How children learn programming through play
"Not every child needs to be able to program. But every child should at least give it a try," says media educator Katharina Pöllmann. At the Kidsdigital hybrid congress, she presented games and apps that children can use to gain their first programming experience.
How do children learn to program? The first steps
As a warm-up: Analog programming
You don't need any devices to take your first steps in programming. In this popular warm-up game, children (and adults) program themselves and learn the basics of programming along the way. Here's how it works: One child programs, another is "the robot". A tap on the left shoulder means: turn to the left. A tap on the right shoulder = turn to the right. Tap on the back: walk straight ahead.
BeeBot and other play robots
Many manufacturers now offer play robots, such as the BeeBot in the shape of a bee. Even young children can use them to learn analog programming. They can be programmed to walk a certain route using arrow keys. Some have a pen holder so that the robot draws while it follows a route. In addition to the basics of programming, children experience repetitions, loops and conditions (e.g. keep going straight until you stand in front of a wall).
How do children learn to program? Apps for kindergarten and primary school children
Box Island
In this app, the little "karate box" collects stars in increasingly challenging levels. In a very playful approach, children get used to the sequence of commands and experience their first programming concepts such as repetitions and conditions. Box Island is aimed at children aged six and over, but kindergarten children can also solve the levels if an adult reads the instructions to them. The app is available for Android and Apple, the basic version is free.
Code.org
Code.org is a non-profit organization that aims to get children in particular interested in computer science. On code.org you will find a variety of projects, often in connection with well-known "faces" from the world of children, such as Disney's Ice Queen or characters from Star Wars, Angry Birds, Minecraft etc. Most of the projects are aimed at schoolchildren who can already read. A few simpler projects can also be implemented with kindergarten children. The "Hour of Code" campaign is interesting: here there are projects that give children a first insight into the world of programming within an hour.
ScratchJr
This precursor to the well-known programming language "Scratch" is suitable for children as young as kindergarten age. Children can create their own games or small animated videos using symbols that they string together like a puzzle. There are no guided levels; the focus is on the children's creativity. ScratchJr is a free app for Apple & Android.
Scratch
On the Scratch website, children who can at least read and write a little can program great games. Scratch can be operated from any browser and now also from a tablet, although the latter is not as convenient as using a keyboard and mouse. The site is free to use. If you register there, you can save programs and use them later, share them with friends and other users and much more. Most of the functions can also be used without registration. Scratch is often used in schools and is the best-known block programming language for children.
Programming with the mouse
Based on Scratch, children learn step by step how to program picture stories and games with the popular WDR mouse. With the knowledge acquired, they can then program their own games in the "real" Scratch!
How do children learn to program? Apps for older children and teenagers
Swift Playgrounds
Swift is Apple's main programming language. The free iPad app Swift Playgrounds allows children to learn this programming language in playful levels. In contrast to Scratch, it works with "real" programming code and not with colorful blocks. The commands are also usually in English, so Swift is aimed more at older children.
Python
Python is regarded as a beginner-friendly programming language that can also be used to program complex issues. It is recommended from around 6th grade.
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