Coding is a creative process used by computer programmers to tell a computer how to perform a certain task. This involves writing scripts, or “code”, in languages like HTML, CSS, Java, and Python.
The code gives the computer a set of instructions and the computer carries them out. Coding is used to create websites, games, apps, software, and more.
Let’s look at how coding can benefit your children as well as how to get them excited about learning this skill!
How Coding Can Benefit Your Children
Learning coding at a young age is beneficial for children since their brains are still adaptable and can quickly absorb and retain information.
Apart from being to learn coding more easily at a young age, there are other benefits your child can enjoy from learning this skill:
Focus and Creativity
Although coding is a technical skill, it does promote creative thinking. Coding can be used to create games, apps, websites, and more – all of which takes imagination!
Plus, as children learn how to code, they begin to see the games and apps they use differently and draw inspiration for their own ideas.
With this creativity comes focus and organization.
Logical and Critical Thinking
When kids learn how to code, they develop logical and critical thinking as well as the ability to reason. They are taught how to break down complex problems into smaller pieces, which can be applied to real-life situations.
Coding involves analyzing a problem, creating a solution, testing the solution, and repeating the process if necessary. This process can be used in everyday life to handle struggles and challenges.
Confidence and Resilience
Coding is a very precise process and one mistake in a line of code can throw off your child’s entire project.
Therefore, coding will expose your child to the cycle of taking risks, dealing with failure, and learning from their mistakes. These are all skills essential to succeeding in the real world!
Overall, children who code and build resilience will gain confidence in their skills as they progress in their knowledge and become confident in their decision-making abilities.
What Does Coding Mean For Your Child’s Future?
Society is largely dependent on technology and the internet, so the demand for programmers and coders is continually rising. Being able to code is no longer a skill limited to the technology industry.
Many sectors rely on coding: Medical, educational, retail, finance, etc. Kids who know how to code will gain an advantage in a variety of industries when it comes to securing a career.
In 2016, it was reported that jobs that required coding skills paid $22,000 more per year than jobs that didn’t – and general programming jobs grew 12% faster than the average job market.
Eventually, coding will become a basic skill sought by employers, no matter the industry or job title. It’s the new computer literacy and your child will be more likely considered for a job over peers who do not have these skills.
When Can Your Child Start Coding?
In psychological studies, it was found that children at the age of 5 can begin to learn and retain new information and skills. Therefore, your child can start learning to code as young as 5 years old!
This doesn’t mean you have to sit your 5-year-old down at a computer to learn complicated coding syntaxes. There are many online games and apps that can teach your young child about loops, functions, and conditionals by incorporating visual and engaging elements.
So while they are playing what seems to be a simple game, they are learning to code!
But if your child is older than 5, don’t worry. You haven’t missed the opportunity to help them develop this skill! Kids at any age can begin to learn how to code.
Getting Your Child Interested in Coding
Even though coding is going to become an essential skill in the workforce, your little one may be reluctant to start learning it.
While you are thinking about their future, it’s important not to pressure them into learning something they seemingly have no interest in.
If your child doesn’t get excited about computers and programming, there are ways you can build interest and get them excited about coding:
Pair Coding With Their Interests
Learning how to code can be a versatile experience. You can implement coding practices into your child’s interests such as providing them with STEM-related toys that exercise their logical thinking.
(STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering Math and incorporates programming and coding.)
If your child loves building with Lego, look for robotic kits that will help teach your little one coding concepts.
For kids who love to draw and paint, you can introduce them to animation tools. Look for software that allows them to create interactive stories, games, and animations.
Lastly, for children who love video games and mobile games, popular games like Minecraft and Roblox are perfect for introducing them to coding skills!
Learn With Them
It’s never too late for you to learn a new skill too! Your child may be less apprehensive or nervous about learning a new skill if you join them in the process.
You can also use games and free coding courses to begin learning this skill.
Make Coding Social
You can turn coding into a social activity by inviting other kids to learn coding with your child or looking for local coding groups at your child’s school or at the library.
Kids love to spend time with peers who share the same interests. Making coding a social activity can help motivate your child to learn and practice this skill.
Free Online Coding Courses for Kids
- Code Monster: Code Monster teaches kids 8+ Javascript through interactive sessions, allowing the child to code on one side of the screen and the results on the other side.
- Code.Org: This site features online games for ages 5+ that start with block coding and moves into Javascript, HTML, and CSS.
- Blockly: Blockly teaches kids 8+ how to code using puzzles.
- Scratch & Scratch Jr: For kids 8-16, this site provides an intuitive platform where kids can program games, animations, and interactive stories using block programming.
- Code for Life: These free online lessons for kids 6+ teach basic coding using Blockly and Python.
- Gamestar Mechanic: For kids 8+, this free game uses quests to help coders learn about game design.
- CodinGame: This free site for high schoolers helps learners improve their coding skills by exploring gameplay and creation, and includes a variety of languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, HTML, and C++.
Free Coding Apps for Kids
- Daisy the Dinosaur: For younger children, this cute app allows them to drag and drop blocks to make Daisy dance! (Available for iOS)
- Spritebox: This app helps young children learn how to code visually by exploring different worlds and solving puzzles. (Available for iOS and Android)
- Code Karts: Code Karts is a pre-coding app that uses race cars to show children how coding works. (Available for iOS and Android)
Learning to Code for Kids
Coding is an invaluable skill that will help kids into their future – and it’s never too late to get started!
Check out the courses and apps above and get your little ones excited about coding.
