Tips to Get Kids Excited About Coding
Coding is one of the essential skills which must be learnt by kids at a right age. But how do decide that what is the right age to learn to code. There can be subjective answers to this question. So, let's cut to the chase and make it more fun to understand the relevance of coding skills. Coding is curriculum based and a practical exercise which demands analytical skill and focus.
It is important to learn coding in the technology-driven world. Technology has made lives easier around the world. However, what makes it possible remains unnoticed till date. Coding has became the mother of convenience. Parents enroll their kids at an early age to make their kids match the pace of this evolving technology.
The prospect of coding is not only to learn programming languages; it has many benefits which help students learn many essential skills. Coding prepare students for next generation.
Why Coding Matters for Kids
Coding matters to kids because it is a complete skill-set which has many benefits and it is a rewarding prospect. It is such a skill which a student can learn at his/her own pace without the pressure of meeting deadlines and completing assignments.
It is that branch of computer science which is not only diverse but also engaging. It will empower kids to become leaders and innovators in the digital age. Hence, it is necessary learn to code.
Benefits of Learning to Code
The awareness about coding skills is so less that it often creates anxiety in parents before they consider it for their children. It is necessary to understand its benefits for a bright future of kids. It must be noted that coding is an additional skill which is not the part of school or academic curriculum.
Following are the benefits of coding:
Foster Problem-Solving Skills and Critical Thinking
Coding teaches kids how to simplify complex problems into easier parts; this enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Writing code allow
learning to think logically
debug errors
approach challenges systematically
renders creativity
Enhances computational thinking
Potential Career and Future Opportunities
Teaching kids coding at an early age is a very smart decision. If a kids learn to code from the scratch in their initial growing years, it can lead to a very promising career for them as it will engage them in advanced level of learning which requires fresh and blooming minds to flourish.
Coding welcomes the following opportunities in career:
Software Engineer
Web Developer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Data Analyst
Game Developer
Builds essential skills for a digital future
Does it not sound exciting already? Indeed, it does! As technology continues to evolve, coding skills are increasingly in demand across industries.
Enhances Creativity and Innovation
Coding encourages creativity by allowing kids to develop their own games, apps, and websites. It introduces them the new and free tools to bring their imaginative ideas to life and unplugged activities.
Coding is an great introduction to:
a mindset of innovation
experimentation
engaging ideas
application of basics
Collaboration and Teamwork
These two skills are not only important from the point of view coding but also with regards to an essential life skill. Coding often involves working in teams.
Following are the skills that are valuable in any group setting:
Develop collaboration
Communication skills
Exchange of ideas
Delegation of duties
Increase confidence
Creating Technology
The power of technology can not be ascertained until coding is learnt. Coding is one of the fun activities which involve lesson plans, concepts, courses, classes and teachers. By learning to code, kids gain a deeper understanding about the functioning of the digital world.
Kids can contribute to its development by the following:
Development of games
Making the best of computer science
Designing web applications
Curating new concepts
Smart use of artificial intelligence
Resilience and Logical Thinking
Coding teaches resilience by encouraging kids to combat challenges and learn from mistakes. Teaching kids learn to code can prove to be a positive experience for them as students learn the procedure step by step which helps in retaining their concentration and remain interested.
Resilience can lead to:
Embracing challenges
Continuous learning
Patience
Adaptability
Persistence through failure
Importance of Computer Science Education
Computer and science are two sides of the same coin in today's digital world. Learning the concepts of computer science (CS) is very important and relevant for each and every child for their bright future. It is a wide branch of technology which is a culmination of multiple:
Programming languages
Advanced Courses
Tools
Learning
Basics
Skills
All these elements of CS are required by students to succeed in digital age because the career promised by this branch of education has very rewarding benefits and will lead to a high demand in the service industry. Attaining the skills of coding with the help of CS will assist students to gain a deeper understanding of technology and its uses.
CS education promotes digital literacy and make students learn about the cyber threats and online safety. On the one hand, it seems academic and a dedicated area of study. However, it open many doors to be creative which give wings to the kids to explore and discover their potential through coding by curating engaging games, web applications and tech-related products.
Getting Started with Coding
A student is generally hesitant to opt for an area of study which is not known or about which awareness is very low. Yet, a student should never fail to experiment, learn, explore and discover. It is a process which will lead them to their destined path. It should be a part of daily schedule apart from the school, learning coding might sound tricky but students can enroll themselves in a coding program which are available at various Ed-Tech platforms. Codeyoung wants students to code so that they can become global leaders.
Despite the lack of confidence, students should consider the first class and decide for themselves. It will be an excellent introduction for them to the world of coding. This class will have a huge impact on a student's ability to think with logic.
Let's understand that why a demo class/ first class is important to attend:
Introduction to coding language
Brief understanding of programming languages
Interactive lessons that can elevate the confidence of students
Knowing the teachers
Better clarity for future
Getting to know the curriculum
Teaching is not enough, applying this in real life will be a valuable take-away from this learning. A child needs a right amount of confidence and guidance to climb the mountains of success and growth.
