Introducing kids to coding: why & how
It’s never too early to encourage kids to start thinking about a career in coding.
According to ScratchJR, a website where kids can learn to code,
Coding is the new literacy!
Coding is a great way for kids to develop problem-solving skills and learn how to think creatively. It also helps them develop patience and persistence, which are essential skills for success in any field.
So, if you’re looking for a way to give your kids a head start in life, teaching them how to code is a great option.
The importance of teaching kids to code
Coding is an important subject because it helps people make things and understand how computers work while teaching kids about problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Kids who learn to code today will be able to get good jobs and have an edge over their competition.
Coding is also a fun activity that can keep kids interested in learning.
How to teach kids to code
If you want to teach kids how to code yourself, you might need a lot of patience. It is important to stay positive and not get frustrated if they don’t catch on immediately.
Luckily, there are lots of free resources online to help out!
Some useful websites for learning coding, which are aimed at kids, include:
Kids will need a computer or tablet with internet access so they can practice coding by going online and doing tutorials.
When encouraging your kids, you too might get inspired to learn. It is never too late for someone to start learning coding! A good website for adults to start their coding journey is Code School.
The future of coding
Coding is becoming more and more important in our digital world. As technology advances, the need for people who can code will continue to grow. That is why it is so important for kids to start learning how to code now.
There are many different programming languages that kids can learn, and the best one to start with depends on the child’s age and interests. Some popular programming languages for kids include Scratch, Python, and Javascript. These languages are all designed to be easy to learn, and they allow kids to create projects that they can share with others online.
Kids who learn how to code will be prepared for a future in which almost every job requires some level of coding knowledge.
In fact, many schools are now starting to teach coding as part of their regular curriculum. So, if you want your kids to be ahead of the curve, teaching them how to code is a great way to prepare them for the future.
Benefits of kids learning to code
There are many benefits of learning to code, including:
- Coding can help children develop problem-solving skills
- Coding can improve a child’s creativity
- Coding can teach children about planning and organizing
- Learning to code can boost a child’s self-confidence
- Coding is a great way for kids to make new friends
- Coding can help prepare kids for future jobs
Examples of careers for people who can code
There are many different jobs that require coding skills. Some of these jobs include:
- Web developer
- App developer
- Software engineer
- Database administrator
- Network administrator
- Computer scientist
- Information technology manager
- Computer programmer
- Cybersecurity specialist
There are also lots of careers popping up in the creative arts fields, where coding and computers are being used to generate art. Check out this website for some pretty amazing examples of artists coding artworks.
While we can’t be sure what the jobs of the future will be, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare our kids for them. In fact, coding is a skill that will be useful for almost any career. Kids who learn how to code will have an advantage in the job market, and they will be prepared for the future of work.
An activity to do at home
The team at Primary + STEM have identified a very cool resources to help kids develop coding skils: ScratchJr – Stories, Games, and Animations.
Bonus: it’s free!
It forms part of the Primary + STEM team’s curated selection of Teaching Resources which have been mapped to the Victorian education curriculum.
Visit the ScratchJR website learning resource here.
Information for teachers
This learning resource – ScratchJr – Stories, Games, and Animations – introduces ScratchJr as a tablet app that young children can use to create simple programs such as stories, games and animations. Project ideas and learning objectives are provided, with video examples of how ScratchJr can connect with other curriculum areas (e.g. Mathematics, Language, and the Arts).
The ScratchJr – Stories, Games, and Animations activity has been mapped to the Victorian curriculum:
- Learning area: F-10: Digital Technologies
- Curriculum code: Digital Technologies > Levels 3 and 4 > Creating Digital Solutions > VCDTCD023
- Grade level: 3, 4, 5, 6
Image credit
Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels