Coding for Kids: The Complete Guide for Parents
What is coding?” “How can I teach coding to kids?” “What do I need to know about teaching coding to kids?” If you’re a parent who wants to introduce your child to coding, you might be curious about these often asked questions!
Coding is the language that humans use to communicate with computers. It is a powerful language that can be solved like a simple puzzle. Coding for kids is becoming increasingly popular. Given how reliant society has gotten on technology (particularly now), it’s no surprise that an increasing number of people are looking at this seemingly unreachable skill and wondering if they could learn it.
Learning to code at an early age can help your child face and overcome several hurdles in life. This parent’s guide to coding for kids, is guaranteed to answer some of your questions about the topic and to assist you in navigating through what has become a crowded world of computer programming and technology classes for kids.
In this guide, we’re going to discuss coding for kids: the benefits, different coding languages, and why this particular aspect of computer literacy has become so important right now! If you are excited to know more about coding for kids, check out our article, “Learn Coding For Kids“.
What Is Coding And Coding For Kids?
Before you get into the dynamics, WHAT IS CODING? is the primarily important question. Unlike topics like math and English, which have been part of children’s education for as long as they can remember, coding is a relatively new addition to the curriculum, and many parents are unfamiliar with it.
Coding, often known as computer programming, is the way we connect with computers. Code instructs a machine on what to do; therefore, writing code is similar to writing a set of instructions. When we create code, we tell computers how to perform things exactly how we want them to. Coding is used to develop software, analyze data, and perform various other tasks.
Learning to code at an early age is a fantastic way for kids to improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while developing the focus and organization needed to complete tasks. Kids can move on to real-world programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C once they’ve mastered the fundamentals.
So, what is the difference between coding and coding for kids?
It’s all about how coding is taught. As a result, we refer to it as “CODING FOR KIDS“, because teaching coding to children has unique prerequisites.
There are a lot of choices and opportunities available today. And as a parent, you always want the best for your children. Just like children, coding knows no limits. Try to expand their knowledge from a very young age.
An Example Of Coding
Here is a simple example of a code:
print ‘Hello, world!’
It ‘prints’ (displays) the text ‘Hello, world!’ on the screen, and it’s one of the simplest examples of code you may have seen. In simple words, coding is a set of rules that define how code is written and formatted.
Is Coding For Kids Easy To Learn?
That’s definitely a yes! Coding is easy to learn for kids. While learning to code may require understanding of certain aspects that are unfamiliar, anyone with the time, patience, and determination can get started with coding in the same way that they learn to do anything else.
We’ve been surrounded by various misconceptions regarding coding, say coding for kids is hard to learn. We don’t believe it, do you? We think that every child should learn to code, just as they should learn any other subjects such as math, English, or Science. Coding develops rational thinking that breaks down ideas into little, logical steps.
Why Should Your Kid Learn To Code?
The world is changing rapidly, and so are the technology and the education sector. As a result, future generations must be well prepared to keep up with these changes.
Children are quick learners, and as a parent, you should ensure that this develops in a positive way. As a result, you must carefully choose what activities kids should engage in and the fact that your child is coding in a safe and secure platform should give you some peace of mind.
Their unlimited horizons of imagination is undebatable.We just have to unleash them. They can learn faster and retain information longer. Children who are introduced to coding at a young age, learn how to critically evaluate issues, investigate alternative perspectives, develop creative solutions, and use the trial-and-error learning process. The earlier the kids learn to code, the easier it will be for them to master this talent and all the other skills that come with it. The following are some of these abilities:
Kids Coding - A Crucial Investment for your Child's Future
- Coding and codes are everywhere
- Coding helps children prepare for the future
- Critical thinking skills are improved
- Creativity is boosted by programming
- Coding teaches students how to solve problems quickly
- Better academic performance
- Programming helps in the developing perseverance and resilience in kids
- Child's ability to make precise decisions
Coding is a universal language used to understand and build technologies worldwide.
Because the e-world today is so reliant on technology, learning coding languages is becoming extremely important like learning Art or Science. People with coding abilities are in high demand all across the world. It’s a commonly ‘looked for skill’ in a variety of occupations, such as, graphic designers, data scientists, machine learning experts, artificial intelligence engineers, and healthcare diagnostics professionals, among many others.
Teaching kids to code is an investment in their future, as most careers need coding or at least a fundamental understanding of how programming works. When children are introduced to coding at a young age, they are indirectly placed on a path to success for the rest of their lives. It gives students a competitive advantage in any modern industry where they have to constantly prove themselves.
Once the kids learn to code, they build a foundation for understanding various technologies. Here are a few reasons why learning to code is a crucial investment for your child’s future:
What Is A Good Age To Begin Coding?
Most parents are unsure about when exactly should their child start learning programming. Some parents say that you shouldn’t overpressure your child with schedules and tasks that may seem undoable for their age. Others believe in teaching their children the fundamentals of coding at a young age.
We think,”the earlier, the better”!
The early years are the best period for the children to start their coding journeys. This way,you as parents,can take advantage of their cognitive spark to welcome the soon to arrive,” technological wonders”in their lives. Many excellent programmers began learning when they were 5 or 6 years old.
Experts believe that children should be taught to code at a very young age. Every child grows at a different pace and in different ways. You can encourage them by introducing various logical/analytical games that simulate the skills needed for coding. After a year or so, you can move on to more demanding exercises.
