Where Should I Start AI Coding Education for Elementary Schoolers?
There are AI products everywhere these days, even in the grocery store. My child loves making board games with Scratch, so I've been looking into beginner Python classes, but people around me say it's too early. Would love some advice from anyone with experience.
10 answers
Agree. If you're good at Scratch, it's fine to go to Python.
Our kid started in 4th grade... It's better to try YouTube or free coding sites first rather than a private academy. That way you save money and can see if they're interested.
Well, isn't Python too abstract in terms of syntax for elementary school students? Their logical thinking skills might not be developed yet, so it seems a bit too hasty. I think it'd be better to let them play around with Scratch a bit longer.
I'm curious too.
Don't send them to a private academy—let them have plenty of fun with code.org or Scratch. Lower elementary kids love making games, so that's more than enough. Python can wait until middle school; it's not too late.
Do we really need to go all the way to Python? Well, still, if the kid likes it, it's not a bad idea to let them try it, lol. Let's start with a trial run first.
These days, a lot of cram schools push students to study ahead... use your own judgment.
My child started Python in 6th grade and is now in middle school, doing really well. Starting early isn't necessarily better—it's more about starting when the child has a clear idea of what they want to create. Until then, it's important to build a solid foundation with Scratch or Entry. Academy programs tend to have rigid curricula that can actually kill interest. I'd recommend starting with free library classes or online courses.
Disagree. There's also a claim that making kids code from elementary school kills their creativity.
I like the 'I Can Code Too' channel on YouTube. Kids find it easy to follow and enjoy it. As for an academy, that can come later.