The 108 curriculum has been officially incorporated into programming language learning, and the era in which every child can code has officially begun! Is your child ready for programmed learning? We know that many parents feel overwhelmed in this rapidly changing digital world. How can they let their children learn programming when they themselves have no programming background? The Computer Science Teachers' Association (CSTA) divides the process of learning programming languages into different stages, allowing children from elementary school to high school to learn step by step along a clear framework, allowing parents to easily grasp their children's learning map.
What languages are suitable for children of different ages to learn?
Recommended programming languages for elementary school students
Usually in elementary school, most parents still hope that their children will not touch computers to avoid excessive eye strain! Therefore, we strongly recommend that you start cultivating their interest through unplugged calculation and thinking games. Once their children in grades 4, 5, and 6 have a basic understanding of English and mathematics, you can start letting them try programming. The main thing is to explore your interests, and don’t rush things!
Elementary school lower grades
1. Unplugged program games: Junyi, Haiba, program game books
Unplugged programming games mean that no computer is used at all, and programming logic is learned only through fun and simple activities, games, cards, teaching aids, and drawings. The main purpose is to train children's computational thinking. Through the course, they learn concepts such as "classification, conditional selection, loops, arrays, and error detection". Children can have fun and learn things while laughing. The Unplugged Programming Game Course is very suitable for children in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.
Junyi Education Platform is a free online learning platform that is dedicated to promoting courses that combine board games and programming, allowing children to learn programming concepts in a fun way. Through simple card games, children can learn about sequences, sets, loops and conditional judgments; and stimulate their motivation to learn programming.
Among them, there is a programming education board game that I must recommend to everyone - Coding Ocean . Through the exciting battle and level-breaking mode, it integrates the four core programming logic and computational thinking in a gamified learning way, and also extends it to let children understand these information science terms and characteristics.
2. Block-based programming languages: Scratch, microbit
Scratch
Scratch is mainly suitable for children aged 8-16. In fact, like codecombat, it is also very suitable for people of any age. In addition, Scratch's interface is also fully in Chinese, so you don't have to worry about not understanding it! It is mainly presented in the form of visual puzzles (building blocks), making programming as simple as solving puzzles and stacking blocks, so everyone can easily get started! Through puzzles and building blocks, children's integration, thinking and problem-solving abilities are trained. First, their passion for learning programming is stimulated, and their logical understanding of the design process is strengthened. Finally, they learn computer and mathematical concepts. This game can be used to create interactive stories, animations, games, etc. Common works include: mazes, whack-a-mole, music MVs. Start learning programming through gamification now!
micro:bit
※Official introduction video, can be adjusted to Chinese subtitles.
micro:bit is suitable for children aged 5 and above. Through the hardware device of the microcomputer, children only need to open a web browser and simply drag and drop building blocks to edit the program. By transferring program files via USB, it can be run even without a computer. It allows children to learn basic programming concepts and knowledge of electronic devices, connects the application of software and hardware, and ensures that children’s programming learning is not limited to software! This set of software and hardware can be used to create different works, such as controlling magnetic cars, mini pianos, measuring instruments, etc.
Elementary school, middle and upper grades
1. Python
If your child is already in the third grade or above, you can consider letting them try to learn a programming language. For elementary and middle school children, we recommend Python. Compared to traditional programming languages such as C, C++, and Java, Python is easier to get started with. It is also the most popular mainstream programming language today. The language is also widely used in artificial intelligence, data analysis, etc. Everyone knows that the more people use a language, the longer its life will be, and the basic concepts of various programming languages are not far apart. As long as you learn the first one, the subsequent two, three, or four programming languages are just syntax conversions; the learning speed can be greatly improved! However, we recommend that at this stage, parents can attract children's interest by playing games, such as: CodeCombat, Scratch, Minecraft... etc. are all good choices! Elementary school children can also participate in programming language courses, programming camps, etc. to cultivate basic programming and programming logic concepts from elementary school.
For children with no basic knowledge in programming, learning programming by playing games is the best way to get started!
It has been mentioned many times above that if you are new to programming, the most recommended way to get started is through "gamified learning". Whether for children, teenagers or adults, learning through play is the most attractive. The following are three programming game learning resources recommended.
