#KidsProgramming #BestWayToStart #VisualScriptingVsC++
Hey everyone! 👋 Our 9-year-old is showing an interest in programming, specifically for creating games. We’re wondering – what’s the best way for kids to get started in programming?
Here are some thoughts we’re considering:
– Should we dive straight into a complex language like C++, or start with visual scripting tools to make learning more fun and engaging for their age?
– What are the pros and cons of each approach when it comes to kids learning to program?
– Any recommendations for beginner-friendly resources or online courses tailored for young learners?
What do you think is the best way to introduce programming to kids who want to make games? Share your insights and tips below! 🚀🎮 #Parenting #STEMeducation #GameDevelopment
I’d imagine most kids would have an easier time with scratch than c++
I don’t doubt that some 9-year-olds can learn C++, but doing it on their own seems like a challenge. Do you know C++ so that you’d be able to guide them and answer questions?
Maybe a middle ground is python with a library like [pygame-ce](https://pyga.me/)
I think those two choices are on the 2 extremes. Python has a ton of material, even for kids. Starting with a goal, though, can be very powerful. We tried to start my son on Python since there were a ton of great resources, and didn’t stay motivated. Then, he ended up learning some Java to do an Android app, then some C# to program some things in Unity. It was all about the end goal for him. He’s older now and doing Rust since I think he wanted to know some stuff his parents didn’t know LOL.
So, I think it depends on his learning style.
I’d also highly recommend looking into [FIRST Lego League](https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll)
I would say Scratch by MIT!
I actually think it is possible to start with C. C is really small language, it can be easily understood to do basic things.
I believe this is much more useful than starting with a visual scripting type language.
The young mind picks up these concepts very quick. I was maybe 10 or so when my father introduce me to BASIC, and then went to C.
Having visual results rather than just console output, I would say is important especially for young learner. In this manner if you set up something like RayLib for the child, they will be able to do things with graphics and it will be more appealing.
Also maybe Processing.
And if is interested in games, there are so many other areas involved as well as programming. And at some point they could learn Unreal & Unity.
Is very nice though, I am looking forward to if my daughter has interest in these things, she is too young at the moment 😌
Scratch > Dr Racket for games > Lua > Python > C++
If they like video games, Minecraft can be modded or make shadees. Very quick feedback
If you have a Nintendo Switch I’d highly recommend Game Builder Garage!
The whole thing is built for visual scripting with a much more intuitive interface than Scratch imo. Plus the added portability of it being on a handheld. If docked you can plug in a mouse as well!
At the moment my son (9) is working on his Roblox game. It has a good portion of visual map building and a language with some YouTube tutorials (not to compare with professional tutorials for other languages )
Here’s what I’m doing for my 9yo and 11yo:
They already know a little scratch from school. I showed them JavaScript For-loops and walked them through making their times tables, using Alert() functions where a flash card would go.
Now they’re taking a $15 Udemy course over summer break on making Roblox games. It’s going quite well.
am i the only one thinking about RPG Maker?
I recently got a temporary summer job teaching Java and Python to highschoolers with a company called CWHQ. The classes have around 4-6 students and they’re on zoom. I have no experience teaching their elementary level classes but they start with Scratch and transition to Python. If you don’t think your kid needs a structured environment with zoom classes/homework then there’s always tons of free and affordable resources on YouTube/Udemy.
I started programming in middle school ~12 years ago with GameMaker tutorials from HeartBeast and later discovered Brackeys videos for C# and applying those concepts/mechanics to my own projects. I managed to get an internship right out of High school. There’s really no ‘right’ way to learn but the best way is whatever gets you motivated/excited for it. A fun analogy I like to use is people asking what’s the best camera, typically the answer is whatever gets you to shoot photos 🙂
I recommend having your kid learn Godot and their scripting language GDscript. It’s easy to learn and he will see results quickly and visually as he’s building and learning. Have him/her follow along with some YouTube tutorials to start.
Visual scripting didn’t work for me when I was about that age, but C++ would have requires much more knowledge about computer architecture than I had back then. Action script (which doesn’t really exist anymore) worked for me.
Different thing work for different kids but if I was 9 today, I would encourage myself to learn JS with p5.js. Khan Academy has a good starting point where they teach drawing and animation with code, but I’m not entirely sure what sort of teaching materials 9 year olds are typically able to comprehend. I’d encourage you to consider Khan Academy still though and see if that seems right for your kids level. https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming/programming
Godot + GDscript seems to my like the perfect starting point after the basics with scratch
As a kid, I always wanted to make games, that is what led me to programming. I don’t like scratch, because for me it has too free structure. I liked the old game maker, and I like unity. Godot is a suitable alternative, I heard. Imho it does not really matter too much which language you choose, but more on his desire to make something, and what it is. I never made my own Call of Duty, but I learned a lot on the way.