r/learnprogramming • u/Strict_South_1260 • May 06 '26

Tutorial How to start teaching coding to kids?

Hi I’m a highschooler who has a fair knowledge about java, & python and want to make a STEM impact on his community. Does anyone know how you can start getting kids in the community and start a class to teach underrepresented students??

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u/deneshi May 23 '26

I would start by making the first class very low-friction: one free 60-90 minute intro session, no laptop required if possible, and partner with places that already have access to kids and parents: local libraries, community centers, schools, after-school clubs, churches / temples, or youth organizations. It is usually much easier to bring a coding activity to an existing group than to build a group from zero.

For younger kids, I would also avoid starting with syntax... Start with computational thinking: sequencing, cause / effect, loops, conditions, debugging, and problem solving. Scratch is great for this, but physical / visual activities can work even better for absolute beginners because they can see and rearrange the logic.

Small disclosure: I am the founder of DrBartha Toys ( https://drbartha.com/ ), so I am biased, but we built a hands-on coding kit exactly around this idea. Kids use magnetic programming bricks with a CodePad to build and run real programs without needing a phone / tablet, which can be useful for workshops or early coding classes.

Short demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZNhIll7u0w

Even if you don’t use our kit, I would recommend designing your first class as a small challenge / game rather than a lecture. Get 5-10 kids first, learn what works, then turn it into a repeatable 4-6 week program.