Around the world we communicate using thousands of different languages. Now, thanks to advances in modern technology, coding programs allow us to convey instructions to computers and robots in order to communicate with them.
Scratch, Java, Python and Lua are just some of the best programming languages for kids to start the off with coding. But, with each coding language having its own operating system, style and intended use; how do you know which one is right for your child to learn?
At FunTech we run kid’s coding camps, based on age and interest. These fun weekly courses cover subjects such as computer programming, robotics and 3D game design and give children the confidence to build, modify, customise and code their very own technical creations.
A parent’s guide to kids coding languages
The first thing to note is that coding languages aren’t like human languages. There are no vocabularies, alphabets or dialects. Instead each computer coding language is unique and uses special commands and abbreviations in order to work.
There are loads of coding languages in use today, but Scratch, Java, Python and Lua are the most popular amongst kids. Below we’ll talk you through their differences, what they are most commonly used for and how each coding language works.
Programming languages for kids
Learning how to code at a young age can truly set your child up for a lifetime of success. But just like anything that captures the imagination, it still has to be fun!
Coding teaches kids how to find a logical solution to a problem using a sequence of steps, actions or instructions. It helps your child to develop problem solving skills and learn the importance of perseverance. It challenges them to think creatively and to pursue innovative ideas and solutions in the face of adversity.
Children tend to grasp the concept of coding languages quickly. Predominately kids learn better through visual stimulus and this is why simplified, graphical programming tools such as Scratch – which uses pre-arranged blocks of codes – work better for beginners.
Children then typically move on to learning text-based programming languages as their confidence grows, and will start to use words, acronyms, numbers and symbols to create coding instructions.
Choosing the right coding program for your child
When thinking about which coding program is right for your child, you should take into consideration their current interests, as this will often dictate the choice of language used.
If your child is into robotics, then they may want to consider Lua. If, however they are amazing at Minecraft then Java might give them the edge. Whether it is engineering, apps, 3D gaming or website design; the most important thing is to make coding fun.
Handy Hint: Learning how to code could set your child up for a bright future. Read our 7 reasons why coding is important for kids.
Some kids coding languages, such as Python and Scratch, are better suited for beginners, however, if your child already has an interest in coding, then they may be ready to try some of the more advanced programs such as html or CSS.
Your child doesn’t have to exclusively stick to one coding program either. Often the fundamentals of one coding language overlaps with another, and once your child has mastered the basics, they’ll find it quicker and easier to progress.
Teaching children to code is easy – especially if you make it creative and interactive. At FunTech our team of “tech” mentors can help your child develop vital coding skills in a safe, encouraging and nurturing environment. Our summer camps offer a variety of coding courses, depending on what piques your child’s interest. To find out more click here.
Best coding languages for kids
1: Scratch
When it comes to coding for kids, visual programming languages like Scratch offer a solid foundation of programming principles. Scratch is popular because instead of using hard coding, kids can learn through creating, dragging and dropping colourful command blocks.
Scratch allows kids to easily create games, come up with interactive stories, animate characters, build apps, add music, voice overs and even sound effects. Plus, kids can reference 2D games already in existence, such as Asteroids and Donkey Kong, which were all created using the Scratch program.
If you have a PC at home that runs Microsoft Windows or a MacOS, then you can install Scratch free of charge on your computer from the official website.
Scratch is a fantastic kid’s coding language tool, but it doesn’t take long to get to grips with. It’s one of the easiest programming languages for kids to learn.
Over time and you may find your child is ready to move on to a more challenging coding language that allows them to produce their own games, apps and web pages using text-based coding.
If you want to prepare your child for the digital future, then there is no better way than with a FunTech holiday course in Scratch coding.
Learn Scratch for Kids with FunTech
This Scratch summer coding course is perfect for younger kids who want to get a head-start in how to code games.
This course runs Monday-Friday (0900-1700) with the option to include a residential stay.
FunTech is Ofsted-registered and offers a number of computer coding courses in a safe and secure environment, that is seriously fun for kids.
