If you are wanting to start your kids computer coding education, here are some of the best tips to teach your kids how to code and learn the fundamentals correctly.
In this digital age, teaching your kids how to code is one of the greatest investments you can ever make. It is no news that STEM and other digital innovations are the trends in society today. Programming skills, digital literacy, computer literacy, and other technical skills are necessary skills everyone should strive to possess. The best way to introduce kids into this new digital era is to incorporate STEM into early childhood education.
Early childhood coding education has a lot of benefits, some of which include an early start in their career, academic success, and computational thinking, among others. Childhood coding education also gives kids an advantage over other kids who learn it at an older age. Studies also reveal that most parents in the United States succumb to including coding in the school curriculum.
There’s great news too: as a parent, you do not need to know how to code before you can teach coding to your kids. You can find tons of websites, programs, and self-explanatory tools that teach coding to kids.
Overview of Coding Education for Kids in Childhood
Young minds are receptive and easily adaptable. The best time to learn to code, and any other subject, is at a young age. Although the concept of learning a subject as complex as coding might sound “too difficult” for kids and parents to understand, coding for kids is very easy and fun.
Coding education for kids in childhood allows them to amass several skills which will contribute to their future successes. Problem-solving, critical thinking, computational thinking, creativity, and many others, are skills kids will acquire from learning to code early.
Contrary to popular opinion, coding for kids is simple and fun. Various childhood coding structured programs employ gamified modes and other fun activities that teach kids all they need to know to become successful programmers. Kids’ levels of comprehension and expertise differ, and these coding structured programs provide coding lessons for kids of all ages.
Also, as kids progress with their lessons, the level of difficulty increases. The beginner class is for kids who have no existing knowledge of coding. It introduces kids to the basic definition of terms. It is beginner-friendly and perfect for kids with no coding background.
In other words, coding education for kids in childhood is recommended because it serves as a gateway to many career opportunities for kids. It also equips them with skills that will make them stand out among their peers.
All About Coding Education for Early Childhood Programs
Again, you have no excuse not to teach your kids how to code! There are numerous coding childhood programs designed to teach coding to kids.
The fact remains that there is a childhood coding structured program for all kinds of coding. So, whether your kid is into games, fascinated by robots, or just wants to learn how to design websites and apps, there is a coding program for them. Of course, some of these programs are more advanced than others, and it is your job as parents to find the best coding childhood programs for your kids.
Coding Programs, Apps, and Platforms for Kids
Here are some of the best childhood coding programs for your kids to learn to code.
Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is an easy childhood coding structured program that teaches young kids how to code. Just as the name implies, the Hour of Code is an hour of free and fun coding activities for kids, parents, and other interested learners.
The one-hour introductory class to computer science and programming. The program typically happens once every year, during the Computer Science Education Week, and it unravels the beauty of coding and computer science. The Hour of Code maintains that everyone, including young children and women, can code.
Coding is a whole new field different from other subjects in school. Kids can watch the one-hour coding tutorial to understand the depths and benefits of coding, and to get them excited about their new subject.
There are several coding activities available for kids to choose from. The beauty of the hour of code is that it is suitable for young kids from the ages of 2 and above. The learning activities are grouped according to age and preference. Parents can also customize the lessons to their desired fit. For instance, you can choose from the platform’s wide variety of block-based games or challenge your kids to the more advanced languages, such as Python, JavaScript, Tynker, Scratch, and Lua.
Microsoft MakeCode
Microsoft MakeCode is one of the Microsoft programs that teach coding to kids. It is a free online coding platform that teaches kids how to code from scratch. Microsoft MakeCode uses a structured learning pattern for kids- from bottom to top. It is beginner-friendly, and the activities aim to guide kids through learning all about coding from scratch.
Microsoft MakeCode uses gamified learning methods. Kids can learn how to create games, build apps, mod Minecraft, and code devices in general. Kids will start with building blocks, then progress to more advanced coding languages like Python, JavaScript, Lua, etc. Some of the games include Microsoft Arcade games, Chaze Pizza, Beginner Skillmap, and Micro:bit, among others.
Tynker and Tynker Junior
This is another easy childhood coding structured program that helps kids of all ages to learn coding from Scratch. Tynker Junior targets younger kids between the ages of 4 and 7. Tynker is a visual platform that teaches realistic coding from scratch. It is beginner-friendly and allows learners to learn at their own pace.
Tynker is beginner-friendly and begins with visual games and activities. Then as learners progress, they are exposed to text-based programming like JavaScript and Python. As kids learn, they also have the option to write their codes in either Python or Java, the easiest programming languages for kids.
Things to Know About Coding Programs for Kids
Coding programs for kids are one of the best methods to teach kids how to code. This is so because the programs provide a guide and structure for kids to get the best out of them. Here are things you need to know about coding programs for kids:
Coding programs for kids follow specific guidelines for learners to follow judiciously.
The programs are suitable for kids of all ages, including pre-reader. Coding is a habit that stems from the continuous process of practicing. With constant practice, kids will begin to see visible results.
Most of these coding programs for kids are free, and effective in teaching kids how to code.
Using a structured program to teach coding to kids has proven to help kids learn faster and more effectively.
How to Get Kids to Code
The first and most important step to getting kids to code is to develop their interests. You can start by highlighting the benefits of learning to code early. You can also show them some of the amazing things they can create as programmers.
You can also start by engaging them in a few block-based coding games. This is an easy route to win your kid’s hearts and get them to code! The most difficult part about getting kids to code is having their attention! Once they develop interests, the rest becomes easy peasy.
Check out this piece on how to teach coding to kids for more tips on how to get kids to code.
What Are the Benefits of Coding for Kids
Coding Improves Creativity
Coding activities help improve creativity in kids. It opens a path for unending innovations, and kids will always be challenged to do more. Kids are naturally ambitious, and coding offers the best platform for kids to build and explore their creativity.
Kids would also learn to solve complex codes and be very creative while at it. They will also be able to extend their creativity to other aspects of their lives.
Coding is Exclusive and Fun
A child that can code? Awesome! Coding makes kids feel special. They feel special and enjoy every bit of their newfound hubby.
Advanced Skill Set for Future Career Opportunities
According to code.org, at least 67% of all new STEM jobs require coding. The world is going exclusively digital, and this only proves that coding is a skill that will remain relevant for centuries. Coders are constantly in high demand, and a coder can earn a high income compared to their peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coding and programming is great for kids to learn. It develops critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, computational thinking, and logical thinking, among other skills, which are useful for kids now and in the future.
Python, Scratch, Lua, and Blockly are the top 5 coding languages for kids. Python stands out as the easiest program to teach kids.
Summary Coding Program for Kids
Childhood coding education programs for kids offer kids the easiest and best methods to learn to code. The earlier you teach your kids the new sustainable trends of the 21st century, the better it is for their academics and careers.
Teach your kids how to code today!
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