Can kids code?

Coding for kids is the collection of opportunities available for children to get involved in coding. These opportunities aim to be fun and gamified to keep the young mind engaged. (You might also hear coding referred to as “programming,” or “computer programming.”)

And while it is difficult to imagine a young brain learning something seemingly complex, coding for kids is a reality thanks to the many coding summer camps, websites, coding tutors, after school programs, and toys, the activity can be quite digestible.

Is coding good for kids?

Years ago when all of this kids and code chatter started, you could have characterized it as hype because the whole idea was new and novel to the education system. And, while this “learn to code” popularity spike wasn’t unfounded by any means, time was really the only thing that could tell us if it all was going to be a big fat flash in the pan.

So, kids should learn to code because:

• Coders are in high demand
• Coding provides a competitive advantage
• Coding knowledge allows students better understand the world
• Coding is fun and satisfying
• Coding improves creativity
• Coding improves problem-solving
• Coding improves persistence
• Coding improves collaboration
• Coding improves communication

Here is an explanation of the different reasons why coding is important. 

1. Coders are in high demand

As mentioned, according to Code.org, 67% of all new STEM jobs are in computing, yet only 11% of STEM graduates are in Computer Science. That’s a serious shortage of CS majors.

2. Coding provides a competitive advantage when applying to colleges, internships, and jobs

If you possess a hot skill that many of your peers lack–such as the ability to code–you instantly appear more desirable in the eyes of potential college admissions officers and employers. Plain and simple.

3. With coding knowledge, students better understand the world around them

Most of us don’t know the first thing about what makes our smartphones, laptops, social media networks, and video games run. Basic programming knowledge can change the way we interact with the technologies we use (and take for granted) daily and can open our eyes to the infinite possibilities of coding.

4. Coding is fun and satisfying

While programming is logic-based, it’s also an extremely creative activity. If you know how to code, you can develop the aforementioned apps, video games, websites, and more!

For many developers, part of the appeal of coding is the challenge and reward of seeing their code come to life after a good debugging session. Don’t be fooled, however–with the right instruction, getting started with programming can be easy and fun.

5. Coding improves creativity

When you learn a language, you use it to express yourself. The same is true with code. Computer coding empowers kids to not only consume digital media and technology but to create it. Instead of simply playing a video game or using an app, they can imagine making their own video game, or envision what their

6. Coding improves problem-solving

When kids code, they take complex problems and break them down into smaller parts.

Kids learn what it’s like to approach a problem the way a software engineer does, with logical, computational thinking.

7. Coding improves persistence

Learning to code, like any new discipline, is a challenge. Thus, tackling complex problems and making mistakes along the way can be very frustrating.

Coding teaches the valuable skill of persistence in the face of such challenges. Learning how to problem solve and look for solutions through research and collaboration builds this highly desirable skill.

8. Coding improves collaboration

Every student can learn, and every student can learn how to code—kids can learn alongside others of every race, gender, or background. Kids meet and learn how to collaborate with all kinds of peers, all joined by a common interest in technology.

9. Coding improves communication

Communication is an absolutely essential skill throughout school, work, and life. People who can clearly communicate complex ideas in simple terms tend to be successful in different industries and walks of life.

Coding resources:

Online Learning

• Virtual Summer Tech Camps
• Scratch Programming
• Made with Code by Google
• Tynker
• In-Person Coding Courses & Programs

Coding Camps

• Coding Classes for Kids
• Scratch Programming Classes
• Java Coding with Minecraft
• Roblox Coding Classes
• LEGO Robotics Visual Coding
• Coding Articles & Blogs

Cozmo

• Cozmo
• Code-a-Pillar
• Sphero

Code.org

• Java for kids guide
• Learning python for kids guide
• Minecraft coding for kids guide
• Coding programs for kids
• Coding terms
• Coding for teens
• Improving your coding skills
• How to get coding experience
• What are Minecraft mods?
• Is coding a good career?
• Coding Apps

Daisy the Dinosaur

• Move the Turtle
• Tynker
• Kodable
• Hopscotch
• Lightbot
• Coding Toys

Code is in fact the language of the future, and learning to code, while great to know in itself, also strengthens creativity, problem-solving, and a host of other skills.

Thus, the value of learning to code isn’t limited to the actual physical act of coding, as it opens doors to a variety of related opportunities as well.

Good luck!

To make this learning fun, you can contact Multhibhashi