Several studies have proved that children who begin coding in elementary grades have better academic records throughout their education. Children who start at a young age are more likely to pursue careers in STEM fields later in life, both in college and in their profession.
Watch this space,”How do you spell CODE?” We have an interesting story for you!
How Can You Help Your Child With Coding?
To help your kid learn coding, you will need patience and time. It also requires some effort, such as choosing an age-appropriate coding language and supporting kids with engaging and interactive resources.
Exploration is the key to coding. Encourage your child to experiment and try new things, emphasizing that mistakes are always a part of any learning process. Kids may require assistance along the journey, if you have the time, learn with them and make it a joyful experience for both of you.
Here are some tips to help your child settle in with the process:
Use Age-appropriate Coding Language
While teaching coding, it is critical to select the appropriate coding language for each age group. Though there are numerous block-based and text-based programming languages for kids, it is essential to choose the appropriate framework for your child’s age group before getting started. Some programming languages use syntax -free, hassle free and easy to comprehend methods especially for kids between 6 and 16 years of age.
Make Coding Fun for Kids
Coding is essentially learning about meeting a goal. To retain the interest in coding, it needs to sound more like fun. Unlike following a boring instruction manual, the entire process must be engaging. Focus on some fun-filled resources that are relevant to your child’s interests. Try to use a visual-based coding platform to excite kids in the beginning where they can visualize the algorithms and the process flow in a much better way.
Learn Coding With Them
Although independence can be quite rewarding, many children still prefer to have their parents accompany them as they embark on new adventures. When you venture into anything new with people you trust, it can be a lot less terrifying and overwhelming. If your child is hesitant to learn coding, offer to do it together! You don’t have to be tech-savvy to do this, remember, a parent is born, the day the child is born. Make it a fun-filled weekend activity that you could do together.
If you want to know more about this topic, do read “5 Most Effective Ways To Get Your Kid Started With Coding“
What Is The Best Programming Language For Kids?
While deciding a coding language or platform that is best suitable for your child, always keep in mind their current interests.Also, there definitely is no ‘one language at a time’ rule here! Your child doesn’t have to stick with just one coding program. The basics of one coding language often overlap with the other, so once your child has grasped the fundamentals, progressing into another one will be a ‘quick walk in the park’.
For a better understanding, let’s categorize the programming languages into:
Text-based programming
Here, Codes are written in plain text format, hence the name. Professional programmers and code developers use them for high-level programming and applications.
Visual-based programming or block-based programming
This is visually appealing and uses codes that are in the form of blocks. The user can choose respective blocks from the palette and develop the program without worrying about the syntax(rules of writing a code). Therefore, this kind of coding is known as visual-based/block-based programming.
We recommend starting with visual programming because of its readability, ease of use, and its ability to keep you engaged and entertained . Children tend to grasp the concepts of programming languages quickly, which is why beginners benefit from simplified, graphical programming tools like Scratch, which uses pre-arranged pieces of code.
As their confidence improves, children will gradually progress into learning text-based programming languages, where they learn to generate codes using words, emojis, numbers, and symbols.
Some of the most recommended programming languages for kids are:
Scratch
Block-based programming languages are to date one of the most effective ways to teach coding to children aged 5 to 7. It helps them to make games, build interactive stories, animate characters, construct apps, add music, voiceovers, and even sound effects. Additionally, kids can resort to existing 2D games built using the Scratch application.
JavaScript
Not to be confused with Java. JavaScript is also quite simple to learn and is an excellent choice for creating 2D web games.
Python
Python is known to be one of the easiest to learn because it requires only fewer lines of code. This straightforward coding style is based on English and uses text-based commands, making it easier for kids to learn. It also includes built-in assistance and a variety of web resources and community support to help the students get started.
HTML
It is a text-based language that's perfect for constructing web pages and is beginner-friendly.
Java
Java is fun for kids because it's mostly used to develop video games and Android apps. It is, however, more challenging to learn because it is based on a statically typed language with a large number of variables. For those with a little more experience, it's one of the most incredible kids coding languages.
CSS
It is frequently used in conjunction with HTML. Also suitable for programming design elements into an HTML website and is extremely beginner-friendly.
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
Scratch is a beginner’s way, whereas Python is more suitable for older children. All you need to do is, introducing them to several kid-friendly coding platforms. E-learning classes are really beneficial since students can learn from the comfort of their own homes and can use interactive tools to learn coding, such as puzzles, games, and quizzes.
- Help kids stay organized with their tasks by using time management tactics.
- Show accurate results, don’t just ask kids to imagine things.
- Every kid learns differently at a different pace, so don’t rush them.
- Allow them to get acquainted with coding. Begin with a topic that is both relevant and relatable.
Student’s school-based programming classes should be encouraged and supplemented by online coding courses. It bridges the gaps that the current school system fails to address. One-on-one student-teacher time, individualized attention, tools, resources, and creative approaches being some of them.Those are the exact reasons why schools bore young minds!
As we all know, coding is one of the most promising fields for both now and the future. Here are some options for coders who want to pursue a career:
- Python Developer
- Web Developer
- App Developer
- Game Developer
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
Conclusion
Coding is becoming the language of the 21st century. It has evolved into basic literacy that children, teenagers, and even young adults can benefit from. As a result, coding is no longer an elective activity for children. It has become a required skill that kids should attain at a very young age. As a result, here, we intend to address your questions and concerns about coding for kids.
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