Teach Kids iOS Coding with Swift

Tech is evolving, and today, everyone wants to be associated with tech. More kids are getting into the tech space and are making awesome inventions! As a parent, if you haven’t yet introduced your kids to STEM, you are missing out. Big.

Swift is a programming language designed for iOS such as iPhone, Apple TVs, iPad, and Mac. Java is for Android, Swift is for Apple. Apple has a lot of amazing features that distinguish it from other Android devices. Kids can learn about the Swift language and gain first-hand experience in iOS.

teaching kids ios programming and coding with swift

Overview of Swift Programming

Swift is an app-based coding language available on iOS devices. It offers a flexible learning environment for kids, and they can choose to build their projects from scratch or choose a template from Swift playgrounds.

Apple’s “Everyone Can Code” curriculum is designed for older kids, including kids that have no prior experience in coding with Swift. Compared to other programming languages, Swift's vocabulary comprises everyday words, such as forward, go, jump, etc. the curriculum also introduces kids to the world of coding through adventures, puzzles, and colorful characters.

Younger kids between the ages of 8 and 9 are not left out as Swift offers a “Everyone Can Code Early Learners” curriculum for them. It helps parents and teachers to introduce coding to kids at a young age. The activities consist of games and activities intended to build their computational skills, as well as a foundation in coding concepts.

Swift language believes that coding should be best understood when users follow a structured process. Some kids love outlined guidance, as they believe it will be much easier for them to study. The process is strict and rigid, but worth it!

In addition, Swift has multiple Swift playgrounds which learners can choose from. There are up to 8 coding-themed playgrounds kids can choose from, all of which aim to teach kids how to build iOS apps. The Swift Playgrounds is a free download app on Apple Play Store.

All About Teaching Kids How to Code iOS Apps With Swift

Just as established earlier, Swift is the official programming language for iOS Apple apps. Swift offers various learning platforms and curricula for kids to learn how to code with Swift. Here’s all you need to know about teaching kids how to use Swift to code iOS apps.

Hello Swift

This is a complete guidebook to learning Swift as a kid. Hello Swift is an iOS programming app for kids and other beginners. It is available in both paperback and e-copy. It follows a linear step-by-step guide for kids to learn how to build apps. The lessons are written in a way that helps kids gradually absorb the terms and process of building an iOS app.

Hello Swift for kids comes with numerous benefits, some of which include a well-illustrated analysis of building an app. Kids are given tons of puzzles and other activities at the end of each lesson. This coding curriculum is effective as kids will get to build as many smaller apps as they want to test their expertise.

Hacking With Swift

This consists of more than 30 online tutorials to learn Swift as a kid. The tutorials were developed by Paul Hudson and they are free! Through a step-by-step guide, plus learning materials, games, syntax, and puzzles, the projects help kids learn how to build their own iOS apps from scratch.

Some of the projects kids can do with Hacking With Swift include Introduction to Swift, Secret Swift, Marble Maze, Swifty Ninja, and Swifty Words.

Everyone Can Code Puzzles

This is a free 40-hour book that teaches kids everything they need to know about coding Swift. The book is only available on the Apple Play Store. Each chapter of the Everyone Can Code Puzzles is a continuation of the former and kids can apply their knowledge from the previous character.

Develop iOS Apps with Swift

iOS is the operating system for all Apple devices. Kids can learn how to develop iOS apps by downloading the Swift online tutorial. Kids are expected to have garnered a little experience with coding from the Swift Playground before proceeding to the online tutorial.

With the tutorial, kids will learn about mobile app development, app design, layout, drawing, and animation, among others. There are also enough resources, including live videos, for kids to make references.

A Quick Start to Code

This is a 10-puzzle tutorial guide for kids aged 10 years and above. The book intends to introduce kids to the world of coding. Puzzles are incorporated with a step-by-step guide to introducing kids to the world of coding with Swift. Kids can also practice on the Swift Playgrounds app.

