Coding for kids benefits their mathematics and writing skills to give them relevant skills in life and ultimately in the workforce. If we need to set our kids up for academic success, every child should discover to code.
There are several reasons why Coding is necessary to learn and why Coding should be practiced in schools from an early age. First, the early children learn to code, the better their chance at success.
What is Coding
Coding is the means of interacting with a computer. It is employing a language that a computer experiences to provide computer instructions to perform distinct functions. Thus, Coding allows us to create computer software, apps, websites, and video games.
There are multiple types of different code, depending on what you want to develop. And additional “programming languages” that individual has their set of rules. But fundamentally, Coding is giving instructions to a computer to produce the desired outcome.
There are so many steps to get started with teaching kids to code. Here are a few suggestions from our site:
Start Unplugged
You can get started coding with your kids today! It’s easy, and all you need are items you likely already have around your house. To first begin learning the basics of coding, you don’t even require a computer! One of our most successful unplugged coding activities includes learning to code with a deck of cards! You can learn how to code with a set of cards here, or you can find the whole list of unplugged coding activities here.
There’s an App for That!
If you’re like me, you struggle with appropriate screen time for your kids. I know that I got to the point where one more YouTube video of kids opening and reviewing toys was going to send me over the edge. So instead, we try to make our screen time as educational as possible. Many fantastic coding apps can get your kids learning to code without even realizing it. Even popular games like Minecraft have an education edition that helps kids to learn to code. Our favorite coding app is this one. We have a whole list of the best coding apps for kids here.
Start with an Hour of Code
One of the easiest ways to taste programming basics for kids is the fun and FREE hour of code activities available online. These activities are designed to take only an hour and give kids and parents a chance to understand the importance of learning to code. We have an entire list of our favorite hour of code activities here.
Coding Worksheets
Our coding worksheets will help to reinforce the basic coding concepts learned in the activities above. These worksheets are perfect for the classroom or home. Our worksheets cover the concepts of algorithms, sequencing, loops, variables, decomposition, branching, and debugging.
Why should kids study Coding? There are so many goals to learn Coding; it is hard to pick just a few benefits of learning to code. There are many reasons to learn to program from problem-solving skills, job opportunities, critical thinking, and creativity. Let’s review why kids should learn to code.
Here are the reasons why Coding is essential to learn for kids:
Programming helps children learn to problem-solve
The ability to solve problems is a trait that is useful in life in general. We all want our children to become excellent problem solvers to overcome any adversity they face. Learning to code gives children the chance to learn this skill while they are young, and it can help them along the way in life. It is one of the big reasons Coding is essential to learn.
Challenges To Develop Resilience
When children learn to code, they develop the ability to bounce back after failure. They understand that failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and in fact, it can often be something positive because it serves as a learning opportunity. It is one of the most fundamental reasons kids should code, as they will learn quickly that ‘debugging’ your code is half the fun.
Teaches How to Evaluate
Learning to code teaches children how to think. Computer programming isn’t just about teaching how to type lines of code. It is more about teaching children how to think differently. Children learning code will need to take a vague idea and use their creativity to make it compelling. If the first solution doesn’t work, they try another one. If that one doesn’t work, they try again until the problem is solved. Coding helps develop this way of thinking, and these thinking skills are highly sought after.
Expands Creativity
Coding is essential because computer programming teaches children to experiment and gives them the confidence to be creative. Just like acquiring a language or performing a musical instrument, kids require motivation. Usually, scanning results along the process is sufficient to cultivate this, which happens when children learn to code.
Computer Programming is Future
A child who learns how to code will have the advantage in life with more employment opportunities available to them in the future, no matter which business they decide to enter, whether it be in the technology sector, finance, retail, health, or other. Therefore, it is an important reason why Coding should be taught in schools.
Skill Development for the Industry
Experienced computer programmers are in demand, and with the advancement of technology, there are increasing career opportunities arising every day. Employees who can code are the future and are highly sought after in any industry. Furthermore, if children learn to code at a young age, their experience starts young, and they are more likely to grow up with interest in the software industry, therefore contributing to our future.
Helps to Have Fun with Maths
Coding is the language of maths. Imagine Coding being taught in every school? Learning to program involves many skills, including organizing and analyzing data. Children can grow their math skills while coding without even realizing it. Using their logic and calculation skills while creating something of their own can make maths more engaging and fun. Another big reason Coding should be taught in schools.
Conclusion
Coding is learning while having fun. Even children who can’t understand can learn to code with block-based Coding. After going through some great reasons why Coding is essential to understand for children or anyone, you must allow them to learn about technology. The way computers work will surely give them an advantage in life. Learning to code while they are young will set them up for a successful future.