Coding For Kids: The Definitive Guide For Parents To Teach Coding

Technology is one of the industries that proved its mettle in the testing times like the Covid-19 pandemic. The revolution sparked by digitization has brought an unprecedented level of comfort, convenience, and efficiency to the lives of people around the world. Also, with the blessing of technology, humanity is equipped with the tools to find answers to the most complex questions that face our civilization and the planet.

From NASA to a small home office, every institution requires the support of technology to store data and perform operations on it. These operations open the gateway to a world of infinite possibilities that could make the lives of billions of people easier. As kids, coding is the first step to engaging with the offerings of technology in the modern world.

As a beginner, learning to code can be challenging. This is why parents must be well informed regarding this subject to help their children become better coders and thinkers. However, even if the parents have no background or experience in coding, they can follow some easy steps to teach coding to their kids.

Ways to teach coding to kids

The advantages of learning to code are plenty. This skill will not only help children if they join the IT industry but also in other industries like hospitality, research, education, management, and many more. The minimum age for kids to start learning this skill is around seven. There are various manners through which kids can learn to code. They include applications, games, online workshops, boot camps, and interactive websites designed for kids.

Parents can explore various other ways to teach this skill in the following sub-sections.

1. Talking:

Parents can start by introducing their kids to the world of coding by talking about it. They can tell them about (or show videos regarding) coding languages like Java, JavaScript, C++, Python, and many more. Kids would be excited to know about the things that can be developed using these coding languages. For instance, the Minecraft game was built using Java. If kids understand this coding language, they could integrate their mods into the game to get leverage over their peers.

2. Injecting Excitement:

Adults must notice their kids’ hobbies and preferences. Using this knowledge, they can connect coding with the activities that their children enjoy. Some pairings that could be made are listed below.

• Lua language with Roblox game
• Java with Minecraft
• Artificial Intelligence with Python
• Lego with Visual Coding
• Augmented Reality with C#

Children can start with the process of learning to code in any way of their choice. They can watch interactive videos regarding the topic, read books, play games, or experiment with different tools. Any method that makes them comfortable with the learning process should be used. Once the kid has started to learn about the topics, ask them to talk about it with their friends, relatives, or one of their parents.

3. Easing the Process:

Different hands-on coding platforms for beginners can help a child learn languages better. Some of these are:

• Scratch: Children can develop games, animations, and stories on this platform.
• Code.org: Code.org is a valuable platform for self-paced learners. It offers multiple full-length courses.

4. Using Toys:

Children learn better when the concepts are taught using games. Here are some games for kids:

• Sphero RVR: An autonomous robot that uses Scratch and JavaScript.
• Micro:bit: A small computer with a radio for connecting smartphones. 

5. Increasing Familiarity:

In the initial phases of learning, kids can be overwhelmed with the increasing number of terms used during coding. These terms must be taught in a kid-friendly manner. For instance, a variable holds different data types (information), like numbers or words. Parents can also prepare this concept by explaining it uniquely. A variable can be considered as a chest that stores data (things) inside, and children can name this chest whatever they want.

6. Finding a mentor:

Many developers provide free or paid online sessions to mentor young children. Parents can also ask a friend or relative to talk to their kids regarding coding and make them excited about this field. With the help of a mentor, children can learn efficiently by asking questions and solving their doubts regarding various concepts.

Conclusion

Many parents understand the importance of digital literacy, so the need for coding for kids’ resources is increasing. Parents must make the process of learning coding as fun as possible for their kids. Only then will the young minds be enthusiastic about this subject and learn for long hours on their own.