With the digital world rapidly expanding, parents are setting their kids up for success by introducing coding and programming concepts at a young age. To some, coding and programming can seem like advanced skills professions reserved for adults, but there are simple concepts kids can learn in an easy-to-digest format that’s actually fun.
The big question is whether kids should be taught to code in school, and if so, from what age? Or should this be reserved as an optional extracurricular for kids who show more of an interest? Give us your opinion!
What Kind of Coding Projects Can Young Kids Do?
Today,kids can learn programming languages easilywith robotic toys specifically designed for them to build coding skills and websites that start kids off with basic concepts that feel fun to learn. There are evengreat coding games to help kids learn programmingessentials in an engaging, entertaining way.
Many people agree that the best age for kids to start learning coding concepts is between the ages of 5 and 7. Kids can learn how to create basic programs, format conditional commands, use loops for repeated actions, and many other foundational concepts. With mobile apps, intuitive websites, and fun robots to learn with, many kids seem to enjoy the experience of simple coding.
What Skills Can Kids Learn From Coding?
The biggest skill children can learn from coding is how to exercise logic and critical thinking to solve problems. People may think kids will get frustrated because coding concepts are too difficult to master, but in reality, they’re often determined enough to find a solution or ask for help, and persevere through the task.
Then, once the problem has been resolved, children celebrate their little win and are inspired to continue learning when it feels like a game. Whether a kid turns to a parent or sibling for help, or is working in a group environment with other kids, learning to code can foster collaborative working skills as well.
Should Coding Be Taught in Grade School?
Learning to code at a young age can be beneficial to kids in the long run, whether they end up pursuing a career in programming or not. Everyone can benefit from critical thinking skills, and learning basic coding concepts can help you understand technology better in general.
I played math and typing games as a kid, and I remember them being fun to play rather than boring to learn. I think learning to code through games would be a similar experience for today’s kids. Plus, if learning how to type was vital enough to be in school curriculum then, I think maybe coding should be now as we move into a more digitized world.
