Programming for kids

There are many definitions of the word: programming. But in reality it is nothing more than telling your computer or microcontroller what to do. You can build a beautiful robot, but if the brain of the robot does not know what to do, the robot is a lot less fun. As a programmer you can write a program in which you tell a robot what to do. Think of: drive a meter forward, turn a quarter turn and drive on. Does the robot have a sensor to recognize obstacles? Then you can program the robot to drive around the obstacle.

There are many ways to program a robot. So you have to think carefully about what you want the robot to do. Then you can start writing the program.

As a programmer you can write a program and this program can be an instruction for a robot. A short program can contain one instruction, but most programs contain a series of instructions. The robot executes the instructions exactly as you specify in the program. If you program a robot to drive into a wall, it will do so.

To make sure the robot doesn't (anymore) drive into walls, you can adjust the program. For example, you can choose to have the robot drive in a different direction when it detects a wall. You then let the robot choose which direction it goes.

You can also have a program, or a part of it, repeat. If you want the robot to drive continuously in a square, you can give the following instructions:

1. Row 1 meter
2. Turn right
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2

Unfortunately, machines do not understand languages such as Dutch or English. For that reason, we have to use a programming language. Of course, we have to write the instructions in such a way that the machine understands them. But they also have to be easy enough for children to program the program.

There are many different programming languages, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Certain languages are better suited for certain tasks, but there is no best language in general. However, we can give you a top 10 of the most used programming languages:

1. C
2. Java
3. Python
4. C++
5. C#
6. Visual Basic
7. JavaScript
8. R
9. PHP
10. SQL

However, these are quite extensive programming languages, and certainly not all suitable for children. Fortunately, there are now also programming languages that are specially designed for children. Below you will find our favorite programming languages for children (2020):

1. Scratch 3.0
2. Python
3. Javascript
4. Micro:bit/ MakeCode
5. Arduino

Scratch was initially designed for children aged 8 to 16. A real programming language for children . However, people of all ages create and share programs with Scratch. There is also a simplified version of Scratch, namely ScratchJr for children aged 5 to 7. Scratch is a free educational programming language. Teaching children to program with Scratch is easy, as the platform offers an intuitive, user-friendly visual block interface. The user does not have to type. This makes Scratch an excellent starting point for children to start programming. The block interface means that you have code blocks. These blocks all have functions. Such as ''take 10 steps'' or ''turn 15 degrees to the right''. By dragging these blocks together and connecting them, a program is created that you can have executed.

If you are new to Scratch, there is a Step-by-Step guide available within Scratch itself. This guide is ideal for children who want to learn to program. This guide will help them get started on the learning process. For an overview of Scratch materials, there is an ideas page.

Unlike Scratch, Python is a text-based programming language. Python is mainly interesting for children from 8 years old. Python is a very suitable starting point to learn programming with text. No block system. Python is considered one of the easiest programming languages to learn. With Python, you need fewer lines of code to get started. It is therefore easier for beginners to create something. If you master Python, the step to other programming languages is a lot smaller. Python is powerful enough for the development of games, web applications, automation, and much more.

There are numerous online courses available to learn Python. On our website you will also find a number of Raspberry Pi example projects where we work with Python. Python is a particularly suitable programming language for children who want to program with text.

You may not have heard of the first two programming languages mentioned. However, you have probably heard of this one: JavaScript. That is not so strange, almost everything runs on JavaScript these days. For example, the browser Google Chrome uses JavaScript. If you master JavaScript, you can easily edit web documents and create interactive apps or games. You can also use JavaScript for other things than creating web pages. You can also use it to create complete websites, server applications, games and art. It is even possible to build a robot, but this is less common.

JavaScript is ideal for increasing the level of programming knowledge. It is also a fun language to learn when you already have some experience with Scratch, Python or Makecode (we will tell you more about this below). JavaScript is mainly interesting for children from 10 years old, but not recommended as a first programming language.

We've merged Micro:bit and Makecode . Micro:bit is an electronics platform. Makecode is the software to program the Micro:bit . Makecode can be used with other electronics platforms, but Micro:bit is our favorite. You can program on makecode.microbit.org using blocks (like Scratch), but with languages like Python and JavaScript. When you create a program, you can see the code in action on a web version of a Micro:bit . Once you've got the program you want, you can upload it to the real Micro:bit .

