Intro to Coding for Kids

Create & Learn Team

Aug 25, 2022
10 min read

In this intro to coding for kids, we are going to explain why it’s a great
time to get into computer science, as well as some of the best options for
getting started. More than ever, knowledge of computers and digital
technology is considered a key component of a well-rounded education.
More jobs require technical skills, even in nontechnical roles, and the
graduates of STEM university programs tend to earn significantly more
than their non-STEM peers.

In this post, we will cover ten steps you can consider to help introduce
programming to kids such as your children or your students. Keep on
reading for some helpful directions in the super interesting world of
computer science education. You’ll never believe how easy it is to get
started.

Here's an intro to coding for kids

What is coding for kids?

Coding for kids is a bit like doing the preliminary steps for taking a longer
journey later on. When most people think of coding, they imagine cryptic,
multicolored text that requires a degree in mathematics to understand. If
you placed an eight year old beginner in front of a computer and told them
to learn C or Python, most would quickly get frustrated, shut down, and
give up, perhaps associating the discipline itself as “not for them” without
really giving it the time it deserves.

Coding for kids actually can begin without coding or within so-called “low
code” or “no code” environments, where kids use games, art, puzzles, and
logic to understand the many cool applications for software and its
fundamental concepts in a fun, approachable way. Before you take a long
journey, you need supplies, tools, knowledge, and experience in order to
get the most out of your trip, so introducing kids to coding early is an
excellent idea.

When’s the best time to start coding for kids?

This brings us to the next question, "How young is too young to learn to
code?" And, "Am I too old to learn how to code?" There is no simple
answer to either question, but answering them might surprise you. On the
one hand, there have never been more tools, games, and software
programs such as Scratch and Roblox Studio, to help kids learn. Some of
these tools are so well designed that they are good for adults as well who
might want to learn a new skill, but who haven’t been exposed to
computer science concepts.

What can you do once you learn coding?

Once you learn coding, you will be ready to build your own games, mobile
apps, and other types of software. Coding is a skill that is used in other
ways that software engineering. Through coding, students gain access to
interesting careers and disciplines in higher education, such
as AI, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, and Data Science. These in-
demand careers can lead to high salaries, fun opportunities to learn, and
amazing benefits.

Get started on an intro to coding for kids

Let's jump right in.
1. Define coding without explaining Computer Science

Coding is vast and complicated. But it doesn’t have to feel that way if
students start small and begin with learning fundamental concepts in a
simple and accessible way. Explaining how code powers everything we use
in the modern world, from cars to phones to airplanes and AI, is a good
start.

Answering the question, “What is code?”, is actually quite simple. Code is

the directions humans give to computers to make them do things. Without
code, computers would be unable to complete the very complex and
difficult tasks that human beings use them for. For the majority of kids, if
you explain to them that Minecraft, Roblox, and YouTube were all made
with code, you will usually grab their attention!

2. Start with low-code or no-code options

As this article at Super Parents recommends, begin on a made-for-kids

coding platform such as Scratch or Code.org, where kids can learn about
coding through fun, colorful blocks of code, which can be used to build fun
games and animations. The learning curve is low, but the possibilities are
endless. These programs are usually free, though some have paid options
as well. Kids can also get live expert guidance and all their questions
answered as they learn these platforms, with Create & Learn's Scratch
coding classes: Scratch Junior (K-2), Scratch Ninja (Grades 2-
6), Accelerated Scratch (Grades 6+). Kids can quickly build their own small
games while learning about concepts that apply in other programming
languages as well, such as Python, C++, and Java.

3. Learn about data types

In coding, it is crucial to learn how different types of data interact with

each other and with the computer. Different types of data are used in
different tasks: loops allow users to repeat actions, variables allow users to
store data such as scores, timers, and player health in a game, while other
data types might be used to bring in APIs that can power your app using
data from other places in the Internet such as Google Maps or Amazon
Web Services. In Scratch, the data types are color coded and listed on the
left hand side of the screen.

4. Code with them

Coding alongside a parent or teacher is a great way for kids to build

confidence without getting overwhelmed. Make sure you let them take the
‘Project Lead’ role by allowing them to control the design process, but give
them a hand when they get stuck or need better understanding. This will
feel a bit like training wheels, to help them keep moving without fear of
falling. If you’re a parent, you should consider reading or watching some
tutorials for building simple projects. If you can show kids how to program
a fun game, they will get excited and be very motivated to follow you.

