It’s never too early or late to start coding. An understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science, digital literacy, and programming will put children in a better position for virtually every aspect of their future in a technologically dependent society. They will develop their future professions in the world’s fastest-growing STEAM sectors, enhance their education by following their interests, and build analytic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
The essential aspect to consider is the child’s interests, regardless of their age. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all curriculum or language for kids, and there are many more variables to coding than simply sitting in front of a computer screen. Whether your child is interested in robotics, enjoys the newest games, or just wants to be creative with art and design, there’s a place for everyone when it comes to learning to code. There are no age limits when it comes to learning how to code; it’s for everyone.
Why Should Your Child Learn to Code?
Coding is quickly becoming one of the most essential abilities to have if you wish to work in a lucrative industry. According to a study by Burning Glass, there were seven million job openings in 2015 for professions that need coding skills. Programming jobs are expected to grow at a 12% higher rate than the average market rate, according to the same research.
Another benefit of programming is that it allows you to make money online while still having a more flexible schedule. It’s one of the few occupations that also lets you work with multiple customers at the same time and manage your own job tasks.
For many parents, these factors are enough to persuade them that teaching their children code will unquestionably give them a leg up.
However, if you want to learn more about the benefits of coding for kids, keep reading:
Communicational skills – Kids can learn valuable skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking by coding. Coding allows children to address complex issues that extend beyond the confines of their classroom. One of the most apparent advantages for parents is their kids learning computational abilities. This is due to the fact that coding allows youngsters to tackle challenges that may be broken down into smaller parts.
Creativity – The numerous coding possibilities and modifications allow kids to use their creative thinking to the fullest extent possible. In the long run, this also helps children learn how to be more inventive.
Coding helps kids avoid errors – The wrong line of code may crash an application, while the correct one can make it run. This is something that will assist teach kids how to overcome difficulties and discover a solution.
Structural thinking – Coding, like a narrative, has a beginning, middle, and end. Children learn how to construct something significant out of numerous smaller pieces in order to get there using coding. It’s a unique approach to problem-solving that teaches kids how to see an issue not as one giant barrier but rather as many tiny elements that should be addressed one by one. As a result, they are less prone to be overwhelmed by more serious issues.
In the long run, coding is going to become a necessary skill that everyone who excels in it will be able to use. Even in the short term, you will observe an increase in academic performance and overall development since coding allows a kid to reach their full potential.
Consider coding to be similar to learning a new instrument. It involves hours of practice, years of hard effort, and the assistance of professionals, but the sooner you start, the better. With the aid of immersive apps, online classes, or in-person courses, children as young as six can learn the fundamentals of coding.
3 Beginner language for kids
Many parents believe that coding can only be learned by adults and that children would have an impossible time learning it. However, what you need to realise is that the lines of code displayed when you Google the term “coding” are not what your kid will be working with initially. Over time, they’ll progress to use more advanced languages.
That brings us to the question: which programming language is best for children? There are many possibilities, but here are a few that may be worth considering if your youngster is just getting started.
- Scratch 3.0
- Blockly
- Lua
Thank you for taking the time to read this essay, and if you have any queries or comments on this topic or in general about coding and STEM, please do not hesitate to contact us.