Choosing the Right Programming Language
After taking the first class, the child feels confident enough to understand his/her potential which will attract them towards learning coding. It is an outstanding demonstration of their skill levels which also motivate the teachers to spend and invest time with children.
There are certain steps which are required to be followed to ensure a seamless learning and understanding of basics for children:
Introduce children to different languages which are required for the development of code
Coding is a language, and learning new languages can never be enough. The understanding of the threshold of coding at a young age is not only beneficial but also promises confidence in the young minds for the future. These young minds will be the leaders of tomorrow with an impeccable skill set to break the new records of advancement. The young mind is diverse and dynamic which needs a direction to dictate the decisions beyond the present. A child at a young age carries new perspectives which helps them to absorb the concepts for a long time.
Let's demystify Block-Based Coding Languages:
Scratch
Scratch is one of the high-level, block-based visual programming language and website. It is specially designed for children as an educational tool, with a target audience of ages 8 to 16.
Blockly
Blockly is a visual programming application designed for children to learn development of code by snapping together blocks that represent code concepts. It simplifies complex coding tasks into an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible and fun for young learners.
Text-Based Programming Languages
Python
No, don’t confuse it with a snake!
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It is a beginner-friendly programming language that's great for children to learn because it has simple syntax and readability. It allows young learners to quickly grasp the concepts and create a wide variety of projects, from games to simple applications.
Java
It is one of the high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible.
Consider age and experience level when selecting a programming language
Coding is a logical practice which involves a great amount of brainstorming and creativity. While forming a code for a particular purpose or use, kids have to undergo a problem-solving approach which makes them resilient and wise enough to make a decision. These skills are not only limited to coding but also helps in overall development of the child.
Although, there is not set age to begin to learn to code but it is advised to begin it as early as possible in their evolving years. Sometimes kids learn by their own and that is where their creativity plays an important role to play because they can help themselves without teachers and their teaching.
Explore Coding Languages that Align with Kids’ Interests and Goals
Today each and every child has access to gadgets, and they have already befriended themselves with the technology but they lack the ability to make a suitable code for their own convenience. Learning how to code can make it easier for them to understand the realms and functions of a particular app adequately. Now, the real question is how coding can be demystified to kids.
There are millions of applications available which are randomly created by creators irrespective of their age with the help of learning how to code. Apart from these, many free resources are available on the internet which act like classes and such resources are there for all the ages. This can be a great investment for a fruitful future. It is possible with the unwavering focus.
Coding must not be treated as a mundane subject of the curriculum by the parents for the students else the child will lose interest, and find it monotonous to learn. The concept of coding is not theoretical rather practical which makes it intriguing for the kids to learn.
Children are often in a dilemma that if they give instructions to a computer through a code then in what language they are communicating with the machine. Well, this query of kids can easily be resolved by explaining them. Below are the apps that align with kids' interests and goals:
Scratch
Python
JavaScript
Lua
Swift
Codeyoung’s beginner-friendly courses that introduce kids to block-based coding languages and progress to text-based programming
Codeyoung is one of the best online platforms for your child to learn coding. We have courses which are designed from the beginner's level to the advanced level. We follow the model of adaptive learning in which a kid is given thorough training of all the coding concepts from the scratch.
Within no time, the learning pace is enhanced and students become polished which moves them forwards to advanced level.
Building Coding Skills
Learning at Their Own Pace
Learning should be an independent journey which must be explored by children at their own pace. Teachers must realize that it is important to give them time because it will improve their decision making skills. They can not achieve a great height until they do not fall on their way. Such incidences of falling are the instances to learn. No doubt, teachers leave no stone unturned when they teach but theory is not enough alone. It should be practiced by kids on their own.
Building Coding Skills
Coding is a logical practice which involves a great amount of brainstorming and creativity. While forming a code for a particular purpose or use, kids have to undergo a problem-solving approach which makes them resilient and wise enough to make a decision. These skills are not only limited to coding but also helps in overall development of the child.
Children can access the lesson plans and classes on coding skills through various online platforms. They provide engaging games in a form of valuable lessons, they also offer a program on which a student can learn temporarily. It teach them to make a schedule and this way they can produce a productive output with the assistance of python, javascript and others.
Apart from this, there many free games which are designed for students for the purpose of engaging them to the world of code and its benefits.
Let's breakdown the key take-aways:
Kids learn at their own pace with interactive lessons and video tutorials.
Provide opportunities for kids to practice and apply new skills.
Encourage kids to explore and experiment with different concepts.
Offer support and guidance if needed.
Celebrate progress and achievements along the way.
Practicing with Interactive Tools and Resources
In the digital age where everything happens in the blink of an eye, one must take advantage of this and should explore multiple free platforms which are available online. These are specially crafted for students who want to learn to code. The monotony of regular curriculum standards can be avoided for sometime. Learning can be fun with the help of games, puzzles and tools which have program to make it possible.