5. Focus on building scripts and debugging

Coding is an iterative process, which means that we build it stage by

stage, and testing and review each stage to make sure the components
work together. Focusing on syntax is more important than learning
everything before you begin: code is run in order from top to bottom and
the order in which things happens is important. This might seem tedious,
but focusing on scripts of code, groups of blocks in Scratch, allows us to
control specific individual elements of our programs.

By building and testing, it allows us to find bugs and fix them, also known
as ‘debugging’. Most programming is problem solving, and many of the
problems we encounter require careful attention to detail. Remember that
anytime your child doesn’t know how to proceed is an opportunity for
learning. Once your child sees how scripting works, you can start bringing
your scripts together and focus on completing projects.

6. Share with others

Once your child has built something, encourage them to share it. On
Scratch, it is easy to share your projects with others. You can even see
inside the code of other peoples’ programs, allowing kids to learn how to
code through following the example of more experienced developers.
Sharing is a great way to boost confidence, by showing others that you
made something difficult. It can also be a great way to see what works and
what doesn’t. One good question to ask a beta player is, “Is it fun to play?”

7. Take a free intro coding class

We get it. Coding is hard! Studying on your own is a great way to build
confidence, and Computer Science is unique in that one can gain huge
amounts of knowledge without stepping foot into a classroom, since there
are so many amazing free resources and tutorials online. With this
abundance of resources comes a drawback: it’s easy to get lost and it’s
easy to focus on unimportant things when you don’t have someone to
guide you.

There are a lot of free trials out there, some of which involve a
subscription, and many of which use pre-recorded videos to teach
students how to code. While these are great options, Create & Learn offers
a wide variety of free intro coding classes, each of which is led by an
expert in live sessions with small groups of kids. Students can try out
Scratch in a structured environment where they will receive lots of
encouragement. We also have advanced classes for teens in Python, Web
Design, and Robotics.
8. Enroll in a coding camp

If you are interested in coding or if you have tried a trial and you want to
go deeper, then a coding camp is a great way to dive into the world of
software development in Scratch. Create & Learn coding camps run
seasonally several times a year. They involve groups of classes that run in
four session batches, that can be delivered weekly or daily.

9. Follow a free tutorial

Let’s face it, completing a project is the most motivating part of any
creative goal. While the learning process should be appreciated as we
progress through it, it can also be difficult and frustrating at times.
Completing a project lets a kid say, “I made my own game!” The
excitement and motivation to continue educating themselves is infectious,
so whether you choose a trial class or a camp, both can help kids build
complete projects faster. There are also many, many fun Scratch
tutorials on our website, such as how to make a sprite jump, how to make
a rock, paper, scissors game, how to make a golf game, and how to make
a Mario game. Pick a project and see it through to completion, then ask,
“What else could I add to make it more fun?” Most kids will already have
an answer.

10. After Scratch, consider moving on to Python

Once your child has mastered some of the basic concepts such as loops,
variables, conditional statements, and the basics of game design, it is time
to begin removing the training wheels. Scratch was designed as an
introduction to coding for kids, but it was intended to be left behind once
they are ready to begin learning traditional programming in text based
languages.

Python is the perfect programming language for a beginner because it is

similar to natural language, so the code is not too difficult for kids or
beginners to understand. The possibilities are endless, however, unlike
some programming languages, which might be useful for specific tasks but
completely useless for others, Python is versatile and well suited for
applications including software development, data science, robotics, and
artificial intelligence. Python projects for kids can be a good way to begin,
as well as a free Python class led live by an expert.

Teach kids coding

If you are self motivated and you would like to study on your own, these
free platforms are a great place to use to guide a kid through coding. You
could also check out more on our article, teaching kids to write code.

1. Scratch
Scratch was designed by engineers and educators from MIT, who wanted
to make learning coding more accessible and fun for kids. Rather than
worrying about building frameworks from scratch, no pun intended. It is
user friendly, colorful, and the blocks of code stick together like LEGO. It’s
even fun for adults and can help them understand the beginner concepts
just as well as a child. All you need is an internet connection and a
computer or tablet.