CodeCombat
The website is mainly aimed at beginners who just need to pass the levels one after another. The website itself is like a hero who is out to fight monsters, hunt for treasures and solve puzzles! Even elementary school students can easily get started. During the levels, they can inadvertently learn the basic syntax, logical structure, setting variables and loops of various programs... The programming languages that can be explored include Python, JavaScript... and other different programming languages. Many parents must be worried, what if their children are not good at English? Don't worry! CodeCombat has a fully Chinese interface. Even if children accidentally answer incorrectly, there will be small hints to remind them how to pass the level. There is no need to worry that children will lose interest after being frustrated! There is also a multi-person online learning function. Teachers can set up clubs for students to join. Not only can they observe everyone's learning progress, but children will also be more willing to study online because of peer competition! In addition, CodeCombat holds the CodeQuest Global Competition regularly every year, and your child will have the opportunity to participate in the competition with outstanding players from all over the world! Make an appointment for a free trial class at Codecombat now!
Recommended programming languages for junior high school
Starting from junior high school, children are more familiar with English word spelling and keyboard operation. It is recommended that parents can first let their children play graphical programming games in an exploratory way, just like CodeCombat, Scratch, Minecraft, etc. mentioned above. Once they are really interested, they can start learning text-based programming to practice basic grammar, thereby building a solid foundation for their children.
1. Python
For programming suitable for middle school students, we still recommend Python to parents. Everyone understands its future applicability, and learning it will be simpler and clearer. So can I only learn Python by myself at home? Currently, many programming education institutions offer children's programming courses, including online courses, physical courses, and summer and winter camps. We also provide free trial courses so that children who are experiencing it for the first time can try to explore it.
Recommended courses for children and youth programs
The children's programming courses we recommend to elementary and junior high school students are divided into online codecombat camps and online programming courses. Codecombat's game-like programs are used to stimulate children's enthusiasm for learning. The online programming courses are divided into one-on-one English-taught classes and small group classes for 3-6 people. Parents can sign up according to their children's personalities and needs! Don't know if your kids are interested? It doesn’t matter, we can also make an appointment for a free trial class on Codecombat first!
In addition, there will certainly be parents who will ask: Are there any intensive camp training courses during the winter or summer vacations? Of course! We have specially opened a one-week intensive training course, which can improve children's programming skills in just one week! After the course, children will also be provided with a training certificate, which can be used in the learning process to enrich their personal performance!
Recommended programming languages for high school
If your child is already a high school student, or you are currently in high school, and you want to pursue a career in human resources and salary management, it is recommended that you learn programming in your spare time or during winter and summer vacations. Not only can you turn the learning process and project works into a learning journey, but you can also obtain certification through the APCS test ; we believe this will have relative advantages for your future development!
1. Artificial Intelligence
After high school students are exposed to programming languages such as Python, Java, C, etc., in response to future technological trends, it is recommended that high school students can do more in-depth learning in the field of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is divided into: data science, machine learning, deep learning, YOLO recognition, edge computing, natural language processing, etc., and AI can be used for AR/VR reality games, generating faces, recognizing voice commands, reading article content, medical prevention and treatment, etc. The scope of application is far-reaching, and job vacancies are increasing year by year. Therefore, choosing to delve into this field is also a good choice for the future! When it comes to programming languages related to artificial intelligence, Python is definitely the most popular one. For high school students, we recommend AI courses, which include learning basic Python syntax , Python programming language data , AI machine learning , AI deep learning , edge computing and YOLO implementation , etc. AI4kids provides a complete series of AI courses, guiding high school students to learn step by step and fill up their AI skill tree step by step!
2. Others: Participate in AI practical camps to gain different perspectives
Of course, before you confirm your interest development, you can also sign up for our AI Music Practice Camp , AI Sports Practice Camp or AI Medical Practice Camp to explore your interests! Participate in different camps to understand future developments. AI4kids pioneered AI practical camps that combine multiple industries, such as the AI music practical camp that combines music creation and virtual musicians, the AI sports practical camp that combines national team training and simulation analysis, and the AI medical practical camp that combines image analysis and medical model training. Through the short-term camp activities, you can not only quickly explore whether you are interested, but also learn about the current applications of AI in various industries and obtain your own special works.
Summarize
Parents now know that programming is the trend of the future, and learning programming languages is really a must! No matter your children are in kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, or high school now, it’s time to let them slowly engage in programming learning! So how do you start learning programming? Learning programming by playing games can greatly stimulate children’s learning potential and motivation, and the fully Chinese-language Codecombat is very suitable for children of all ages! In addition to the sense of accomplishment from treasure hunting and clearing levels, you can also learn basic programming languages inadvertently. What reason is there to refuse this good game!
Want to learn more? Click the button to try your free programming course!
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