Last Updated on January 28th, 2024

Java Reference Tutorial For Young Programmers by CodeMonkey

Coding is probably a term you and your children may be hearing more often as time goes on. The term, for purposes of Java, refers to the process of writing computer programs and is becoming a more and more demanding skill in the job market. That makes it an important addition to the education curriculum for many years.

Even very young kids can get a start with learning to code using age relevant websites like CodeMonkey. Besides preparing them adequately for their future, there are plenty of other reasons to teach coding to children. Using Java is an ideal introduction to the topic. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to make it work for you, whether you’re a teacher or a parent.

Java Reference Tutorial For Young Programmers

This tutorial is like a friendly map that will help young mind programmers to explore the world of Java programming. We will discuss how to learn the Java programming language, step by step. So, if you’re curious and ready to have fun with Java coding, invest your time in reading this article and discover the exciting world of Java!

Why Should Kids Learn to Code?

For teachers, incorporating coding into their lesson plans has amazing benefits for their students. For parents, finding age relevant coding extra-curricular activities will help keep your kids engaged and set them up for success in the classroom and beyond. If you’re on the argueent about whether coding is a valuable skill for kids to have, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to find out about all of the wonderful advantages that go with learning to code at a young age. 

Boosts Problem-Solving Skills

Problem solving is a skill that translates to many other areas of a child’s life, so it makes sense that teaching them ways to do this has value. It turns out that learning to code is a fantastic way to make the process fun and establish the skills at the same time. Being an efficient problem solver boosts creativity, emotional intelligence, research abilities, decision making and collaboration, which are all important skills for kids and adults. The consistent challenges that coding presents to children encourages the development of new ways to find solutions and is done in a fun way. 

Improves Computational Thinking

This term refers to the idea that students can express problems in the way that a computer might. What that looks like is learning to break complex problems into small pieces, which allows them to find patterns that lead them to solutions. Transitioning young children from paper puzzles and game boards to online coding enhances this ability by adding the skills needed to succeed at gaming. The results of testing on kids who engage in such activities shows that coding increases algorithmic thinking patterns, which can translate to other subjects, including math. 

Encourages Determination

Failure is a predetermined when it comes to computer science, so it’s a fantastic way to build a child’s determination skills. In fact, finding success with coding can’t happen without addressing all of the errors that occur along the way to a final product. Without resolving these errors, the program won’t run as intended. As kids fix the problems, they learn the art of sticking with it and untiring until they get it right. Learning that failure isn’t the end of the road is something that serves kids well now and as they get older. 

Teaches Creativity

Creativity tends to take a backseat as one gets older, which is unfortunate as it’s an important part of success for many endeavors. Ironically, creativity is also a prized skill from a parent’s and teacher’s perspective. Coding allows kids to boost their creative abilities and sticks with them as they develop their coding abilities. When someone retains this creativity into adulthood, it improves the chances of reaching goals and improves quality of life along the way. Coding encourages experimentation, which helps them find creative solutions to all sorts of problems that life may throw their way. 

Teaches Digital Literacy

While you likely can’t rely on coding alone to teach digital literacy, it’s definitely helpful for building those skills. In our modern world, technology is everywhere, so it’s vital that kids can navigate it at an age appropriate level now, and as they get older. Digital literacy is described as the ability to interact with technology in a meaningful way. This includes using the internet to conduct research and play games, but also includes staying safe online, recognizing and avoiding cyber offenses, and adhering to online codes of ethics. A tutor for coding can help your child build their digital literacy skills. 

Builds Career Skills

Sure, a booming career may be years away for your child, but part of their success in the workforce starts now. It might sound crazy, but putting career skills into place from an early age increases the chances of success down the road. Seeing as much of the workforce is technology driven these days, it makes sense to get kids ready for that environment in the classroom. Even if a child is not interested in a coding related job at some point, the skill can still come in handy because it will make them stand out when they submit their resume to any job. 

Improves Confidence and Communication

While there are certain aspects of coding that are individual pursuits, it’s also a way to collaborate and work as part of a team. Coders work to achieve their goals, both individually and as a member of the group. When children are part of a coding team, they have the opportunity to build their collaboration and teamwork skills. Success, whether on their own or with their group, boosts confidence and motivates kids to keep going. 

Programming Languages Suitable for Kids

Yes, coding can be considered a language and learning a new language in childhood is much easier than it is in adulthood. But, to ensure that coding is a successful endeavor for your child or student, it’s important to choose the right program to teach them the language of coding. 

Scratch

Scratch is a great jumping off point for kids as it uses visual programming to teach them the art of coding. The program allows users to learn hard coding by dropping, creating and dragging command blocks that are colorful and fun to play with. These blocks, in turn, are used to put together games, animated characters, interactive stories, apps, music and sound effects. Scratch offers pre-existing games as reference points, guiding children as they learn to code. 

