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10 March 2025, 12:24
2025-03-10
Programming for children: where to start?
In today’s world, where technology permeates all aspects of life, programming skills are becoming increasingly important. Starting to learn programming at a young age is not only possible, but also extremely beneficial.
In today’s world, where technology permeates all aspects of life, programming skills are becoming increasingly important. Starting to learn programming at a young age is not only possible, but also extremely beneficial.
Why is it worth teaching children programming?
This promotes the development of logical thinking, creativity, and preparation for a future career.
The first software for children was created in 1967, which became the basis for the development of children’s programming.
According to a study by Code.org, over 90% of parents in the US believe that coding should be part of the school curriculum.
Children who learn programming develop problem-solving skills 70% faster than their peers.
Minecraft Education Edition is actively used in over 115 countries to teach programming.
The average age of starting to learn programming worldwide is 8 years old, which indicates a global trend towards early development of digital skills.
Over 67% of IT professionals started programming in school, confirming the importance of early learning.
Google created a special Doodle in 2017 to celebrate 50 years of programming for kids. It celebrates children’s first steps in coding and the importance of teaching programming from an early age. You can view the Doodle here: Google Doodle. What do you think the Doodle will look like in 2027? Maybe it will depict programming with artificial intelligence or augmented reality learning environments?
Learning programming from an early age has numerous benefits:
Developing logical and critical thinking: creating programs requires analysis and problem-solving, which helps develop these skills.
Stimulating creativity: Programming allows children to realize their own ideas in the form of games, animations, and other projects.
Preparing for your future career: mastering programming skills opens up wide opportunities in the world of technology.
Success stories of young programmers
There are many inspiring stories of children who started programming at an early age and achieved significant success:
Tanmay Bakshi — became a programmer at the age of 9 and by the time he was 13 he was working with IBM, developing solutions based on artificial intelligence.
Samira Mehta — at the age of 10, she created the educational platform CoderBunnyz, which helps children easily learn coding.
Nick D’Alosio — at the age of 15, he created the Summly application for automatic text summarization, which Yahoo bought for $30 million.
Aisha Haji — at the age of 12, she developed a mobile app to teach children to read for free, which is used in many schools.
These stories prove that programming opens up a multitude of opportunities for children and teenagers.
Popular programming languages and environments for kids
When choosing a programming language for your child, it’s important to consider their age, interests, and skill level. Below are some of the most popular programming languages and environments that are suitable for children.
Scratch
Scratch is a visual programming language designed specifically for children ages 7 and up. It lets you create animations, games, and interactive stories by piecing together blocks of code like puzzles. This encourages creativity and logical thinking. Children can quickly see the results of their work, which motivates them to continue learning.
Roblox and the Lua language
Roblox is a popular platform that allows you to not only play games, but also create your own using the Lua programming language. It is a great way for children aged 11 and up to learn programming by creating their own game worlds. Interestingly, even famous personalities, such as Vlad Sherif, a participant in Eurovision 2025, are fond of playing Roblox. This emphasizes the versatility and appeal of the platform for different age categories.
Tynker
Tynker is a platform designed to teach children programming through interactive games and tasks. It supports a variety of languages, including JavaScript and Python, and offers projects related to Minecraft and other popular games. This makes the learning process fun and unique.
CodeCombat
CodeCombat is an RPG-style game where users learn programming languages like JavaScript and Python by completing levels and solving challenges. The game is aimed at children and teens, making the learning process fun and interactive.
Python
Python in 2025 became the second most popular programming language after
TypeScript
It is known for its simple syntax and wide range of features. It is suitable for teenagers from 14 years old who want to dive deeper into the world of programming, implement various projects and experiment with different directions. Python is used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence and many other areas. If you want your child to master Python in a comfortable environment and with clear explanations, pay attention toPython courses for kids at Just Smart. They offer structured learning, interactive projects, and teacher support, allowing every student to move forward with confidence.
Latest trends in teaching children programming
Every year, methods for teaching coding to children evolve, offering innovative approaches. Here are some key trends:
Artificial intelligence in education — integrating AI into learning platforms that adapt tasks to the learner’s level. For example, Code.org and Tynker use AI to personalize learning.
Gamification — More and more platforms are incorporating game mechanics to make learning fun. CodeCombat and Roblox Studio are great examples.
Learning through augmented and virtual reality — special VR applications allow children to create 3D objects and interact with them in real time.
Integrating programming into traditional subjects — more and more programs are emerging that combine coding with mathematics, physics, and other sciences to make learning interdisciplinary.
'No Code' and 'Low Code' approach — platforms like Scratch and MIT App Inventor allow you to create apps without having to know the complex syntax of programming languages.
Increasing the role of social learning — children learn in communities where they can share projects, discuss ideas, and work together on code.
Useful books for young programmers
In addition to interactive courses and hands-on projects, books designed specifically for children are a great way to learn programming. They explain complex concepts in an accessible way, using playful approaches, drawings, and engaging examples. Here are some of the best books:
«Python Crash Course» is a step-by-step guide for children that allows you to quickly master the basics of the Python language through simple exercises and interesting tasks.
«Scratch for Kids: A Fun Introduction to Programming with Games, Pictures, Facts, and Math» is a great book for younger children that helps them understand the basics of programming through block-based coding in Scratch.
«JavaScript for Kids. A Fun Introduction to Programming» is an accessible explanation of JavaScript principles that includes creative projects and code experiments.
«Python for Kids» is a detailed introduction to the Python language, suitable for both beginners and those who want to develop their skills.
«Programming for Kids: Create Video Games with Scratch» is a great choice for those who want to start creating their own games without complex code.
More reviews and detailed descriptions of these books can be found here .
How to get a child interested in programming?
You can get your child interested in programming through an interactive, game-based approach and real-world examples of successful projects. Here are some tips for parents:
Make coding a game — use gaming platforms like Scratch, Tynker, or CodeCombat, where kids can learn coding in a fun way.
Maintain interest in technology — together understand how your favorite games or mobile apps work.
Involve your child in real-world projects — invite them to create a website, a simple game, or an animation on a topic they are interested in.
Show successful examples — tell about young developers who started programming at a young age and achieved success.
Participate in hackathons and competitions — international competitions like Google Code-in or Code Cup can inspire your child to develop their skills.
Don’t force, but motivate — the best way to learn is a child’s voluntary desire to understand something new.
Programming for children is not just a useful skill, but an investment in the future. Today, children can learn to create their own games, applications and websites, as well as develop critical thinking and creativity. Thanks to available programming languages, interactive platforms and numerous educational resources, everyone can find an approach that suits them best. If you are looking for the best opportunities for your child, pay attention to the JustSmart school for children and the Roblox course, which allows you to learn programming by creating your own game worlds. This is a great way of learning that combines creativity and technology. So don’t delay — help your child take the first step into the world of programming today!
