What is Coding for Kids? What Age is Appropriate to Learn to Code?
What is coding?
In simplest terms, the method of communicating to any computer is called coding. This implies that the language that we use to give the computer instructions to perform different functions is called coding. Often coding is also known as software programming or computer programming. It can take various forms like visual blocks, JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS. Coding, therefore, is a language. This language is what allows our technology to thrive. It allows microprocessors in everyday objects like air-conditioners and televisions to function properly. It is the very base of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that allows more sophisticated technology like self-driven cars and security systems to operate.
Coding for children
One might wonder then about the relationship between coding and children. We have already established the fact that coding is a language. And like any other language, it is never too early to learn it. Learning any language from an early age gives one proficiency. It allows children to gain many cognitive and social benefits. These benefits not only allow them to fit in a more globalized world but also aids them in becoming more successful.
We are living in a hyper-digital world. Technology has become more prominent in our lives today than it was even five years back. The pandemic currently sweeping through the globe has made the importance of technology even more prominent. And coding is the language of conversation with technology. Hence, kids learning programming or coding is becoming valuable, if not a necessary skill set.
One might ask why kids need to learn to program? Is it not enough that they know how to operate the technology without going into too much detail? The answer to this is hidden in the benefits that kids learn from programming.
The benefits of coding for children.
To overcome any adversity in life, kids need to know how to solve the problems that arise. As parents, we must help our children. We can solve their problems for them, but that is not a sustainable action. We need to equip our children with the methods, utilizing which they will be able to solve their problems.
Kids learn programming by understanding how coding works. It helps them to understand how software developers use coding and maths to solve problems and create applications logically and creatively.
In traditional academics, often failure is feared. But through coding, children learn that failure is not to be feared. Coding is a learning opportunity for children which allows them to continuously fail without repercussions. It allows them to creatively solve a problem through a trial-and-error method. Kids learn programming by breaking down bigger problems into smaller components. It allows them to be problem solvers by thinking and applying themselves creatively. It boosts their logical reasoning ability and creative thinking. This in turn boosts their confidence and self-esteem. One of the best benefits of coding is that it teaches children to have fun with maths. Traditional teaching often makes maths a subject to be feared. But coding allows children to learn organization and analysis of data in a fun and creative manner. This in turn helps them to be more engaged with calculations in a cheerful and fun manner.
Code writing for kids overall is a fun and engaging method. It is the perfect gift if you want your children to be creative problem solvers who have fun with mathematics.
The appropriate age to learn to code
Now that we have established the importance and benefits of children learning to program, parents might wonder about the age when coding can be introduced to children.
The straight answer to this is children of all ages can be introduced to coding. From pre-schoolers through high-schoolers, anybody can learn to code. Since coding is a language, it is beneficial to introduce it as early as possible. Our children today, our growing up in an increasingly digitized world. Thanks to the pandemic, children as young as 3 years old are attending their schools through their mobiles, computers, and tablets. Coding being a great cognitive tool helps toddlers with their reading and maths skills.
Through fun hands-on games and activities, code writing for kids is introduced in the pre-school stage. Activities include building blocks, activity worksheets, puzzles and mazes, story sequences, etc. It is no different from the variety of sensory games that are available in the market today. For school-going children, this becomes more structured. Emphasis is put on a mixture of traditional maths and application development. Code writing for kids is mostly a gamified experience in the pre-school stage. It involves the development of problem-solving skills. It becomes more language-based as one grows up. Middle schoolers and high schoolers are often taught different coding languages like JavaScript and Python. Kids’ online coding is taught through various websites. Independent learners can learn different aspects of coding through various online academies. With the pandemic playing havoc in our daily lives, kids’ online coding classes are more viable for parents. Before the pandemic, different camps and tutoring options were available for kids to learn to code.
It would be correct to state that the future is digital. It is our responsibility as parents to introduce our children to this digital world in a safe manner. And coding helps us to do this and also allows the child to flourish creatively and logically.
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