your school administration to organize a coding club, if your school doesn't have one.
    1. If you don't want to start a club but would like a coding mentor, try talking to your school's computer lab teacher. They may know basic programming themselves and have tips as you learn a coding language.
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    Try coding toys for young children. Many companies also make basic "coding" toys and electronic games for toddlers and young children. Search for "coding toys for children" to find fun, interactive ways to teach young children fun coding skills.[3]
    1. If you're an older kid, coding toys can also be a hands-on way to practice programming.
Part 2 of 3:

Choosing a Kid-Friendly Coding Language

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    Try Scratch to program games and simple cartoons. Scratch is a free coding language that's designed to teach kids how to code. If you're just learning how to code and want to make games or animations, Scratch is a great place to start.[4]
    1. Scratch is designed mostly for kids between ages 8-16, as well as younger kids with their parents.
    2. You can find out more about Scratch at https://scratch.mit.edu/parents/.
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    Use Tynker to code robots, apps, games, and video game mods. Tynker is another coding language designed for kids with a wider variety than Scratch. If you're an older kid and want to learn a complex, but fun language, Tynker is a popular choice.[5]
    1. Tynker is designed for kids between ages 7-12, but younger kids can learn the language with their parents.
    2. You can learn more about Tynker at https://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/.
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    Learn Python as your first "real" coding language. Python is one of the simplest coding languages and friendliest for older kids and teenagers. After you've practiced with kid coding programs and are ready to try a professional language, Python is a great place to start.[6]
    1. Trying Python is best after you've picked up coding languages designed for kids, and it's best to start learning for kids ages 12 and up.
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    Try other coding languages if you're an older kid or have coded before. Professional coding languages can be complicated, especially if you're new to coding. Before trying other coding languages, practice Python and languages made for kids to develop important programming skills.[7]
    1. Java, Ruby, C++, SQL, and PHP are all popular coding languages to try once you've mastered the basics.[8]
Part 3 of 3:

Developing Your Coding Skills

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    Use Code.org to learn and practice coding skills. Code.org offers free coding lessons and practice assignments for elementary, middle, and high school. Whether you a beginning coder or have some experience, Code.org can help you develop or refine your abilities.
    1. You can check out Code.org at https://code.org/learn.
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    Use Mozilla Thimble to practice coding websites for older kids. Mozilla Thimble offers fun, educational projects that help older kids and teens practice coding websites. After you've gained some experience coding, try Mozilla Thimble to write and publish your own web pages.[9]
    1. You can find Mozilla Thimble at https://thimble.mozilla.org/en-US/.
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    Try mini games for young children. If you're a younger kid or are teaching a younger kid to code, mini games might be the best and most age-friendly way to practice coding. Try any of these educational mini games to learn coding between the ages of 4-7 years old:[10]
    1. Move the Turtle: http://movetheturtle.com/
    2. Kodable: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kodable/id577673067?mt=8
    3. LightBot: http://lightbot.com/hour-of-code.html
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    Play CodeCombat to learn coding through video games. CodeCombat is a puzzle-based online video game where you control your player's destiny through coding commands. After you've practiced basic coding, try this game to develop your skills in a whimsical, fantasy setting.[11]
    1. You can play CodeCombat at https://codecombat.com/play.
Update 05 March 2020
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