Tips for Little Coders (All About Coding for Kids!)
In this day and age, coding has become very popular among parents as technology becomes more and more advanced and weaved into our everyday lifestyles. Coding has become very appealing over the recent years due to its benefits and contributions to development in various aspects.
So why should your child learn to code? In this blog post, we have gathered our top tips for young coders and laid out the details of this complex digital language for parents considering coding classes for their little ones.
What is coding?
Coding is the process of sequencing digital language to perform a certain task or produce a specific result. Coding is also sometimes called “software programming” or “computer programming.”
Coding can be done through different languages, or dialects, such as JavaScript, Python, or C. Through these digital literacies, commands are sent out in a computer to carry out actions to accomplish the coder’s objectives.
Coding has become the fundamentals of global technology. In other words, coding is everywhere. From microprocessors in everyday items, such as refrigerators and water heaters, to more formal programs that operate our cars and buildings. Coding has become an attractive addition to a child’s education, and many parents believe that it is an essential ingredient to the recipe of future success.
What is coding for kids?
The process of coding requires problem-solving and critical thinking skills while also demanding persistence and perseverance. Children who learn to code at a young age develop these necessary qualities more quickly and are able to keep working on projects all the way to completion.
Coding for kids begins with dragging and dropping visuals, such as characters or blocks, to make sequences and patterns that program. Through visual programming, children learn the fundamental concepts without typing or syntax while focusing on the logic behind the code. Programs such as ScratchJr are great visual programming apps to introduce your child into coding.
After learning these basics, kids are then able to transition into real-world programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C used in adult programming today.
Why should kids learn to code?
As our lives become more and more adapted to technology in our daily routines, coding is constantly transforming every aspect of today’s world; self-driving cars, robot-assisted surgeries, social media, and more.
Coding is great gateway skill that motivates children of all ages to become our future creators of technology while also preparing them for countless job opportunities. Prior to that, children who code early on have shown to excel at school, especially in subjects like math and science, even reading!
Is it hard for kids to learn to code?
Coding has a reputation for being complicated and has a stigma that it is difficult to master, but it doesn’t have to be that way! With so many great resources available, learning to code is easy. For example, programs like ScratchJr provide innovative visual coding languages that make coding simple and entertaining, which allows children to learn the basics of coding efficiently and thoroughly.
How to teach your kids to code
Anyone can learn to code. People of all ages. Foundational concepts in coding, such as sequencing, abstraction, repetition, conditional statements, loops, and functions exist in subjects such as math and science and can be introduced to kids of any age or experience level.
Coding education is everywhere. There are apps, websites, camps, live/online classes, and personal tutors so parents have the opportunity to choose the best option that fits their child.
What are the best programming languages for kids?
There are many different programming languages in the world of coding and there are many suitable for kids too. Based on age and experience level, kids can choose the language they wish to use when coding. For beginners, visual programming(characters, blocks, etc) languages are a great place to start! We recommend kids begin to learn to code with a block coding language like those offered by ScratchJr. Once the basics are down, they can transition into text-based coding.
Looking for a coding class near you?
Where can my child learn to code?
If you prefer in-person instruction for your child, summer camps and tutoring are some options. Some schools offer opportunities for elementary and middle-schoolers to learn coding through in-class instruction or after-school coding classes. Here are some options you can explore:
Schools: Take advantage of your school’s coding programs. It’s a great way to get kids involved in computer science and STEM at a young age.
Tutoring Centers: Enroll your child in an after-school coding class at your school or tutoring center.
Camps - Participate in a summer camp! Summer camps are a great way to learn coding outside of the busy school environment without the priorities such as homework and tests.
Looking for a summer camp near you?
It is no wonder parents are seeking coding classes for their children considering all the many, many benefits coding has to offer. Learning how to code is essential for better development and facilitates more opportunities for future success, academically and professionally. So, sign up for coding today! We guarantee it’ll be worth it.