The purpose of engaging games and puzzles is to enhance focus on problem solving skills which is required to understand the programs. Not only this, there are various coding communities which are working at all the hours to support and provide feedback. Once students start delving into it more, they eventually have an urge to develop their own games and make applications as per their requirement to make the life easier.
Different coding resources have different learning styles. Not to worry, today's student is smart, he/she does not require bunch of classes to decide what they need. Learning should be so seamless that it appears as if they are playing games and that's when the purpose is satisfied.
Codeyoung’s interactive coding platforms and resources that keep kids engaged and motivated
Codeyoung is the leading online platform which is designed with precision for students to give birth a passion for coding inside the kids. It follows the model of adaptive learning and breaks the myth of staunch approach of curriculum based learning.
Our main focus is to prepare leaders of tomorrow in the digital world. Our classroom are full of games infused with basics, lessons, and no doubt, that is why we are the first choice of parents for their kids.
Codeyoung has courses for all the ages.
Making Coding Fun and Engaging
Game-Based Programming and Story-Based Lessons
Kids are naturally inclined towards the things they like and games is one of them. Teachers must use game-based programming to make coding more engaging and fun. They can also incorporate story-based lessons that promote creativity and imagination. The imagination will not make them interested in coding skills but also enhance their vision to think beyond the school teachings.
Encourage kids to create their own games and stories using code. Explore coding platforms for kids that offer interactive and immersive experiences.
Coding should be considered as a social and group activity because it is culmination of many elements which can not be ignored and a kid might need help in that from many different teachers or resources as per the need. This will polish their basics and make them stand apart from the class. This approach will guide them during all the ages.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
Addressing Frustration and Difficulty
Coding is a complex process. It must be handled smartly and with great deal of patience. Learning coding at a young age develops a thick skin for children which makes them the prepared leaders for the future. Children learn to think of many possibilities for a given problem. They attend the difficult tasks with their own sense and knowledge without the intention of giving up.
Teachers must acknowledge appreciating small achievements of their students; this can be a good practice to keep them on the toes. Apart from this, a constructive feedback will be a night and shine armor for the students.
Do not forget to teach kids abut emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes.
2. Celebrating Progress and Achievements
Coding is nothing but a language. Learning a new language is always challenging which derives multiple interpretations for different people differently. In such a case, children often break down concepts for themselves in simpler terms which improves their ability to comprehend and analyse. Comprehension skills improve the communication of children.
Give opportunity to kids to showcase their talent and embrace their mistakes. Teachers must guide them regularly and set new goals for kids and explain them basics again. Everyone likes being rewarded so why not kids? Praise them with a token of appreciation; this will build the confidence of a kid.
Kids are as fragile as plants and they require love and affection to nourish themselves. A healthy mind will flourish in an independent environment.
Real-World Applications and Inspiration
How Coding is Used in Real-Life Scenarios
Explore real-world applications of coding in various industries and introduce kids to coding role models and success stories. This will inspire them to become something in life and this will motivate them to never give up. Showcase how coding is used to solve real-world problems and enlighten kids to think creatively about how coding can be used to make a positive impact. It can simplify difficult tasks into an easy step. Give example of daily equipments like calculator, mobile phones and laptop. The following development of computer science will give them insights about the power and strengths of coding skills in a fun way.
Teachers must assign independent projects to their students to make an application which can bring a change in their own personal life.
Conclusion
Nothing but the least, today each and every child has access to gadgets, and they have already befriended themselves with the technology but they lack the ability to make a suitable code for their own convenience. Learning how to code can make it easier for them to understand the realms and functions of a particular app adequately. Now, the real question is how coding can be demystified to kids and it can be done by explaining the above points.
Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Coding
Make coding a fun and engaging experience for kids. Include a program in their routine which help them learn to code and polish their basics.
Provide opportunities for kids to develop problem-solving skills and analytical skills.
Foster a growth mindset and a love for learning apart from the school and teach them how to be resilient in each and every situation. Teach kids to trust in logic.
Encourage kids to explore and experiment with different coding concepts through various free platforms and make them attend a class which can teach them how to code.
Support kids in their coding journey and celebrate their progress and achievements.
FAQ
At what age should kids start coding?
There's no particular age at which parents must consider teaching their kids about coding. However, it is suggested that it should begin in their growing years in school.
What is the best coding program for kids?
Parents must consider Codeyoung's Coding courses for their kids because we follow the adaptive learning model.
Benefits of learn to code from Codeyoung:
1:1 Session
Expert mentors
Engaging sessions
Is coding for kids a good idea?
Yes! Coding for kids is definitely a good because:
Coding ensure future opportunities
Development of cognitive skills in children
Strengthen mathematical skills
Ability to solve difficulties
Improves communication skills