Suppose you first create a program using code blocks. Then you can easily switch to JavaScript or Python later. The code blocks then change into lines of text. You can modify this text and switch back to blocks if necessary. This is great for children who want to learn programming, right?

Arduino is a company that develops open-source hardware and software. The company offers a range of software tools, hardware platforms and documentation. Arduino is the ideal tool to get acquainted with technology. Thanks to the many available manuals, you will be guided as a beginner. The programming language is a dialect of the C++ programming language.

Unlike the programming languages above, Arduino actually requires an Arduino board and electronic components. You write the code on the computer and upload it to the Arduino board. If all components and sensors are connected correctly and the code is correct, you will have a working project. Everyone starts with the "Blink" project. Here you make an LED blink. But before you know it, you are able to convert information from sensors into data or actions. Take, for example, an autonomously driving robot. You place a sensor that detects objects, as soon as there is an object, the Arduino knows what to do with it. Depending on the code, the robot will turn around or drive around the object. This is just one of the many possibilities with Arduino. There are countless projects online that you can copy. Or become a real inventor and come up with your own projects?

Arduino is a bit more suitable for children from 12 years old. The nice thing about Arduino is that you can make both small projects and very large ones. You never get tired of playing/ learning with Arduino. A real case of young learned old done.

Tip 1: Children learn to program by doing

You learn programming fastest and best by actually doing it. This is especially true for children. Try things out, take a code and adjust it. Of course it is useful to read a manual, but kids learn most by doing it.

Tip 2: Google is your best friend

On our website you will find a lot of manuals and example projects. Although our range of instructions continues to grow, you will still need more information. There are numerous Dutch and English websites and forums on these subjects. The chance is therefore very big that someone else already has an answer to your question.

Tip 3: It is also useful for children to understand the basics

You probably want to start programming because you want to make something cool like a robot. That is of course a fun project but also very big. It is important to first master the basics before you continue. Otherwise you will run into things that you cannot do yet, which is very discouraging. Do it step by step, start small and expand further. That way you never skip important steps in the learning process.

Tip 4: Visit a CoderDojo

There are dozens of CoderDojos in the Netherlands. At a CoderDojo, children between the ages of 7 and 17 can learn to program. The CodeDojos are organized on a voluntary basis and are generally completely free to attend. In principle, the CoderDojos are opened at least once a month.

At CoderDojo you can learn everything about programming. Think of websites, games, apps or even robots!

Gaming
Gaming is of course a big part of a developer's life. Not only building games, but also playing games is part of CoderDojo!

Technology
In addition to digital projects, CoderDojo also allows you to build your own devices using Arduino, for example.

Make friends
The atmosphere at CoderDojo is very open and everyone is welcome! This way you can quickly get to know other children who are also learning to program.

Pizza
Developing and eating pizza go hand in hand. That's why we sometimes practice this by ordering pizza together in the evening!

Are you stuck with your project?
Are you working on a project yourself and can't figure it out? Then come to a CoderDojo, there are undoubtedly people who can help you further.

Tip 5: Play with the sample code

If you have found a sample code online, you will probably read it first. To really understand the code, this is not enough. If you really want to learn to program, you have to tinker with the code. The programs generally contain instructions and comments so that you know what the code does. However, reading is not the same as understanding and actually trying to write the code yourself. We therefore always recommend not copying and pasting a sample code, but typing it over. This is the fastest way for children to learn to program.

Tip 6: Take a break if you get stuck

When you start debugging (finding and fixing bugs/errors in code) you can quickly get irritated. Debugging can take a lot of time if you have a large code. There is also no guarantee that the problem will be solved. To prevent this, it is best to do something else for a while. If you come back later with a fresh look, you will probably be able to find the problem faster and easier. So if there is no help available via one of the above tips, take a break. This way you can clear your head and come back later.

Children can certainly learn to program in a fun way. Most programming languages are freely accessible, so you don't have to make an investment before you start. Do you really like programming in Scratch and have you already mastered it? Then we recommend purchasing a Micro:bit , Arduino or Raspberry Pi . It's more fun to see the result of your work in real life instead of from your computer screen.