forth

Teaching Kids Forth – Anna Liberty

2 months ago

The author chose Forth, a stack-oriented concatenative language from 1970, to teach middle and high school students programming over more popular options like Python or Scratch.
Forth was selected because it avoids complex syntax, focuses on fundamental concepts, and integrates well with a custom learning environment, with a side benefit that even experienced students learn something new.
The curriculum consisted of 12 one-hour sessions with the goal for students to create their own art (drawing, animation, or game) using Forth, runnable on their own computers without installation.
Students learned the stack data structure using paper plates to physically simulate push and pop operations before using a digital Forth interpreter (Easy Forth).
In the final session, students modified a snake game and created pixel art, demonstrating familiarity with Forth without needing advanced refactoring skills.
The author reflects that while Forth's low-level stack focus may not be ideal for beginners, a concatenative language with immediate visual feedback could be effective, but ultimately the environment and opportunity for self-direction matter more than the specific language.
The author emphasizes the importance of human-centered teaching programming, especially as LLMs become common, to prevent skill atrophy and ensure safe, reliable learning.