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Content Table
- What is Python and why should your child learn it?
- Know how coding in Python will motivate your kid
- How to start learning Python with basic syntax
- Practice small projects using python programming
- Read more blogs on how to start learning Python
- Participate in Hackathons & Other Coding Competitions
- FAQs
What is Python and why should your kid learn it?
If your kids are learning to code, chances are that they will encounter Python in their coding journey. Python is arguably the most popular programming language today, used by millions of programmers and data scientists at companies such as Google, Facebook, Spotify, Netflix, IBM, and even NASA.
It has wide applications in high-paying 21st century careers ranging from big tech to insurance to healthcare to consulting. For high school kids especially, it is a useful skill to learn if they might explore careers in the worlds of technology and business in the future. It is the foundation of many popular games that your kids probably love to play, including Civilization, Battlefield, and the Sims.
Python is also considered to be a great “first” programming language because its syntax is close to written English and it is relatively easy to learn. This means that kids can start coding in Python quite quickly, without any prior coding experience. Read on if you and your kids want to know how to start learning Python!
How to Start Coding in Python
Arguably the best way to learn is by doing. Similarly the best way for your child to learn python fast is by building projects. For children, one effective way to do this is to take classes in python. Camp K12 offers age-appropriate coding classes, with a project-based curriculum, where your child can learn to build Python projects with a 1 on 1 coding instructor can be an effective way to boost confidence, get personalized attention and get regular feedback as your child learns.
Alternatively, if you wish to teach your child, or your child wishes to self-learn, the first step to take as you explore how to start learning Python is to learn the basic syntax of Python. What is syntax, you ask? Every coding language is made up of a set of keys, characters and a unique syntax – the grammar and rules of the language – that a computer is able to interpret and convert into tasks. Python syntax is relatively accessible and easy to understand, even for kids, because it uses English keywords frequently where other languages may use punctuation. The Python section on W3Schools is a great place to understand the basics.
Why Kids Love Coding in Python
Programming can be extremely satisfying for kids because it involves building stuff. But a lot of computer languages require understanding some theory and combing through wordy textbooks before the real fun can begin. Many children can get intimidated by brackets, semicolons and lengthy phrases.
In this respect, Python is a great language for beginners because you can learn it without first deep diving into theory and the syntax itself is also much simpler than other languages. Writing code in Python is not dissimilar to writing commands in plain English; it is much closer to human language than any other programming language. With Python, children are more likely to stay motivated and likely to sustain an interest in programming for longer.
Python is the best solution to that, and.Because it is an easier language to learn, children are able to create unique and innovative projects from the beginning. Once they learn how to start programming in Python, kids can build just about anything they imagine – from websites to AI to games to digital art- anything that gets them excited about programming.
More importantly, kids who learn how to start coding in Python develop important skills such as creative thinking, problem solving and logical reasoning.
How to Start Coding in Python Using Online Resources
Parents with an inclination towards technology may choose to teach their kids programming themselves, using the help of any of the rich resources available online. Older kids can also explore self-learning. The first step, as you explore how to start learning Python, is to learn the basic syntax of Python.
What is syntax, you ask? Every coding language is made up of a set of keys, characters and a unique syntax – the grammar and rules of the language – that a computer is able to interpret and convert into tasks. Python syntax is relatively accessible and easy to understand, even for kids, because it uses English keywords frequently where other languages may use punctuation.
The Python section on W3Schools is a great place to understand the basics. You should also explore the following blogs for great beginner resources for kids and tips on how to learn Python fast:
- Python for Kids: Best Resources to Learn Python Programming by CodeWizards HQ
- So You Want to Learn Python [FREE Python Tutorial For Kids!] by Teach Your Kids Code
The Ultimate Guide for Kids’ Python Learning by Preface
Practice small projects using Python programming
Arguably the best way to learn is by doing. The best way for your child to learn Python fast is by building projects. Once you have learned the syntax, you can practice building projects on your own. For easy-to-follow projects, you can explore our library of DIY Coding Projects. Here are some other great resources for building projects with Python:
- Cool, Fun & Easy Python Projects for Beginners (with Code) by hackr.io
- Python Projects for 2022 – Work on Real-time Projects to Head Start Your Career by Data Flair
- Python Projects for Beginners to Advanced [With Source Code] by Interview Bit
To help your child learn how to start coding in Python , encourage them to build tons of different kinds of python projects. This will help them to practice the fundamentals while also allowing them to experiment with the language.
Take Online Classes in Python
Coding can be a daunting subject to learn at first, and without proper positive reinforcement and incentives, kids can easily get bored. One effective way to tackle this is to take classes in python.
Online python classes are a great way for your child to build confidence because they can learn at their own pace, with personalized attention and regular feedback from a teacher.
Many companies, including Camp K12, offer great online python courses for kids. Our 1 on 1 classes are taught by experienced computer science educators and teach kids to code through exciting real-life projects. Camp K12 classes are taught on a gamified platform, built specially to engage kids and make the learning process more enriching.
Participate in Hackathons & Other Coding Competitions
A hackathon is a competition that is designed to encourage students to apply their knowledge, creativity and skills towards solving a problem assigned to them through the use of software. In Competitive Programming, unlike Hackathons, participants are given specifications and have to build or code a program according to those specifications. Both of these types of events can be hosted online or in person.
Once your kids have learned how to start programming in Python, events are a powerful way to test their skills in a collaborative or competitive setting, help them apply their knowledge and build confidence. It can also enable them to make friends and memories that strengthen their interest in the subject.
Such events allow kids to get creative and explore their innovative side. They are also a great way for kids to learn leadership skills, teamwork and how to manage team dynamics, as many events will involve working in teams with other kids to solve a problem together.
To find a great hackathon or competition for your kids to participate in check online! In many states and counties, local companies, schools and universities host such competitions. As a starting point, check out these Hackathons, Programming Challenges, And Coding Competitions by hackerearth.
