web development, modeling, game creation and more

Students in grades 7–8 of general education schools are already familiar with computer science, master the basics of computer literacy, and even understand algorithms. These facts can be considered arguments in favor of starting to learn programming. But only on condition that the teenager is interested in the topic: in the opposite situation, classes will become useless.

We are in Pixel We believe that it is the background in the form of hobbies that correspond to the field of programming that should be considered as the basis for immersion in IT. And while some children become interested in coding at an early age, others prefer gaming exclusively until the end of their teenage years. But even in this case, you can get your child interested in writing code.

How? Hint that programmers are people who can create games and carry out other interesting projects. It is the game form of learning that we use in our courses and offer students the following directions:

• Creating games in Roblox using the Lua language;

• Coding in Python, including the example of scripting mods for Minecraft;

• Development in Unity using C#, etc.

All these areas are based on the principle of learning through the implementation of simple and complex projects in the form of characters, virtual objects, objects and even full-fledged game worlds. We do not use “dry” languages, we use auxiliary environments in every lesson, which simplifies learning and literally makes children program with pleasure, and also forms the basis for further development in IT.

Today we want to talk about programming areas for schoolchildren in grades 7 and older, briefly describe the options, and also show examples of projects and even free lessons. But I would like to start with another important topic and figure out whether the topic of learning coding at 13–14 years old deserves attention.

Programming courses in 7th–8th grade or self-study: is it worth it?

It was previously noted that by the age of 13–14, many modern teenagers already have computer literacy, understand algorithms and other principles of coding, know about Pascal and other classical and advanced languages, and sometimes are even interested in them. This is something of a foundation in terms of diving into “adult” programming. That is, the basis is in place, and if you are interested in IT, you can take the first steps.

Here we emphasize that 13–14 years is the age period when teenagers begin to face questions about professional self-determination and the future. If the topic of information technology fascinates you, then learning programming should be considered as a promising activity. Let us emphasize: there is no need to give preference to coding just because of the popularity of IT and the demand for relevant specialists in the labor market. Moreover, we do not recommend imposing courses, video lessons or books on your child if writing code does not interest you. In this case, neither paid nor free classes will be useful.

So, it’s worth learning coding if:

• The child really understands the basics, is well versed in computer science, and demonstrates an analytical mind;

• The student is interested and fascinated by information technology, and wants to connect his professional future with one of the relevant areas.

And now to the point: we suggest considering languages ​​and environments that will help you successfully master coding at a basic or advanced level. Let us present them in the form of connections and independent directions. In total, we will highlight 5 main options and 3 related ones, not related to programming, but associated with IT and more suitable for creative children.

TOP IT areas for children 13–14 years old: programming languages ​​for students in grades 7–8 and supporting environments

Let's talk about Lua, Python, C# and JavaScript, and also link their study to working with tools from Roblox, Minecraft, Unity and more. It was noted that the game form and the opportunity not just to write “dry” code, but to create something from scratch is a big advantage.

1. The Lua language and its use in Roblox

At Pixel, we teach Lua using the example of coding in Roblox for children from 9 to 14 years old. This age period corresponds to the stated 7th–8th grades.

The Lua language has found application in game development, which explains the choice of Roblox for educational purposes. Lua is also used for:

• Creation of graphical interfaces. An example here is Adobe's Lightroom;

• Writing bots for messengers, say, for Telegram;

• Solutions to other problems.

Now about Roblox: it is an online platform and system for creating games. Its educational potential is well revealed in conjunction with Roblox Studio, where a language derived from Lua 5.1, Luau, is used to code virtual game worlds. Developers of the presented environments thinkthat this is an excellent tool for immersing children and teenagers in “adult” programming.

Thanks to the direction, students in grades 7–8 can:

• Learn more about variables, functions, loops, branching;

• Understand basic and advanced programming principles;

• Master development and learn how to create full-fledged game worlds from scratch.

