It’s no secret that technology is growing at an alarming rate. While teaching computer literacy is a key part of modern education, several parents want to take it a step further. Teaching kids to code can help them develop the skills they need to perform better in school and secure jobs. Explore the benefits of learning coding in this detailed guide to coding for kids.
What is Coding?
Coding, also called computer programming, allows us to create a wide range of applications and programs. While your child may not be building a website or creating the next must-have app when they are coding, they are learning several key processes that can help them later, such as identifying patterns, gathering resources, or implementing algorithms.
How Early Can You Teach Coding to Kids?
What age should a child start coding? Kids of all ages can learn basic coding skills inside and outside of the classroom. In fact, almost 9 percent of professional developers begin writing code before the age of 10. While older children may be taught coding skills in school, children as young as 5 can be taught through interactive toys and games.
The Main Benefits of Coding
There are several reasons why you should encourage your child to learn coding skills. According to Fe News, research shows that the majority of students learning computer science develop additional hard and soft skills. About 19 percent of teachers being surveyed said that learning computer science skills also led to improved academic performance.
Coding Encourages Creative Problem Solving
One of the biggest benefits of coding is that it sparks creativity. Most coding starts with a problem with multiple solutions. The more unfamiliar or complex a task is, the more creative the child needs to be to complete it. Children need to use logic and problem solving skills to find the best possible solutions. They need to ask questions and use critical thinking to apply what they have learned. Because each problem has multiple solutions, they are encouraged to try several possible solutions and may come to different conclusions to the same problem.
Coding Teaches Good Problem Solving Practices
A lot of coding is trial and error. Coding allows children to make mistakes and figure out where they went wrong. It encourages children to test their work and troubleshoot any errors that they find to get the result they want. It also encourages children to keep trying to solve their problems.
Coding Improves Pattern Recognition and Structural Thinking
Another concept coding introduces is seeing the bigger picture. Coding involves adjusting multiple small components to make an object or program behave how you want. Each component operates in a precise way and can be adjusted. If one component is adjusted incorrectly, it will produce a result that is different than expected. This teaches children how to recognize patterns as they explore new ways for the components to interact with one another.
Coding Can Improve Math Performance
While coding can help children in several different academic areas, there is a strong connection between coding and math. Even simple programs that don’t involve numbers help children improve their logic and reasoning skills, both of which are crucial to mathematics. Older children may find that they are utilizing math more as they perform advanced coding tasks.
Coding Exposes Children to Technology
While there are several screen-free ways to teach children the basics of coding, some of the best toys and games involve using modern technology. For example, even young children can learn how to turn on their tablets and launch their favorite games. Interactive toys allow children to safely explore new technology and better understand how it can be used to solve their problems.
Coding Can Build Confidence
There are a few ways coding can help boost self-esteem and confidence. The first is by solving problems independently or in unique ways. Accomplishing coding goals can feel very rewarding, especially if you had to make mistakes and work hard along the way.
Online Coding for Kids: Subscriptions Based Educational tools.
Online coding classes are an engaging way to introduce children to computer science. With various online coding courses available, kids can learn the basics and develop their skills in a safe and fun environment.
Coding classes for kids have become increasingly popular as parents and educators look for ways to give young learners access to the ever-growing tech industry.
From beginner-level lessons that teach the fundamentals of programming languages such as Python or Java to advanced-level content on app development or robotics engineering, these online coding courses allow young learners to explore their aptitude for technology at an early age.
Many online coding programs also offer hands-on activities that help solidify concepts taught throughout course modules, providing a deeper understanding of how code works in real-life applications.
Here is a list of online coding classes for kids. Most of the solutions I’ve found online are best suited to kids five years of age and older. If your child is younger than five, or you feel the paid, online course format may not suit your needs; I suggest some free coding apps or STEM learning toys highlighted on our site.
We deliver the most fun and effective live, online coding classes for kids. Our classes are designed to give our students the programming knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a digital world.
CodeWizardsHQ
CodeWizardsHQ
CodeMonkey is a leading coding for kids program. Through its award-winning courses, millions of students learn how to code in real programming languages. CodeMonkey offers an engaging and enjoyable curriculum for schools, after-school clubs and camps as well as self-paced online courses to learn coding at home.
CodeMonkey
CodeMonkey
Preparing kids everywhere with the skills they’ll need for the world of tomorrow.
codeSpark
codeSpark Academy
How to Choose the Best Coding Toys for Your Child
While you can enroll children in coding classes, toys can be a great way to reinforce their skills in a fun, interactive way. There are plenty of coding toys for kids of all ages and some are a little better than others. If you are trying to find the perfect toy to teach your little one, here are a few ways to narrow down your choices.
The first thing you should consider is the child’s age. While many coding toys appeal to children of all ages, there are several designed for children as young as 5.
Another thing to consider is the child’s personal interests. While most people think of robots when they think of interactive coding toys, there are a wide variety of choices like board games, building toys, and puzzles.
Finding a toy that can grow with your child is also important. STEM toys like Miko3, Artie 3000, or Osmo Coding can entertain and teach children for years.
Totally Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps
If you are looking to introduce your child to the limitless possibilities of coding but are not quite ready to spend money on an online course, or STEM learning toy, then perhaps free apps and games are a better fit to start.
