Best Python Coding for Kids Course Review
Python Coding for Kids: Introduction
Today I’ve decided to dive more into what makes a “Python coding for kids” course so unique and special. I’d like to start with a quote from Python.org: “Python is a programming language that lets you work quickly and integrate systems more effectively.” Believe it or not, many applications use Python coding, including YouTube, Google Engineers, universities like Maryland, and websites such as realestateagent.com. As you can see, this programming language is essential for kids to learn.
What is Python Coding for Kids Used For?
Python Coding for Kids
Well… it is used mainly for website development, data analysis, and automation. It is often referred to as the “science computing language.”
Where Did Python Coding for Kids Even Come From?
The short version is that a guy named Guido van Rossum, in the early 1980s, was working on a project for the coding community called ABC. After working tirelessly on this, he became fascinated with the idea of creating his computer language. One of the main differences from other computer programming languages is that Guido decided to use “indentations.” Other coders thought he was crazy, but it’s actually what sets Python apart as it is “very readable.” It also doesn’t have any real error signals to alert you if code is wrong for variables and functions like Java, for example. Python’s syntax is like English.
Learning Python for Kids: Free and Paid Options
Online, I’ve seen everything from Python for kids FREE, to paperback Python books, to online courses, all ranging from $10 on Udemy up to $100 (usually coding boot camps). So hopefully, after you’re done reading this, you’ll know which is the best option for your child to learn the amazing language of Python. Just like anything else, there’s always a learning curve, but with patience, your child will be very well-versed in this coding skill when they are old enough to get a job.
Python Books for Beginners
Python books for beginners are mainly what I see on Amazon. Here’s a snapshot of a few along with one in there in Scratch. However, I’m still not sure if this is exactly what a child needs, as they’re just going to move over to the computer anyway to start learning there. I guess a book could be a good start, but most kids that I know would much rather read and go through tutorials on a computer instead of reading it in paperback.
Affordable and Free Python Courses for Kids
The next would be those lower-end courses that are either FREE or around $10 – $30 bucks. Usually, you can find these at Udemy’s Python Courses, LearnPython.org, Codecademy, YouTube channels such as NPSstation, Six Feet Up Corp, and KidsCanCode, and I believe Codakid has a less expensive option too. The hardest part about all of these free Python courses for kids is that they don’t come with any support. You kind of get what you pay for. If you’re going to go on Udemy for example to purchase $10, then just make sure you lower your expectations. Perhaps it is a good exposure starting point. But chances are that your child has already been exposed to JavaScript a little bit, so this could be just a step backward. And for $50 bucks more, you can get full online chat support, email, and live webinars to help the child along the way. I think there’s a place for those lower-end online education courses, but “coding,” and specifically Python, is not one of them. A hobby, sure, but computer science education for homeschooling is no way, Jose! I might add as well that a lot of the free Python courses for kids out there are just dragging and dropping to solve puzzles. They deal more with the logic and not the actual “writing of the code” itself. Something to watch out for.
Higher-End Courses and Boot Camps
Lastly, you have the higher-end courses and boot camps. Coding boot camps have proven to be successful if, and that is a big “IF,” you have the right instructor who can make it fun for the child. They’re nice for the child to get away for a week or a few days and code, usually in a college campus setting. However, in researching some of these, like even Tynker’s Python course or Black Rocket’s Python for Programmers course, there’s a hefty price to pay. Having to cover meals, instructors, and even lodging or travel can prove to be very expensive. I’ve seen anywhere from $500 to $1,500. With the COVID-19 pandemic, these camps weren’t even really able to fully run, and a lot of them had to switch to online interaction, which they were unprepared for. It’s hard to all of a sudden switch your business model like that.
Why Choose Simply Coding for Python?
Here at Simply Coding, we’ve seen these challenges of all different types of Python learning and have adapted to take the best of all 3. With the annual membership fee of around $100 per year, a student can do the coding right from their home. Lessons are structured with text, video, and interactive graphic animation tutorials to prevent boredom and cater to each style of learning. There are also fun little activities and quizzes to go along with each lesson. With live weekly webinars and live chat support every step of the way, this has proven to be helpful for our students. Now, if you think your child would do better learning in a Python coding camp, we also offer that, usually in the summer months. We also started offering a 10-day free trial to test the waters, which takes the nerves off the parents who don’t want to go all in if their kid doesn’t like it. And because Simply Coding is a small business, we can give attention to a student and don’t have any corporate rules or time cards to punch out. Specifically, the Python coding for kids course can be seen by clicking on this link so you can see how we teach it and what is included.
FAQ – Python Coding for Kids Courses
- What is Simply Coding’s Python course for kids? Simply Coding offers beginner-friendly Python courses for kids, focusing on interactive lessons and hands-on projects that make learning coding fun and engaging.
- How long does the Python course take? The duration varies depending on the child’s pace, but the courses are designed to be completed in a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Is this course suitable for beginners? Yes, the courses are ideal for beginners, with step-by-step tutorials and easy-to-follow instructions.
- Do I need any prior coding experience? No prior coding experience is required. The courses start with basic concepts and gradually progress.
- What age group is the course for? The courses are designed for kids aged 8 to 14, but younger or older students with an interest in coding can also benefit.
- Can my child learn at their own pace? Yes, Simply Coding allows children to learn at their own pace, offering flexibility for different learning speeds.
- Are there any interactive elements in the courses? Yes, the courses include interactive lessons, coding challenges, and project-based activities to keep kids engaged.
- How can I track my child’s progress? You can monitor your child’s progress through the Simply Coding platform, which offers progress tracking and milestone reports.
- Is there a free trial available? Simply Coding offers a free trial so you can explore the course content before committing to a subscription.
- How much does the course cost? The course pricing varies, and there are different subscription options available. Visit the Simply Coding website for current pricing details.
For more information, you can visit Simply Coding’s official site.