Programming language for kids?

[NeilF]

So I thought I'd try and do a little programming with my two kids, 8 & 12.

Looked at "Simple Basic" which was actually not bad, BUT:-
1) It's case sensitive so "do" does not compile for example, as it needs to be "Do". Not kid friendly!
2) Compile/running isn't very friendly.

Next, I lookinged at Small Basic (from Micro$oft). Not bad.



But is there anything else out there that's a nice straight forwards/flexible programming languge (basic) for kids?

 

[NeilF]

Python.

Got a link to something somewhere to download?

Had a look at Python 3.1 and doesn't seem very kids friendly?

 

[NeilF]

Scratch?
If you have a pi look here.
https://www.raspberrypi.org/learning/getting-started-with-scratch/
Depending on your kids it may be too young for the 12 year old.
Quite a few resources here.
https://www.raspberrypi.org/resources/learn/
Something called Kids Ruby looks fun.

Scratch looks like a very simple way to get kids using coding logic while being visually appealing. Plus all seems browser based so very accessible!

So far Small Basic seems a very nice environment, but it would be nice if graphically it was just a touch more powerful. I mean you can't even do things like draw some lines, clear the screen and redraw them, to do super basic animation etc. (I believe)

 

[NeilF]

VB.Net

Not trolling, if they're going to learn something, it may as well be a language that's actually used in production environments. It's got the most english-like syntax too. Download Visual Studio Express for free and you're away and running. I don't see why compiling is such a burden - it's just a single button press.

A bit heavy for 8-12yr olds to start with surely? I've done a little bit and I don't remember it being a turn key operation. ie: A single little listing with nice english statements in there to achieve something straight forward.

 

[NeilF]

http://boingboing.net/2012/12/18/python-for-kids-a-playful-int.html

That looks interesting! Python looks a touch "deeper" than Small Basic, but I imagine it's faster & more powerful.

The editor in Small Basic is simple & very friendly so I think I'll start them in that, and then once they have the fundamentals, look to move up to something like Python.


With Python, I assume just get the most recent? And then is there an editor that's recommended? ie: Something that super friendly like your typical Microsoft ones?