Python

Considered one of the easiest scripting languages to learn, Python is a good starter coding program for children. Requiring minimal lines of code to run, it is perhaps the easiest to learn, as well. In fact, it’s regularly used by Disney and Google. Python can be used to make video games, web frameworks, AI and cybersecurity. The text-based commands mimic the English language and the program also has built-in help comments and a long list of helpful online resources. 

Lua

Lua is the ideal choice for kids and teens who want to learn robotics and video games, specifically. The well-known game Roblox was created using Lua and many other programs use Lua code, including Angry Birds and Adobe Photoshop. While it’s a bit more advanced than other options, it is still fairly easy to learn and is a great choice for using alongside other codes to enhance function in other programs. 

Java

Java is considered one of the most widespread programming language. It will take the rest of our focus in this guide. In fact, people who learn Java have an increased earning potential in the job market, due to its popularity and global use. Minecraft is one of the best (and most known to kids) programs that was built using Java. Gmail and Twitter were also developed using Java. It’s fun for kids because it’s one of the top choices for developing video games and apps, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a great option for children. 

How to Learn Java with CodeMonkey?

Following the correct steps is the best way for kids to learn Java. CodeMonkey explains coding in easy to understand language and is developed specifically for young learners. Let’s work through the steps, as they relate to the CodeMonkey website, so that you can guide your children or students through the process of learning Java.

Step#1: Understand the Age Group

One of the reasons why CodeMonkey is so great is because it closely understands kid’s mind and how they learn, as well as the ways they enjoy learning new concepts. The first step to any coding program is to ensure that it understands its users. Kids learn coding best via visual and interactive learning, which CodeMonkey delivers in bulk via its courses, designed for learners from kindergarten through 8th grade. At the same time, you want your learners to be comfortable and engaged and the colors and graphics on the CodeMonkey website delivers in this regard as well. 

Step#2: Introduce Basic Concepts

For coding beginners, starting with the basics is imperative to boosting their confidence in the skills and helping them understand how it works. Starting with describing programming, using kid-friendly terms and explanations makes it happen in a fun and exciting way. Making it relatable is also vital, so comparing tasks to everyday tasks or activities and providing plenty of repetition is also something that CodeMonkey does well in this regard. The interactive games on the website deliver similar results with their fun and engaging format. 

Step#3: Find a Child-Friendly IDE

The IDE, or integrated development environment, should be adapted by the beginners. Learning Java on CodeMonkey allows for the use of a visual interface, which makes it much simpler for children to learn and comprehend coding concepts and eliminates the complex syntax that may keep them from understanding what they are being taught. 

Step#4: Teach Basic Syntax

Speaking of syntax, when it comes to teaching kids coding, keeping it simple is important. Start with the basic Java syntax, which includes learning to define variables, data types and basic operators. When that knowledge is in place, it can be built upon as kids continue to learn and use Java. CodeMonkey also does an outstanding job of teaching programming constructs by using analogies and visual aids and binds the information in the brain of the learner. 

Step#5: Make it Engaging

It’s no secret that kids learn more efficiently when they are engaged in the learning process. CodeMonkey is an ideal way of giving kids a hands-on way to learn Java, including courses like Dodo Does Math, Coding Adventure, Coding Chatbots and Banana Tales. Each is designed for a specific age group and keeps them engaged with hands-on and age appropriate activities that enhance their coding skills. 

Step#6: Utilize Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

OOP uses objects to represent data and teaching kids the concept in an engaging way is important for teaching coding via Java. Java uses objects and classes in its OOP approach so defining those terms for kids is a good starting point. Classes are used to develop objects, attributes and methods, while objects can apply to real-world or abstract objects or entities. Comparing these to familiar objects, such as blueprints or an actual house built from the blueprints, makes it easier for kids to grasp the concept. 

Step#7: Encourage Collaboration

Using pair programming features when teaching Java on CodeMonkey encourages kids to work together on their coding projects. As mentioned at the start of this article, this translates to improved communication and problem-solving skills. 

Step#8: Apply it to Real-World Applications

When teaching coding with Java, binding the knowledge and skills by using real world applications is an important part of teaching the program to kids. Showcase how Java has been used to create popular video games and apps so that young learners can apply it to something they are familiar with and may have used in their everyday life. 

Step#9: Direct Learners to Additional Resources

While Java and CodeMonkey are comprehensive ways to learn coding, it pays to have resources to direct kids to for additional practice and ways of enhancing their coding skills. Any resources you share should be age-appropriate ways of building on their Java skills via games and other coding platforms. 

Step#10: Celebrate Milestones and Achievements

The little wins along the way are great motivators to keep kids interested and engaged in learning to code. Acknowledge these successes along the way and celebrate when kids master a new skill or reach a new level. This can be done verbally or by awarding small prizes or honours. 

The final line when it comes to coding for kids is to keep it fun and keep it engaging. Age-appropriate programs and interactive games are the best way to do this and CodeMonkey is the ideal site for making it happen.

For the latest demanding topics on Java, kindly visit series of tutorials on Core Java, Spring Boot, and Java Microservices accordingly.