Programming, as the world at large perceives it, is no trivial matter. In fact, many people may find it hard to believe that there are children learning to programme. However, it is a reality: technology is playing an increasingly significant role in society and the labour market, and the sooner future generations adapt to this inevitable reality, the better off they will be.
Let’s remember that programming isn’t just about being fluent in several programming languages and churning out code at machine-gun speed. In fact, its foundation is a specific way of thinking to find solutions to a wide range of problems. Naturally, we cannot expect a 5-year-old to learn how to manage data in SQL or to set up communication between a website and a server in JavaScript.
Programming for children involves teaching them step by step how all programming languages work, what the logic behind it is, and what it means to programme and communicate with a machine.
Essentially, it involves them completing complex tasks and solving problems by issuing commands to a computer system. The level and the programming tools used for children will depend on their age and their previous experience with programming and technology.
Why should children learn to code?
There are many reasons why younger pupils would benefit from learning the basics of programming. Among these, we would highlight:
They explore the inner workings of the technology
First and foremost, children should learn to code because That is what the world demands. We are living in an age of technology and innovation, and there is no better way to familiarise oneself with state-of-the-art machines than by learning to code from a young age. If children learn to code, they will gain a greater understanding of how much of our daily lives works today.
They learn to tackle and solve problems
Furthermore, learning to programme teaches children to think like a programmer. This is nothing out of the ordinary, but it is incredibly useful in other areas of life. If children learn the basics of programming, they will learn to be resourceful and to develop a problem-solving curiosity, to observe and to be results-oriented more than halfway.
It promotes organisation and mental clarity
At the same time, the complexity that some programming problems can reach means that children learn to be patient and acquire organisational skills and mature organisation. This enables them to break down a seemingly colossal problem into smaller, progressive subtasks.
They learn by creating and having fun
Another incentive for children to learn to code is the creativity and enjoyment it brings them. And yes, coding can be frustrating at times, but it forms the foundation of any app, software programme, website and, in particular, any video game. Through coding, children are encouraged to that generate new ideas digital devices of all kinds.
They will enjoy benefits in their professional lives
But above all, children should learn to code because, broadly speaking, programmers form a new middle class within the private sector. In other words, The labour market is crying out for people who can programme. This is the case, and it is expected to remain so for a growing number of companies across a wide range of sectors. That is why teaching children to code is synonymous with providing them with more opportunities for the future.
Should children be taught programming at school?
Although the early years education sector may still be somewhat slow to adopt the teaching of digital skills, many teachers have decided to make room in their teaching guides to include the basics of programming in the classroom. There are quite a few advocates who argue that the curriculum should include subjects focusing on technology from the very earliest years of childhood.
There are also many voices calling for schools, and educational institutions in general, to provide more practical training that is relevant to the real world, in line with the digital age. That is why at EDUCA Open we argue that the STEM education play a central role at all stages of education with the aim of training versatile professionals of high integrity.
What is the best programming language for children?
It can certainly be difficult to choose a programming language, as there are so many available today, each with its own level of difficulty and designed for specific purposes.
But here at Euroinnova, we have put together a selection of the most accessible and educational programming languages for young people:
Scratch
Scratch is the pinnacle of block-based programming. It is a programming language developed at MIT, which children use to learn about variables, conditional structures and events. It also contains plenty of audiovisual elements to create a robust and engaging final product for children as they learn the basics of programming.
Python
Python is one of the object-oriented programming languages which most closely resemble the syntax of human language. It is popular because it is highly versatile and accommodates a variety of programming styles. Although it is not as straightforward as Scratch, putting together a Python programming teaching guide for children is an excellent way for them to acquire useful skills for the future.
After all, Python isn’t just an ideal programming language for children, but It is used at a high level in the data science sector.
Ruby
Like Python, Ruby is a programming language whose syntax is considered simple and intuitive, even for those with less experience. In some respects, such as using indentation to separate code blocks, Ruby is more fluid to code in than Python.
Lua
Created in Brazil in 1993, Lua is a very powerful open-source programming language primarily intended for video game development and which is also frequently used in educational robotics. It stands out for its ease of use, speed and portability.
That is why Lua is not only a way for children to get started in programming, but also a very productive way to have fun. Some well-known examples of video games written in Lua are Angry Birds and Roblox.
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