Scratch Coding Summer Courses
This Scratch coding camp covers the key areas of branching and iteration plus variables and game logic. Tutors encourage kids, via engaging projects, to create fun, interactive and animated games as well as code their Ozobot to race, dance and even complete the FunTech maze!
By the end of the week’s computer coding classes your child will be a Scratch Coding expert!
- Age guide: 7 to 10 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Chester, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Reading.
Want to find out more about our Scratch courses for kids?
BOOK NOW2: Python
Another recommendation as a kid’s coding language is Python. Python is believed to be named after the Monty Python series and is a scripting language that is considered one of the easiest to learn, as it requires limited lines of code in order to run.
Python was used to create some of our favourite social platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify, and is frequently used by companies including Google and Disney.
In addition to creating video games and web frameworks, Python is also used in more complex fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence!
This intuitive coding style uses text-based commands and is based on the English language – making it simpler for children to understand. It also comes with built-in help comments and a wealth of online resources, in which to assist kids when getting started. It is also easy to set up at home. All you need to do is download it from the official Python website.
Due to the user-friendly nature of Python, kids are able to write lines of code quicker than other popular programming languages such as Java, and can create their own games, animation, problem solving exercises, websites and robots. To find out more on the advantages of learning Python for kids, then read on here.
If you want your child to learn Python, we recommend a FunTech coding camp. This will give them the best introduction possible and set them on a path to creating amazing results whilst learning and still having fun.
Learn Python for Kids with FunTech
FunTech offer two types of Python classes for kids, depending on how much coding experience your child has.
Whilst one course teaches your child how to code, edit and problem solve using Python the other takes it to the next level by applying these skills to game development.
Both courses run over the summer holiday period and offer residential stays as an optional extra.
Python Coder Summer Courses
This popular course teaches your child the ins and out of Python coding through practical exercises and projects – plus plenty of hands-on learning. Covering topics such as datatypes, variables, user inputs, branching, iteration, functions and so much more, it will keep your kids occupied and engaged all day.
Come the end of the week, your child will have learnt how to problem solve using Python code and can continue their progress from home should they wish.
- Age guide: 10 to 16 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Reading and Tonbridge.
Python Game Developer Summer Courses
This course takes python coding to the next level and introduces your child to object-orientation programming (OOP). Throughout the week your child will learn advanced coding and mathematical concepts, understanding game lifecycles, user interaction and installation.
This fast-paced course culminates with a lesson in how to apply these techniques in order to create their own 2D video games, that they get to take home.
- Age guide: 11 to 16 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Reading and Tonbridge
Want to find out more about our Python Coder courses for kids?
BOOK NOW3: Java
Java is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world and offers a lucrative career path for those choosing to learn it – with the average Java developer expecting to earn around £60,000 a year.
This makes Java a great programming language for kids to learn. It gives them a richer insight of a code that is set to continue to develop for many years to come.
Without even knowing it, your kids are probably interacting with Java coding on a day to day basis. Especially if (like 75 million other players), they are into Minecraft. Gmail, developed by Google, was also created in Java as was Twitter. This is mainly due to the scalability and reliability of the Java code itself.
Java is fun for kids as it is predominantly used to make video games and Android mobile apps. It is, however, harder to learn as it relies on a statically typed language that has many variables.
If your child wants to have a go at learning Java coding, we recommend downloading the programme for free. It’s a one of the best kids coding languages for those with a little more experience.
At FunTech we run a Java coding summer course aimed at kids and teens who have the patience to want to learn the coding syntax or for those intermediate coders who want to strengthen their skill set.
Learn Java for Kids with FunTech
Attending a FunTech summer coding camp is a great option that allows kids to dive straight in to the details and build a lifelong passion for tech.
Alongside new friends and experienced mentors, they can enjoy hands-on exposure to Java fundamentals in a pressure-free, creative environment.
