HTML For Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Started

HTML For Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Started

Want to get your kid interested in computer science? Learning HTML is a great way to start. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a programming language used to create web pages. By learning the foundations of HTML code structures, kids can build a real live web page and open the door to many creative career opportunities in the future. 

Understanding the fundamentals of languages like HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) makes it easier to advance into coding things like video games and mobile apps. By signing your child up for a class or camp that focuses on HTML, you help them learn the building blocks of the internet.

Why Your Child Should Learn HTML

Perfect for elementary and middle school-aged children, HTML is a relatively simple programming language to understand if you want to learn how to build websites. Children get practice using tags when coding in HTML, which tells the browser how to display text, content, and graphics. Learning how to properly use tags is an important step to code in other languages.

Coding is a creative outlet for many students. Empowering kids to learn how to code can help them:

  • Develop strong problem-solving skills
  • Build resilience
  • Engage creativity
  • Explore imaginative free play
  • Excel in STEM studies

Having a foundational knowledge of HTML takes many coders beyond basic web development in their professional careers. Other real-world career opportunities that leverage HTML include:

  • Java developer
  • Web designer
  • Computer programmer
  • Software engineer
  • Software developer
  • Mobile app developer

Is HTML Easier To Learn Than Other Languages?

While the approach to learning HTML is different from coding languages like Scratch and Python, it doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, if you break it down, it can be quite easy. If a student can set simple expectations, keep their syntax organized, and remember to save their work as they go, they’ll be successful. They’ll be surprised how easily they learn the basics of HTML.

As your child is learning HTML, most instructors follow these simple steps:

  1. Show them how to use a simple text editor, like Notepad to write your code
  2. Explain how saving a file as .html is how the website populates the visuals on a web page
  3. Help them organize their thoughts on what elements they want to display using code
  4. Introduce syntax and simple elements, such as <html>, <header>, <title>, <body>
  5. Explain the importance of an opening tag “<” and ending tag “>”
  6. Demonstrate how you view a file on a real web page
  7. And troubleshoot to make changes to the content or design

Once your child opens their .html file in a browser, such as Chrome, they’re bound to be amazed with their markup. They’ll be able to view the website they coded with the click of a mouse. From there, they will learn to make changes to their code so the final design looks exactly like the plan they envisioned.

HTML: A Building Block To Coding Knowledge

Technology may be ever-changing, but the HTML language has been widely used for decades and is still popular for web development. Given its longevity and global use, it’s hard to argue against learning HTML as a foundational coding language.

HTML is commonly used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Creating anchor tags and links used to navigate the internet
  • Building headings, paragraphs, and formatting other contents of a web page
  • Inserting images and elements onto a website
  • Database storage (HTML5)
  • API integration
  • Game development and animations
  • Robotics

With fluency in HTML, kids can expand their knowledge and find success in life and in their careers.

What Is The Best Way For Kids To Learn HTML?

Different kids learn how to code in different ways. Starting with small programming challenges makes it easy for kids to visualize how written code translates to a visual website.

Some kids love interactive classrooms or coding camps. Families looking to help their kids learn a new skill should look into theCoderSchool’s camps. Courses are available in dozens of locations all over the continental United States.

Not all students prefer to learn in person, and that’s okay, too! HTML tutorials offer step-by-step instruction via theCoderSchool AppStream to introduce beginners to the basics of HTML. As students grow in confidence and experience, they may wish to attend in-person camps or classes and get skills in advanced HTML or HTML5.

HTML Courses for Kids Near You

Learning fundamental coding skills from a young age can open up opportunities. Even elementary school coders can learn about syntax and simple elements and HTML tags, and transfer those skills to suit other creative interests.

TheCoderSchool provides HTML coding camps and classes across the United States. We offer a variety of flexible courses for students, including virtual learning, in-person classes, or private one-on-one lessons. Educators who teach HTML are dedicated to providing a child-focused learning philosophy to help the next-gen to take their curiosities with technology to the next level. Also, if you’re interested in other languages such as java, check out this ultimate parent’s guide to java for kids here.

Find a class near you and get in touch with the educators at theCoderSchool today if you have any questions.