Learn to Code Videos

Swift not only offers the opportunity for kids to code apps, but it also helps them with the skills needed for coding videos. The videos are short and kept between 2 minutes or less. The activities and challenges in the videos form the base of kids’ knowledge of coding videos.

Things to Know About Swift Coding and Programming

Your knowledge of Swift programming is not complete without fully grasping the idea behind Swift Playgrounds; its benefits, pros, cons, and much more.

Swift Playgrounds

Swift Playgrounds is an iOS app designed for kids to learn how to code in Swift. Swift Playgrounds offers kids step-by-step and progressive learning guides. The app is fun, engaging, and highly effective in teaching kids how to go.

Swift Playgrounds is exclusive for only iPad and Mac. Kids will learn the basics of Swift and coding in general, then progress to advanced concepts like loops, logical operators, statements, etc. kids are not restricted to one playground as they can explore with other playgrounds as well. Swift is a text-based programming language, hence, it is only suitable for kids aged 9 years and above.

The best way to master the codes in Swift Playgrounds is to keep practicing. The more puzzles kids solve, the faster and better they become at it. Kids use actual codes and commands to solve puzzles in Swift Playground, and this prepares them for real-world coding when they are ready.

Pros of using Swift Playgrounds

Swift Playgrounds has a lot of benefits for users.

Kids can choose their preferred lesson guides and puzzles. They can also begin with a blank project and code from scratch.
Swift Playgrounds allows kids to explore different playgrounds. They can also hop on multiple projects with different playgrounds.
Kids can learn at their pace with the step-by-step guides and puzzles on the app.

Cons of teaching kids Swift

Swift is a text-based language, which makes it impossible for kids below grade 4 to learn. Swift is only available on Apple, and kids are limited in what they can build. More often than not, kids find it difficult to jump to real-world programming. The learning process on Swift Playground is highly simplified for kids, and when they are faced with real programming, it becomes difficult to catch up.

Kids cannot build a proper app on Swift Playground; they have to build on Xcode. Xcode is complicated and can only run on Macs. Xcode is used by professionals, and kids may lose interest or get lost in the complexities of coding with Xcode.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Coding with Swift (iOS Developer Plaform)

Can kids learn swift?

Yes. In fact, the Swift Playground app was designed to teach kids coding with Swift. Swift for kids follows a step-by-step guide to teach kids how to code from scratch. They can also progress at their desired pace.

In addition, there are countless Swift coding books targeted to help kids understand the basics of Swift programming.

What is Swift Code for Kids?

Swift Code for kids is a programming language that introduces kids to coding using Switch. Swift code for kids is centered around Swift language, and Swift language is the coding language for all Apple apps. Kids can learn how to use Swift Code to build apps, code video games, and even robots. Kids can also make the most of Swift code for kids via the Swift Playgrounds app on Apple Play Store.

Can Swift Playgrounds teach kids how to code?

Swift Playgrounds' primary aim is to introduce kids and other beginners to the world of coding. So, Yes, swift Playgrounds can teach kids all they need to learn coding from start to finish.

How old do you have to be to code in Swift?

Swift is suitable for kids aged 9 years and above. The programming language is text-based and requires literacy to learn. Kids who cannot read properly cannot code in Swift. There are other programming languages designed for little children who cannot read and write yet.

teach programming with ios swift for kids

Final thoughts on Swift Coding and Programming

Swift programming is a coordinated programming language to teach kids. Everything they need, including learning resources, activities, among others, are all available.

Parents can introduce their kids to Swift programming to further hone their coding skills. Most coding languages are designed for android, but the Swift coding language is exclusive to Apple apps only. Kids that can code on both Android and iOS are at a better advantage, compared to their counterparts.

Swift Playground is also resourceful for adult beginners who want to learn how to code. So, parents can learn along with their kids and have fun!

More Inspiration on Coding Platforms for Kids

These are some of the best platforms we've found that can help foster kids ability to code. These platforms have been built to support kids as well as allow them to grow and scale their learning journey in computer science and programming.