Ages: 7 - 15

Best for: Beginners who want to create something quickly; intermediate

students who want to design simple games and animations.

2. W3 schools

This website is incredible. It is the largest site for developers on the

Internet with over 60 million monthly users. It has a wide variety of coding
tutorials and you don’t need any previous experience to get started. If you
follow their intended course, you will be able to quickly design and launch
your own websites and web applications. They also offer paid courses and
a subscription service for a fee.

Ages: 12+

Best for: Beginners who want to start with text based languages, esp.
Teens and young adults.

3. Google CS

Learn from the best in the business with Google’s CS First, a large guided
curriculum for students of all skill levels. Ideal for teens, older students,
and adults, CS First uses a mix of tutorials and independent projects to
help students build competencies in backend development, front end
development, APIs and Data structures.

Ages: 12+

Best for: Intermediate students who want a challenge but who like
structure

Introduction to coding courses for kids

Taking a live class is the best way to introduce kids to coding. Students,
especially young ones, are excited to learn, but they struggle to remain
engaged when things get difficult, which makes self-study less effective
for most students. In a safe, structured environment, most kids can thrive,
regardless of what they like to make.

1. Scratch Ninja (Grades 2-5)

Scratch Ninja classes are an excellent way to learn coding. Containing 4
levels of 4 sessions each, students will begin with the Scratch basics,
before proceeding to develop their own games, animations, and simple
apps. Digital artists, gamers, and puzzle loving kids will love Scratch, while
its simplicity makes it easy for even small children to grasp.

2. Minecraft Coding Quest (Grades 2-5)

If you ask any child, chances are they have played Minecraft. The best
selling game of all time, and a genuine work of art, Minecraft is an
impressively vast and engaging game with a very simple concept: 1. Mine
2. Craft. Players use tools to dig into the earth in search of precious
minerals to build castles and farms, while fighting hostile enemies.
Minecraft is an incredible learning tool, both for its in-game exploration
and economics, but also for its potential for using mods and for designing
mods on one’s own. In our Minecraft Modding Quest, we help students run
their own Mods in their own Minecraft world.

3. Python for AI (Grades 5-12)

Students interested in how the Internet works, artificial intelligence, and

robotics will love our Python courses, where they will learn how to use
databases, APIs, and machine learning to interact with and design AIs for a
variety of functions. This advanced class is an excellent way to prepare for
AP classes in Computer Science and University-level education.

4. Meta Engineer for the Week (Grades 5-12)

In partnership with Meta, Create & Learn offers classes for students
interested in the power of STEM, while providing a pathway for them to
create real impact in their communities. This live online program includes
15 hours of fun learning and hands-on coding and game creation. Students
learn beginner-friendly coding and create games, and build a final project
for a social issue they care about. Plus, they'll get their project reviewed
by Meta employees, and receive a Certificate of Completion!

Intro to coding for kids keys

No matter which path you chose to take for your child, here are a few tips
to consider for their first three months:

 Consistency is key: Practice every day if you can, or at least

schedule several times per week where you routinely have, “Coding
Time.” You should focus on building regular practice rather than
working in huge chunks of time.
 Find something that suits their interests: Kids love to play
Minecraft and you can quickly get kids engaged if you help them
understand that every video game is the product of code. Whether
it’s Zelda, Pokemon, or Roblox, kids who love games don’t need too
 much motivation to build their own, especially if they are supported
by a teacher.
 Explain how coding works in the world: Beyond gaming and
social media, coding allows people to communicate with each other
around the world, to learn almost anything, while power most
household appliances, machines, and computers.
 Keep things simple: Don’t just get into object oriented
programming and APIs on the first lesson. We have a lot of other
great resources to help teach your kids to code in ways specifically
designed for them.

Get started with this intro to coding for kids

Now you know the first steps to get started with introducing kids to coding.
Whether a total beginner or an intermediate one, all students can benefit
from the encouragement of a parent, so remember to work alongside
them. Support them further by signing them up for a free coding class.
There’s nothing to lose.

Written by Bryan Gordon, a Create & Learn instructor. After ten

years of working as an English teacher, Bryan began studying
Math and Computer Science over the past few years. Aside from
writing and teaching, he likes cooking, gardening, playing guitar,
and hanging out with his cats, Baguette and Wally.