Some people think that learning programming languages is extremely difficult, requiring high levels of intelligence and special abilities. However, it is much simpler than that, to the extent that even a child can learn at least one programming language! Of course, we are not referring to complex languages, but specific languages that you can teach your child, opening the door for them to enter this world. Before that, consider first your child’s desire to enter the world of programming and digital technology, and motivate them to enter this world if they do not have a prior interest. For example, tell them that they are capable of designing a program or game, and that it is not difficult, especially with some fun languages that children can easily learn.
Why You Should Teach Your Child at Least One Programming Language?
Simply because it is the language of the future and is just as important as living languages like English and French, and sometimes even surpasses them. Especially with the development of dictionaries, lexicons, and translation applications that can translate even voice conversations in any language, unlike programming languages, which can only be understood by learning them.
We must not forget that programming languages are the basis for the existence of dictionaries and instant translators – indeed, for everything related to the digital world – and that you can translate a full text thanks to Google Translate. On the other hand, Google or others cannot write a single line of code based on your dictation. This is the importance of teaching your child one of the programming languages. As for the types of languages that children can learn, I am pleased to inform you about the most important ones starting from the following paragraphs.
1. Swift Playgrounds
If your child has an iPad, then the Swift language may be the best incentive for them to enter the world of programming. Although it is a relatively new language created by Apple for developing its applications professionally, it is easy to learn and simple to use at the same time, making it a great choice for teaching it to your child. Especially since they will see the results of their work directly if they use the Swift environment and XCode, which will turn into applications suitable for use on most Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and even Apple TV. As for how to learn it, it is simple and only requires downloading the Swift Playgrounds app from the Apple Store. Of course, the app is completely free and available in two versions for Mac and iPad.
Read Also: Most Common Programming Languages Today and Their Uses
2. Scratch
One of the best educational projects created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology specializing in technology. It greatly helps the child enter the world of programming through the Scratch language, especially since it is very simple and enjoyable for children to learn. The child can drag and drop specific code blocks to be used later in the program they create. The good thing about this language is that it has a large audience, which means a lot of resources that the child can use or learn from. As for the first step in teaching it to your child, all you have to do is visit the official Scratch website from any browser and then download the app and start teaching it to your child. It is worth mentioning that Scratch language is completely free, and your child can work on it even without internet by simply downloading the Scratch app for Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and Android, not to mention the availability of many educational tutorials, especially in Arabic.
3. Python
One of the most popular programming languages in the world, as indicated by its widespread use. This does not mean that it is difficult to learn! On the contrary, its ease of learning is the main reason for its popularity. Not to mention its wide audience and great support, making it an ideal language to teach your child. The uses of Python are countless, whether for developing websites, artificial intelligence, games, and the good thing is that it contains many practical applications that will facilitate the learning process for the child. As for the first step, all you have to do is go to the official Python website and download the runtime code for free, whether for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Of course, the Python website is not limited to downloading the runtime program, but also contains many tutorials that may benefit your child. Regardless of the Python website, there are a very large number of Arabic tutorials that will make it easier for your child to learn, whether on YouTube or blogs.
4. Microsoft Small Basic
If Swift language is a good start to teaching your child a programming language in case they use an Apple product, then Small Basic is the best option for them if your child uses a Windows computer. The beauty of this language is that it is completely simple and based on textual writing in code creation, which means that the commands used are closer to everyday speech than being actual commands. Despite its simplicity and being composed of 14 basic words, your child can create small games and applications, as well as some presentations by simply combining those words in different ways. Since it relies on the .NET environment in its work, this means the possibility of transferring the acquired skill to Visual Basic later.
It is worth mentioning that Small Basic is developed by Microsoft and serves as a bridge for the child to transition from block-based programming as in Scratch to text-based programming with commands. Small Basic is completely free, and to start teaching it to your child, you should visit the official Microsoft Small Basic website first, where you will find lots of tutorials that will benefit your child in learning the language, in addition to a huge library of resources and runtime programs, all of which happen to be completely free.
Read Also: 5 Strange Programming Languages You Haven’t Heard of Before!
5. Pico-8 / Lua
Imagine your child creating their own Super Mario game and playing it and sharing it with their friends! You might think this is an exaggeration, but it is the opposite entirely “easy” thanks to the Pico-8 environment developed by Lexaloffle Games. It is closer to an Atari 8-bit game simulator but on your or your child’s computer. The child will be able to create simple games and play them or publish them and even edit them online, just like those created by Elon Musk at the beginning of his life when he was young.
The Pico-8 environment is based on the Lua language for writing commands, and it is a language that is easy to grasp and learn, especially since the experience will seem more like a video game. In it, the child can design their games but with specific textual commands that allow them to enter the vast world of software in the future. You can download the Pico-8 platform by visiting the official Lexaloffle Games website, and you can install it on Windows, Mac, and Linux for $15. It is worth mentioning that the Lua language is not only used in the Pico-8 environment but your child can apply what they learn and transfer it to other game engines like Solar 2D, a free open-source project with more resources and libraries without limits, and greater capabilities that will push your child to delve deeper into the world of programming languages.
