Small Basic is a free, beginner-friendly programming language from Microsoft. It has real code and real errors, but very little complexity, and children can draw shapes and animations within minutes. That early success builds the confidence they need before moving to Python.
What makes it a good first language
- Visible results immediately. A few lines draw a shape or move a turtle on screen.
- Small vocabulary. There are only a handful of keywords to learn.
- Helpful editor. It suggests commands as you type, which helps with spelling and syntax.
- Readable errors. Mistakes are explained more gently than in many languages.
- Real programming. Variables, loops, conditions and subroutines all work the way they do in other languages.
Why not start with Python?
Python is excellent, and we teach it. But for a ten-year-old's first experience, its strict indentation and error messages can feel unforgiving. A child who gets stuck on a missing colon in week one may decide coding is not for them. Starting with Small Basic means the first lessons are about ideas, not punctuation.
What children build
In our Fun with Coding course, students:
- Draw their first shapes on screen in the first session
- Use loops to draw patterns that would be impossible by hand
- Use variables and input to make programs that respond
- Use conditions to make decisions in code
- Combine everything into a small game to keep
Moving on to Python
Because Small Basic uses real programming concepts, students carry everything they learned into Python. The ideas stay the same; only the syntax changes. Most students move to Learn Python after a few months.
What you need
Small Basic is free and installs in a minute on Windows computers. We send setup instructions before the first session. If your child uses a Mac, mention it in your enquiry and we will advise the best option.
Read also Scratch vs Python for kids and what age a child should start coding.
Our technology courses for kids: Fun with Coding (ages 10–16), Learn Python (ages 12–18) and Artificial Intelligence for Kids (ages 12–16). For younger children, try the free AI Explorers workshop or our free at-home coding activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is Small Basic?
A free, beginner-friendly programming language from Microsoft, designed to teach real coding concepts with very little complexity.
Is Small Basic a real programming language?
Yes. It has real syntax, variables, loops, conditions and errors, so the skills transfer directly to languages like Python.
Does Small Basic work on Mac?
It is designed for Windows. If your child uses a Mac, tell us in your enquiry and we will suggest the best option.
When should my child move from Small Basic to Python?
Usually after a few months, once loops, variables and conditions feel comfortable.
More coding & AI guides for parents
- Scratch vs Python for kids: which should your child learn?
- 15 coding project ideas for kids, from beginner to intermediate
- How coding helps kids at school
- Is my child ready for Python? Signs to look for
- AI literacy: seven skills every child needs now
- How machine learning works: explained simply for kids
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Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.