A Good Programming Language for Middle and High School Students

On a previous post, we discussed that kids should take up coding. On that post, we see that there are positive outcomes to learning how to program, such as developing logic and reasoning. The one thing that was not mentioned was the

actual programming language that could be used. That should be up to the individual student to decide what to learn.

On a quick overview, coding can teach students to think “outside the box”. While computers do play a significant role as a tool, the students will use their ingenuity to solve real problems. Further, they can use their creativity to bring their digital ideas to life, such as making games, building websites, or programming robots.

When it comes to the actual coding, there are plenty of choices for those who have little experience. With that being said, I recommend the Python programming language as a starting point.

Python as a Starting Language

1. Simple Syntax: Python looks like plain English. For example, if you want to print “Hello, World,” all you need is one line: print("Hello, World").

2. Immediate Results: Students can write a few lines of code and see results right away.

3. Real-World Applications: Python is used by professionals in all types of fields, such as web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and game development.

4. Supportive Community: There are tons of resources for learning Python. From online tutorials to YouTube videos to free coding platforms.

Other Great Choices for Young Coders

While I do recommend Python, it is not the only programming language to be considered. Here are a few others that work well for middle and high school students:

• Scratch: If students are very young or completely new to programming, Scratch is a fantastic starting point. It is a visual-programming language that lets students drag and drop blocks to create animations, games, and stories. It is fun, colorful, and perfect for building confidence.

• HTML and CSS: For students interested in web design, learning HTML and CSS can be exciting. These languages teach the basics of how websites are structured and styled, giving students tangible results they can share with family and friends.

• JavaScript: Once students have a grasp on HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a natural next step. It allows them to make websites interactive and dynamic, adding buttons, animations, and more.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start Small: Encourage students to begin with small, manageable projects. They can get involved in projects, such as creating a simple calculator, designing a quiz, or programming a virtual pet.

2. Make It Fun: Choose projects that match their interests. A student who loves gaming might enjoy designing their own game, while a business-minded individual might prefer building a website for a business idea.

3. Find Resources They Love: Whether it is online platforms like Code.org, apps like SoloLearn, or YouTube tutorials, there are many choices available.

4. Be Patient: Coding can be frustrating at times, but that is part of the learning process. Celebrate every success, no matter how small, and remind students that every coder (even professionals!) hits roadblocks.

Conclusion

Introducing kids to the the world of programming will help them to think critically, create boldly, and solve problems fearlessly. Whether they are writing their first line of Python or creating a fun game in Scratch, every step they take is a step toward a brighter future.