Python is a popular programming language that is used today in many different fields such as software development, server-side web development, mathematics, and data science. It's also used many different rapidly advancing areas of research, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can be exciting for children to explore. Learning Python can help your student develop problem solving and logic skills that are valuable for any career in technology, while also preparing them for a future career in computer science. So today we'll share some of the best Python coding resources for parents looking to help their child learn Python - some are even free!
Explore Some of the Best Python Coding Resources for Parents
Below you'll discover five recommended Python programming resources to help your child or teen begin or advance in their learning journey. These resources were selected because they are interactive, engaging, and most importantly, technically sound, in order to keep your child interested and motivated to learn more. You might find that a combination of the below resources is best for your student.
1. Live Online Python Classes
Grades: 5-12; Format: Expert led live online classes; Price: Free intro and a la carte flat fee; Skill Level: Beginner through advanced
Best for parents with students that would enjoy a structured learning path and the support of an expert instructor, live online classes top our list because of their engaging environment and instant feedback. Create & Learn's award-winning computer science classes in 35+ subjects are held live online and are taught by experienced teachers. All our curricula were developed jointly by tech experts and experienced educators from Google, Stanford, and MIT, with a strong focus on developing students’ creativity and critical thinking skills using project and inquiry based learning. Our classes have been recognized by Minecraft Education, Meta, HulaFrog, ActivityHero, and more. Join our free Python class today, to find the magic in technology and have fun!
Python for AI
In this expert-led class, students are introduced to object-oriented programming, and learn how to use Python classes and objects to make more complex games and applications. This live online class covers not only the basics of Python coding for kids and teens, but also puts a strong focus on the elements of Python that are most relevant to Artificial Intelligence, including data structures and libraries.
Data Analytics with Python + Pandas
Data analytics is critical to the success of modern businesses, and can be really fun to learn for kids and teens. No matter whether your student wants to become an entrepreneur, a lawyer, a journalist, a doctor, or an engineer, it is important for them to gain the power to analyze and utilize data to gain business insights and make decisions. In this live online class, students learn how to do data analytics Python and Pandas, a tool that makes it easy to look at and understand information.
Learn more about the type of support available to students in live online classes.
2. Raspberry Pi Foundation Intro to Python
Grades: 5-12; Format: Online tutorial; Price: Free; Skill Level: Beginner
Best for parents that want their student to follow step-by-step instructions to help them develop initial confidence. Nonprofit, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, guides students through an introduction to coding in Python for beginners, teaching them how to use variables, loops, and functions to create visual and interactive artwork, animations, simulations, games, and more. Using an embedded code IDE (Trinket.io), your student can code along with their interactive  instructions. By the end of this path your student will have created a scalable piece of geometric art. Each project also contains a quick quiz with three multiple choice questions. In terms of what support is available, creators are guided to the correct answer through useful feedback and are awarded a project badge.
3. W3 Schools Python
Grades: 8+; Format: Online interactive exercises; Price: Free; Skill Level: Beginner through advanced
Best for parents that want flexibility, and an older teen that is a self-motivated visual learner. W3Schools unique format provides exercises that allow teens to practice coding in Python and apply what they have learned. The website offers comprehensive tutorials on the Python programming language that cover the basics of Python, including data types, variables, loops, and functions. These tutorials can easily be completed around your teen's other activities and commitments. W3Schools also provides a wide range of examples that demonstrate how to use Python for different tasks, such as working with strings, lists, and dictionaries, and has a reference section your student can revisit anytime that includes a list of all Python's keywords, operators, functions, and modules.
4. Khan Academy's Python YouTube
Grades: 8+; Format: On-demand videos; Price: Free; Skill Level: Beginner through intermediate
Best for parents of self-motivated teens, this series of video tutorials can helpfully complement any Python resource to kick off a beginner's education. Khan Academy's YouTube channel's videos cover the basics of Python, including data types, variables, loops, and functions. The nonprofit also provides tips and tricks that can help teens write better Python code and become more efficient programmers.
5. Python Website
Grades: 8+; Format: Online articles; Price: Free; Skill Level: Beginner through advanced
The Python website is best for parents seeking comprehensive coverage of the language, and for teens that are self-motivated tinkerers. The Python website has a beginner's guide for non-programmers that is very helpful. It will walk you through how to download and install Python on your computer. Then, there's a list of tutorials, quizzes, and challenges to pursue. Finally, there is tons of documentation your student can reference anytime as they progress.
Get Started with Python Coding Resources for Parents
Now you know a handful of excellent, effective Python resources tailored to your child's age and skill level. These resources cover all the important aspects of the Python language and provide a solid foundation for the child to build upon! Try a few out, and stick with the ones where the material is not too difficult for their your student to understand, but also not too simplistic. Your student should be able to both understand the material and be able to apply it to real-world situations, showing they have a firm grasp on the underlying concepts. Up next, explore the differences of beginning learning coding with Python vs. Scratch.
