Error-free 2D pictogrammic syntax in a programming learning environment for preschool children

When mastering the basics of programming by preschoolers, serious difficulties are created by the need to diagnose and correct syntactic errors. With the traditional method of “on-screen” program editing, these difficulties can be avoided by blocking the child’s actions that lead to syntactic violations. Today, the technique of compiling programs from material objects (tangible objects) with command icons printed on them is gaining popularity. When using this technique, no blocking of user actions is possible. In this situation, the authors propose to protect the child from syntactical errors by postulating the two-dimensionality of the program and defining the syntax and semantics of the pictogram programming language for beginners using indentation so that any placement of pictograms in the cells of a two-dimensional table gives a syntactically correct and executable program. This approach has been implemented and tested in the domestic educational environment “PictoMir” of pictogram programming for preschoolers.