Java Coder Summer Courses
This Java coder summer course will teach your child to code, edit and problem-solve in a structured and methodical manner. Once you child has mastered the core coding constructs, we present them with oodles of fun practical exercises and projects for a variety of different scenarios.
Finally, your child will implement their new skills by creating interesting game-based projects to take home.
- Age guide: 11 to 16 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Reading and Tonbridge
Want to find out more about our Java Coder courses for kids?
BOOK NOW4: Lua
While a little more complex than a visual programming option like those listed above, Lua is still a great programming language for kids and teens to learn – especially if they are interested in video games and robotics.
In fact, the world-renowned gaming platform Roblox was created by Lua developers, and Adobe Photoshop, Warcraft and Angry Birds all utilise Lua code today.
Lua is great for kids who may have exhausted the possibilities of coding programs such as Python but still require a code that is relatively easy to pick up.
Originally developed to extend or add functionality to other software programs, it can seamlessly work alongside other codes and has a set of simple rules and operations.
For 2019, FunTech are offering a brand-new summer holiday course, based on the success of the popular 3D gaming platform Roblox.
Learn Lua for Kids with FunTech
It’s taken the gaming industry by storm and now your child can learn how to become a Roblox expert too.
This summer instead of letting your child sit playing video games, why not send them to FunTech, where we can teach them digital skills and programming concepts so that they can create their own?
Roblox Game Maker Summer Courses
Whether your child is a Roblox regular or a total beginner, they will learn how to create an obstacle course and kart racing game during a fun-filled week of experimentation, creativity and real-world physics.
The great thing about this course is that they’ll also have an introduction to programming concepts such as Lua, which have variables that are transferrable to any language they choose to move onto in the future. And, at the end of a challenging week, your child will take part in their very own kart-racing game.
- Age guide: 9 to 12 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Chester, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Reading
Want to find out more about our Roblox Game Maker course for kids?
LEARN MOREFunTech coding courses for kids
FunTech offer a variety of courses for kids with a focus on coding. In addition to those mentioned above these include:
Lego Robotics Junior Summer Courses
If you have boxes of Lego at home and a child who’s fanatical about building, then this FunTech camp allows your child to construct, customise, code and test their very own robot!
Your child will learn to code their bots to perform a variety of fun and challenging tasks, and then at the end of the week, they’ll get to compete in the ‘Grand Finale’ event.
- Age guide: 7 to 10 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations and Milton Keynes
Want to find out more about our Lego Robotics Junior course for kids?
LEARN MROECode-a-bot: Robot Wars Summer Courses
Robots will rule the world, so isn’t it better that our kids learn how to control them? On this FunTech summer course, your child will design and build an EV3 LEGO robot.
Learning to use command tools to make complex programs including pathfinding algorithms and gyroscopic navigation, they will test their robots in events such as Maze Mapper and Cube Control.
- Age guide: 10 to 14 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Maidenhead, Northwood and Reading
Want to find out more about our Code-a-bot: Robot Wars course for kids?
LEARN MORE
3D Game Design Summer Courses
If you want to turn your child’s passive gaming into proactive learning, then book them on this FunTech course this summer.
From the fundamentals of game design to essential 3G game programming concepts, your child will learn the skills required to develop a seriously impressive multi-platform video game.
- Age guide: 10 to 14 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Chester, Reading and Tonbridge
Want to find out more about our 3D Game Design course for kids?
LEARN MOREWhy choose FunTech
So, if you want to give your child a ‘tech’ advantage this summer, take a look at the variety of coding courses for kids that we offer at FunTech.
FunTech kids arrive at our holiday camps with an interest in technology, but they leave with an advanced knowledge of coding and digital skills, a revived confidence and a host of new-found friends.
When you book with FunTech you benefit from:
- Ofsted registered.
- Childcare vouchers accepted.
- 9am to 5pm times.
- Structured (and fun) learning.
- Over 21 years of experience.
Our summer camps do get booked up, so please get in touch with us now if you would to book your child’s place.
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