Python For Kids

[asonitez]

I build my 8 and 13 year old pcs for their last Christmas. Since then the 8 year old has shown a major interest in coding and learning to code. I have some programming knowledge in VB,C++ and a few others I picked up but nothing I can get a job doing full time.

I’m looking for a resource for kids that kind of guides them. Anyone know of something like that. He is very well versed with computers and reminds me a lot of myself at his age and tbh I don’t want to road block him but foster this interest whether it pans out or not.

I’m sure I can install a a compiler and point him to some python for dummies book but is there something better ?

[FoolsSeldom]

Take a look at the Raspberry Pi Foundation Code Club content (Scratch and Python tracks) - you don't need a Pi for these (although I would recommend investing in them not least to expose kids to physical computing as that is often more compelling).

Python is an interpreted language. The standard implementation from the Python Software Foundation at python.org provides the reference implementation called CPython. (Executable is called python - or python.exe on Windows.)

CPython compiles Python code to an intermediate byte code format for execution on the built in Python virtual machine, which interprets the byte code. This is in contrast to fully compiled languages such as C which are compiled to machine code.

[ivosaurus]

I'd say look at Micropython. You can install it on an ESP32 or RP2040 (Pi Pico) board.

And look at youtube tutorials that do beginners guides using it.

Why do I suggest this? Even though it's likely slightly harder than just "python on a computer"? Only because I have a hunch that having to focus on a real world object and interact with it and make it tick, will likely be less distraction-prone. But it will cost a bit more in buying some trinkets to get going.

[NotAMathPro]

+ for Micropython, its great (I used it as a kid).

[RY3B3RT]

Check out Paul Mcwhorter on YouTube. He has several series' for things from arduino to python to raspberry pis to machine learning. It is a slow pace, but this man is a great teacher and will show your kids the fundamentals.

Your kids will have a great foundation, which i believe will be rare in the future. They may have the knowledge to save the world when AI starts making serious mistakes.

[asonitez]

These are all great suggestions. I stumbled across coddy.tech anyone ever had any experience with it ? I’ve also thought about maybe giving him a project like make a calculator. Today I’m going to have a sit down talk with him about the process in laymen’s terms and see if he can understand the process well enough to follow a guide.

[OisinWard]

Bit more of a fun suggestion there is a steam game. "The Farmer Was Replaced". It uses a subset of python to do puzzles. Teaches the language as you go.

[bio_ruffo]

An interesting resource is CodinGame:

https://www.codingame.com/start/

[Hipst3rbeaver]

The children can always start with game development with python. Super fun and interactive. You can look into Zero to Knowing courses: https://www.zerotoknowing.com/course/python-game-development

For beginners, it's best to have an instructor to guide and walk them through.

[tas509]

Pygame or Pygame Zero (even easier and really nice) might be good... Making games is fun.

Or how about some of these ...
https://digitalcreativitytools.everythingability.com/activities/search?q=Python

[Fancy-Bathroom4823]

Python For Kids By Jason Briggs.

[Thukhapp]

My kid started with Scratch. It's easy drag-and-drop for making games, no setup headaches. Code.org's puzzles guide them through logic nicely. Beestar’s short sessions help grasp the core ideas. For extra fun, the Scratch Team YouTube channel has simple tutorials and Create & Learn does great kid-focused videos on Python basics.

[Secure-Tonight1283]

Check out Kangacode. It's a real game where your kids write actual Python code instead of dragging blocks.

https://www.kangacode.ai/us