Here is an example project in the form clicker: The presented environments and language were used to create it. We also offer a selection of lessons for beginners.

2. Python language

Here we will do without reference to auxiliary environments, but in the next section we will note the prospects for supplementing learning in the form of using Minecraft.

At Pixel, we believe that 10-14 year olds can successfully master Python. The practice of our teachers who implement the program of the corresponding IT course for schoolchildren allows us to speak about this.

In short, Python is a promising language. With its help, specialists:

• Create computer and mobile applications;

• Write code to work with Big Data;

• Implement machine learning programs;

• Automate testing and more.

But this does not mean that you need to start learning the Python language with complex things.

Here e-bookcreated in this language by our student I. Sobchuk, as well as playlistwhich will help you understand that the first steps in mastering Python can be quite simple and fun.

3. Python in Minecraft

This area of ​​programming for children in grades 7–8 can be considered as a preliminary acquaintance with the Python language in its pure form, that is, without auxiliary environments. We are implementing a corresponding course program for children aged 9–13 years. Many of them cope with their studies and even demonstrate success.

We are not talking about Python: we touched on the language in the previous section. Let us just note that Minecraft is an excellent addition to the basic educational process. The ability to create mods for this game universe motivates children and makes every novice programmer more enthusiastic and willing to engage in coding.

Here example project our student N. Berezhny, as well as video selection about creating games in Minecraft using Python.

4. C# and its use when working with the Unity engine

Like a number of other areas, this option is perfect for 7th and 8th graders. We implement an appropriate program for teaching children from 10 to 14 years old.

C# is a complex language, which may call into question the methods we use, but we hasten to emphasize the role of Unity, a popular game engine, in the educational process: thanks to the platform’s tools, classes become fun even for inexperienced fourth graders.

Using the Unity environment and C# you can:

• Create 2D and 3D games;

• Develop entertainment projects for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, etc.;

• Write browser and mobile games.

As before, the game-based learning process becomes the basis for successfully learning a complex language and improving understanding of the basic fundamentals of programming.

That's what project Our student R. Kryuchkov was able to complete this in Unity using C#. We also offer a selection of training videos: This is a great alternative to complicated textbooks and a way to try out a direction to see if it's worth studying within it.

5. JavaScript and web development

The JavaScript language is commonly used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to create websites, services and applications that operate online. The course is suitable for teenagers aged 12 years and older, due to its complexity: Javascript and additional tools will have to be mastered. This:

• Standardized hypertext markup language. This is HTML;

• A style language, or cascading tables, designed for designing web pages. This is CSS.

The programming tool here is exclusively JavaScript. It is designed primarily for use in a web environment, resulting in the following example applications:

• Creation of websites and browser applications;

• Development of extensions for web browsers;

• Scripting of cloud services, simple chats, neural networks and more.

Here's an example project M. Lysov, who created the site after immersing himself in the direction. We also offer playlist with educational videos: They will help every student in 7th grade or older take their first steps in web programming for free.

Bonus: IT areas for creative students in grades 7–8

If your child loves to create, gravitates towards self-expression and is interested in digital creativity, creates bright and attractive presentations for school projects, draws and simply demonstrates other signs of active creative thinking, we recommend the following directions:

• 3D modeling. You can create your first models in Blender;

• Graphic design. To teach children within this conventional sphere, we use Photoshop and Illustrator;

• Web design. The most popular professional and at the same time educational tool is Figma.

And we want to summarize and once again emphasize that a child needs to be taught what interests him. Trying to force classes is a bad decision. Therefore, invite the teenager to familiarize himself with each of the presented areas, for example, by watching the videos we offer. This will help clarify your inclinations and make the right decision when choosing a route for additional IT education. This is important and relevant for teenagers, especially in terms of looming questions about their professional future and self-determination.

Material prepared by Pixel School. We teach IT disciplines and teach children and teenagers to code, develop, model, carry out creative digital projects and more. If you like one of the directions, come visit us: We’ll teach you everything, we’ll show you everything.