JavaScript is a coding language used for building dynamic websites and applications. Many interactive websites and games use JavaScript to create a great experience for users. Like the button that changes color when you hover or the pop-up in your browser.
JavaScript is a popular programming language that is in high demand in many industries. The good news is that it’s also a language kids can learn to start coding their own games and websites.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a programming language that enables developers to create and construct complicated, dynamic web page features. It’s a scripting language, meaning that it’s interpreted at runtime by a browser or other software.
Whenever a webpage updates content, displays animated graphics, shows interactive maps, and performs other similar tasks, JavaScript is often at the center of it.
Consider JavaScript the main layer of the web technology cake. The other two layers are HTML and CSS. Because JavaScript is such a huge part of web development, it’s one of the most commonly used languages by professional developers. According to a survey conducted by the State of JS, 97% out of 23,000 developers have a working knowledge of JavaScript.
While JavaScript is used a lot in web development, its applications are not limited to this. Programmers use JavaScript to control advanced devices and robots as well. Kids who learn JavaScript have a head start on careers with future technologies in addition to building websites.
Why Kids Should Learn JavaScript
There are a lot of reasons why kids should learn to code in JavaScript. While learning JavaScript can certainly unlock a passion that could turn into a career, there are many skills that benefit your child right now.
- Coding
- Web Development
- Computational Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Logical Reasoning
- Confidence
- Perseverance
When your child learns JavaScript, they will gain tangible skills in coding and building websites. Beyond that, they’ll discover new ways to tackle challenges and solve problems. Initially, JavaScript programming for kids involves solving simple problems.
Once your child understands the problem-solving framework, they develop logical reasoning capabilities. Logical reasoning helps kids think for themselves so they can differentiate between right and wrong actions. Through logical reasoning, your child will learn self-accountability and come up with more effective solutions. Coding and learning JavaScript encourages perseverance, as there is a lot of trial and error involved with programming. All of these skills will be useful to them in school and career too.
Web Development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Initially, JavaScript was a scripting language designed to help validate the information that users input into forms without slowing down loading times. With time, JavaScript evolved to become a full-blown programming language. Today, developers use JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to create web and mobile applications that can process user actions without needing to load a new page. JavaScript can also be used to build Artificial Intelligence tools.
While JavaScript does have uses outside of web development, its functions for websites are still the most common use for this language. For web development, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS interact with each other to create a website’s front-end design (how the website looks to visitors). They work together by sharing information to create style, content, and interactivity for projects.
If your child already has some coding experience, JavaScript is a powerful language to add. JavaScript allows kids to create interactive websites that are both more interesting to visitors and more fun to create.
JavaScript Code Structure
Common JavaScript Terms
JavaScript includes unique terms and syntax. Learning these terminologies will help your child increase their computing vocabulary and understand the JavaScript framework. These are some of the most basic terms that kids should learn first when being introduced to JavaScript:
Script
A script is a sequence or program of instructions that third-party programs (like a browser) interpret and process, rather than a computer processor. Example:
<script>
document.getElementById(“demo”).innerHTML = “Hello JavaScript!”;
</script>
Functions
A function is a series of instructions that help computers perform a task. Example:
function myFunction(p1, p2) {
return p1 * p2; // The function returns the product of p1 and p2
}
Class
A class in JavaScript creates objects by organizing data. Example:
class Car {
constructor(name, year) {
this.name = name;
this. year = year;
}
}
Conditionals
Conditionals are statements that control behavior in JavaScript. These statements determine if certain code should run. Example:
if (hour < 18) {
greeting = “Good day”;
}
Scope
Scope determines and manages the availability of the variables. Example:
{
let x = 2;
}
// x can NOT be used here outside of the {}
Array
An array is a single variable that helps accumulate multiple elements. Example:
const cars = [“Saab”, “Volvo”, “BMW”];
Console
The console is a function that helps display variables to the users: Example:
console.log(“Hello world!”);
JavaScript Libraries and Frameworks
To make writing JavaScript programs easier, you can use JavaScript libraries and frameworks. Frameworks are a set of pre-written code for programmers to easily set up the foundation for their program or website. Libraries are code snippets prewritten for multiple usages. These libraries help perform the function for faster development and reduce vulnerabilities to human error. Popular JavaScript libraries and frameworks include:
- Angular
- JQuery
- QUnit
- Parsley
- React
- Ember.js
- Node.js
Official JavaScript Resources
Here are some official JavaScript resources you can use to teach your kids:
- MDN Web Docs
- ECMA Script Language Specification
- Document Object Model (DOM) Level 2 Core Specification
- W3School JavaScript
JavaScript Concepts for Kids and Beginners
JavaScript is comparatively easier than mastering other languages and is a great choice for beginning coders. Even kids with no coding experience can learn the basics in a relatively short amount of time. The interactive functions of JavaScript are especially appealing to kids, giving them concrete and fun results of their work.
Using JavaScript, kids can create a simple random number generator or create their own pop up alert on a website. They can also add user interaction to a website, like a clickable button or a simple form that users fill out and submit. JavaScript is also used in game development, so kids can learn to build their own 3D games or even develop a VR experience.
What Age Can Kids Learn JavaScript?
Kids can start learning JavaScript as young as 8-10 years old. Coding truly is like learning a foreign language, and research has shown that younger kids are especially adept at learning new languages.
Since JavaScript is a text-based language, typing skills are important to consider. If your child has good typing skills, JavaScript is a great language to learn. If they struggle with typing, a block-based language like Scratch might be a better place to start their coding journey.
Elementary School Students
In coding for elementary students, it’s important to focus on the key basics of JavaScript, including variables, functions, and loops. Syntax is also important for this age group, as they need to learn the rules for typing JavaScript correctly. Even kids as young as 8-10 can use the fundamentals of JavaScript to create simple animated games or websites with interactive features.
Middle School Students
Middle schoolers can dive further into how JavaScript works with HTML and CSS to create more complex and interactive websites. Advanced functions, intervals, and event handlers allow kids to create interactive games and to control animations within websites and games.
High School Students
In addition to all of the fundamentals that every student needs to learn about JavaScript, high school students can start to utilize libraries like jQuery to make their games and websites even more interactive without needing to code everything individually. This age group can also learn about APIs, which allow two applications to talk to each other seamlessly.
Easy Ways to Learn JavaScript
The internet is full of ideas and resources that help young developers master JavaScript. Make sure to consider how your child learns best to determine which resources to use. Easy ways to learn JavaScript for kids include:
Games
So many kids get interested in coding because they love to play online games, and JavaScript is used in game development. So learning JavaScript through games is a perfect fit! Both CodeCombat and JSRobot use games to teach the fundamentals of JavaScript. Check out some additional coding games to learn JavaScript for kids.
Classes
If your child learns best with direct instruction, signing them up for a JavaScript class is a great way to ensure they master the fundamentals. All of our programs include classes about JavaScript and give students the tools they need to create fun games and interactive websites. Enroll in one of our coding programs for ages 8-18.
Projects
Many kids learn best by doing, so finding a simple JavaScript project they can tackle and master can be a great option. Make sure to take your child’s previous coding experience into consideration when choosing a project. Beginners should start with a tutorial that walks kids through every step. Kids who have coded before can try a project that gives more general directions.
Books
There are many options available when it comes to books that teach JavaScript. One of the most popular books is JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming. Books not only teach coding concepts without additional screen time, but they’re easy to reference over and over again. This can also be a great option for kids who have an easier time comprehending material when it’s presented on a printed page versus a screen.
Free JavaScript Projects & Tutorials
If you’re ready to start writing JavaScript code, try one of these free projects and tutorials.
