The Top 5 Programming Languages for Kids to Start Coding

Introducing children to coding at a young age can spark a passion for technology that can stay with them as they grow. It helps them to  develop critical thinking, creative and problem-solving skills for the real world. With the right programming language, coding can be fun, engaging, and immensely rewarding for kids. Here are the top 5 programming languages that are not only great for beginners but are also fun and educational for young ones just getting started!

1. Scratch

Developed by MIT, Scratch is the perfect starting point for children new to coding. It's a visually immersive programming language that uses drag-and-drop colour coded blocks of code to create animations, games, and stories. Scratch’s interface and fun layout makes it incredibly motivating for kids to learn code. It helps them understand programming concepts without the complexity of syntax.

Our Hackers Club is for beginners ages 6 - 10 looking to start their coding journey on Scratch.

 The program and language is integrated into our platform for an easy way to start coding whilst in our coding clubs. Our mentors also create fun games within Scratch for the students to “hack” and play every week. 

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2. Python

Python's simple and easy-to-read syntax makes it an excellent choice for children who are ready to transition from block-based coding languages like Scratch. It’s versatile enough for various projects, from simple games to basic app development, making it suitable for a wide age range. It is also a common language used by developers in their careers. It carries valuable skills they can take long after childhood.

In the Modder’s club, mentors help our students to transition through Scratch to Python seamlessly through levels and our spiral syllabus.

 Students start learning pseudo code and advance to actual Python as they level up through 6 levels in the Modders Club. The code concepts in each level become more challenging as they continue learning and building confidence in Python. 

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3. JavaScript

For kids interested in web development, JavaScript is a great choice. It is the language often used online, used to create interactive elements on websites. With JavaScript, kids can learn to make web pages interactive, design simple web-based games, and even start on the path to full-stack development with the help of educational tools designed for young learners.

4. Blockly

Blockly is a programming language developed by Google that introduces children to coding concepts through blocks. Similar to Scratch, it allows kids to build applications by stacking blocks that represent coding concepts. Blockly acts as a beginner step to learning more text-based programming, preparing kids for more complex languages in a fun and engaging way. 

5. Swift

Swift Playgrounds is an fun iPad app made by Apple which teaches the programming language, Swift, through playful coding exercises and puzzles. It’s designed to be easy-to-use for children, allowing them to get creative with their code and ideas. Swift Playgrounds makes learning to code accessible and entertaining for young beginners. It also has the benefit of being easily accessible on the iPad. 

There are many program languages that can be great for young beginners looking to start coding and creating. What most of the languages listed have in common is the transition for code based blocks into pseudo code and then to advanced real code. Whichever language they start on, we believe it is most important to keep their passion for learning alive throughout learning!

This way of learning is how we organize the Game Dev Club whilst also creating a fun, motivating environment through gaming and club sessions. 

Ready to have your child get started with code? Try a FREE taster with the Game Dev Club!