Coding is a trend that is getting quite popular among kids these days and there are many programs that are out there for kids that want to learn how to code. You may not know anything about coding but that should not stop you from helping out your kid. For many innovators and entrepreneurs, coding is one of the modern skills that needed to be able to make innovations in the tech world. If your kid loves technology and shows an interest in gadgets then get them to start coding. Through coding, they can learn a lot and develop life-long skills that they will use for whatever they do in life. First, know the reasons why your kid needs coding and see how you can encourage him or her to code.
How Does Coding Help Your Kid?
1. Computational thinking
When kids learn to read and write code, they develop cognitive skills and learn a methodical, problem-solving process that resembles a computer. The process involves using abstractions and pattern recognition to represent the problem in new and different ways, logically organizing and analyzing data, breaking the problem down into smaller parts, identifying and creating the steps needed to solve the problem, running the procedures, analyzing the results, and determining if the results yielded an acceptable answer. Computational thinking can be applied to other situations aside from coding, as it is a way of thinking that solves practical problems.
2. Perseverance
Kids learn to persist if what they are creating is not working. They are compelled to analyze what is not working, why it is not working, and figure out how to correct it until it works.
3. Creativity
Kids exercise creativity, and in a fun way, learn to create stuff that works. They love technology, and “magically” creating things related to what they love to provide them with natural motivation. Learning to code encourages kids to exercise their imaginations and improvise when their resources are limited. Also, when they are able to create something that works, coding gives kids a sense of achievement and bolsters their self-confidence.
4. Improved Skillset
The continuing pervasiveness and importance of technology in our lives would require a lot of workers with coding skills. It is expected that writing programs will continue to pay well into the future. Even many non-programming jobs that require the use of computers would require a bit of coding knowledge. In addition, when learning to code, kids also learn other important future skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
5. Math in action
Coding shows kids the practical application of math, and why it is so important. Coding statements usually contain math expressions that need to be resolved for the program to move forward.
6. Think outside of the box
Coding sends a message to kids that they can create anything from nothing if they want to work on it. By coding, they can stretch what is possible. This fosters the progress of humanity and the overall improvement of the quality of life.
7. Kids learn to use logic
Logical thinking is required for coding. It consists of formulating a step by step procedures to produce the desired outcome. It involves using expressions, selection, iteration, conditional and other logical statements and sentences.
8. Problem-solving
Coding teaches kids to break down complex problems into components. This problem-solving technique is transferable to a lot of other fields. For example, scientists solve problems by forming hypotheses and systematically testing these hypotheses one by one. Car mechanics diagnose car problems by replacing one part at a time to isolate the problem part. In coding, a programmer figures out bugs by generating intelligent hypotheses and tweaking parts of his code one component at a time to test which one solves the problem.
9. Learn and create things that work
Kids learn how things work, and create things that work. Coding teaches kids how to build, using cause and effect to make things work and adapt them for his specific purpose.
10. Anticipate and avoid problems
In programming, kids learn how to “handle errors”, that is, anticipate problems that will probably emerge, and writing the correct codes that will prevent the entire program to crash when the error happens.
11. Structural thinking
Kids learn how to build small pieces to add up to the solution. This is good for teaching them how to look at issues and create solutions for those problems. It is more like a puzzle solving skill, where kids are able to use their brains and analyze the situation with critical thinking.
Steps to Take When You Want To Teach Your Kid Coding
There are many products in the market that you could get to teach your kid coding but before you do so, make sure you follow the tips below:
1. Style and Commitment
Find out your kid’s learning style and the degree of commitment to learning to code. You could ask them about their interest in coding and why they want to code. So by getting to know your kids learning skills may be through interaction with their teachers or by doing their homework at home, you will know the best way to teach them coding.
2. Learn about coding yourself
There is nothing wrong in a little personal development, your knowledge of coding will help you interact with your kid better and not just be oblivious to the things he might say about coding. So, take a little time and do some research on it.
3. Choose the right method and product
There are many methods that you can use and we will treat them accordingly:
- Code language: this works with a computer, so, get your kid one if he or she doesn’t have. One of the most acclaimed languages to teach kids how to code was developed at the MIT Media Lab. It is called Scratch and uses visual blocks that you stack together to create a programming online. In addition to this are Tynker, Minecraft, and many other programs.
- After School and online coding school: If your kid likes to learn with others around then start looking for after school coding programs.
- Using physical Objects: if sitting down in front of a computer or being in a group discussion is not your kid’s thing then there is another way, which is coding with physical manipulable. It is believed that by doing things with real objects in the real world you learn to code. Some of these are the Osmo Coding Awbie or Lego Boost which you can buy for your kids.
Finally, as your kid begins to advance you may get him or her coding kits which may include coding devices. When kids are introduced to coding, they gain an appreciation of how digital technology work. Digital technology is a big part of many kids’ lives, as they are surrounded by smartphones, video games, video entertainment, websites, and even robots. Like learning about biology and chemistry, it is important for kids to understand the building blocks of an integral part of their life. They need to realize that what happens when they use technology is not magic, and they themselves can create programs that can be useful.
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