Python for Kids Overview - Parent's Guide (for those that don't code)

After block coding, Python is one of the next best scripting languages for kids to learn how to code like adults do!

Python is a great introductory programming language that kids can learn to code once they have gotten past the visual block builders (Scratch and MakeCode).

Most people consider Python the easiest, most powerful, and most readable programming language. The result is that Python commands read more like English words than long strings of 0s and 1s, making it easier for kids to learn Python without knowing a lot of programming knowledge beforehand.

Therefore, if you introduce your kids to the programming world, Python is a great programming language to begin learning. Keep on reading to learn how to break down facts and tips on how to teach Python to kids easily and effortlessly.

What is Python

Python is one of many programming languages, which provide a specific set of instructions to computers on what to do. A great language for programming beginners and professionals, it is generally ranked as one of the top languages to learn.

Most successful software companies use Python for their website's backend. The most popular and most prominent that use Python as part of their tech stack include Google, Netflix, Instagram, and Pinterest. However, you can also use the programming language for small-scale projects.

Why Learn Python

There are many reasons why it is excellent to learn Python. If you are a beginner in programming, Python is simple to comprehend and understand; that is why many people consider it a popular choice when it comes to programming languages.

Python programming is also versatile. Not only can you use it in developing websites and applications, but you can also use it for hacking, artificial learning, and machine learning. Python has over 100,000 libraries that can help you with your programming needs.

If you are also afraid of learning alone, Python has a great and welcoming community that can help you start your programming journey. Python itself has community forums, so you will be able to connect with many people learning Python. With the Python Forum, users can discuss various topics, including workflow and software development, and the Python community in general.

Career-wise, there are also plenty of lucrative Python developer jobs for kids who are wanting to plan out their life journey.

Older children help their younger colleagues during programming classes

Understanding a Python Library

Python libraries are a set of functions that make writing codes and programming more accessible. They also have diverse purposes and play a vital role in data science, data visualization, creating applications for machine learning, image, data processing, and more.

Kids can learn some of the top Python Libraries: Turtle, Pygame, Tkinter, Numpy, and Pytorch. If you are looking for creativity and fun for your Python learning, the turtle library is one of the best Python libraries where you can start. With the Turtle Library, you can teach your kids how to draw using a programming language.

Tips on Python Language for Kids

Learning Python is simple, fast, and accessible. However, some kids may not feel they can learn Python. Learning the basics of Python may seem overwhelming for some, but it is not nearly as complicated as you may think.

Therefore, starting with the basics and familiarizing your kids with the fundamental concepts of Python programming is essential. I am sharing with you some of the coding concepts that your kid can learn and understand for a stronger foundation in Python. You can also learn more about terminology and vocabulary for coding.

Variables

You are probably familiar with variables, as you may see in your math class. In Python Programming, Variables are containers for storing a value, such as text or a number.

Just like in math class, an equal sign can be used to assign a value to a variable. For example, x or y, but it can be anything that you choose. But here are some takeaway notes about Variables: Variable names cannot begin with a numeral, contain spaces, and have the same name as another variable.

Loop

Loop is a block code that are repeated until a set of conditions is met. There are many types of loops in coding, such as for loop, while loop, if loop, if-else loop, and if-else-if loop, among others. However, Python's two most popular loops are for loop and while loop.

Syntax

The structure of a language in coding is referred to as Syntax. A computer cannot understand orders unless they are properly thought out, much as it is impossible to understand an English phrase without good spelling and grammar.

The Syntax is also known as the computer-programming language's spelling and grammar.

Kid's Hurdles for Learning Python

The most significant learning curve is learning which platforms and software you need to download before coding. For starters, I would recommend downloading Python directly from their site. It will provide an integrated development and learning environment (IDLE), the app where Python will start.

Once you do that, you can pretty much follow most online readily free and available tutorials to get started. The fundamentals are great, but I find that just copying someone as they explain how to code a game may be easier than learning the initial fundamentals first.

Best Beginner Projects and Games for Python for Kids

A small but fun personal project can get kids interested in coding. Mastering a programming language like Python by creating a game or website may be the best way to learn it. I have listed some of the python project ideas that are intended for beginners and people who are just getting started with Python.

Draw Graphics Using Turtle

The majority of people, even kids, are drawn into visual things. As I have mentioned before, you can use the Turtle Library in Python to teach your kids how to draw in a programming language. Turtle Python Library is used to draw graphics.

In Turtle, we can command our cursor to move around the screen like forward, left, right, etc., and this will let us draw different shapes and even produce stunning images.

Build A Game

Who would not love games? I bet everyone does! If so, it is thrilling to write your own game using a programming language.

We can determine the rules and conditions for winning a game based on the famous play pattern. Rock Paper Scissors is an excellent project for practicing essential coding concepts like conditionals and functions.

Aside from Rock Paper Scissors, some of the easy, exciting, and popular Python Games you can build are Tic Tac Toe, Tetris, Guessing Games, Interactive Quiz Games, Snake, etc. The Snake Game is classic and fun; however, it is complicated and complex. You can build the Snake Game in Python by installing Pygame.

Learn Python with Harvard for Free

Your kids can also learn Python for free from Harvard instructors with a self-paced online course here. If interested, they can also get professional certifications once they are done, how cool is that?

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should kids start learning Python?

Kids can start learning Python at around 7 to 8 years old once they’ve learned the basics of visual builders using Scratch and MakeCode. A kid's ability to touch type and previous experience with coding are also essential factors in whether or not they will succeed.

Is Python easy to learn as a kid?

Yes! Python is simple to use and understand for beginners. And even if you are an experienced programmer, you can quickly learn Python from any programming language (no matter what). It is also simple to use and understand for beginners.

Does Python require a long time to understand as a kid?

Programming in Python is one of the easiest languages to learn and master, but it could also be challenging. The Python language is easily learnable to anyone who works hard enough, but it takes a lot of practice and patience to become a master Python developer.

Final Thoughts Python for Kids

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, and is getting popular over time because it is intuitive and easy to use. Being open source with a diverse toolkit of intuitive syntaxes, kids will find it easy to learn and discover possibilities available. With a robust standard library of modules, functions, and tools, Python makes it easy for someone to signficiantly speed up their learning when it comes to computer programming.

While we all face different challenges when we learn to code, you will never be alone in learning as Python has a welcoming community that will help you and your kid face the challenge. Check this amazing site for 100+ Python Programs with source code for free. This is also a Standard course called CS50s Introduction to Programming with Python that is absolutely free.

Learn Python for Kids

If you are interested in teaching kids python as their first programming language, here are some ideas to get started: