Kids Can Code. Here’s Why They Should Start!

Think your kids are too young to learn to code?
Think again.

Coding (also called programming or developing) is telling a computer, app, phone or website what you want it to do. Some educators and experts are calling it the ‘new literacy’—a subject so important that every child needs to know the basics to excel in our rapidly changing world.

There are tons of jobs and occupations that use code directly, like web designers, software developers and robotics engineers, and even more where knowing how to code is a huge asset—jobs in manufacturing, nanotechnology or information sciences. However, for most kid-coding advocates, reasons for learning to code run much deeper than career prep.

Understanding Code Helps Explain The World

Today, computing is involved in almost all aspects of our lives, from communications and education to social media, banking, information, security and shopping. If grade-schoolers are taught biology and mathematics in order to understand the world around them, then knowing the basics of how computers communicate—and how to engage with them—should be a given.

Develops Problem Solving And Computational Thinking Skills

The skills that come with computer programming help kids develop new ways of thinking and foster problem-solving techniques that can have big repercussions in other areas. Computational thinking allows preschoolers to grasp concepts like algorithms, recursion and heuristics—even if they don’t understand the terms, they’ll learn the basic concepts.

Coding Improves Academic Performance

Coding helps kids visualize abstract concepts, lets them apply math to real-world situations, and makes math fun and creative! Kids who code understand the value of concision and planning, which results in better writing and communication skills. Kids learn through experimentation and strengthen their brains when they code, allowing them to embrace their creativity.

“Now is a great time to be entering the coding world because technology because technology is going to change more in the next 10 years than it has in the last 50.”

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft

How To Introduce Your Kids To Code with Kidzwhiz

  • SCRATCH: A program from MIT that lets kids create games and animations without learning programming text—it’s a drag-and-drop way to learn computer concepts and have fun.
  • LEGO WeDo: The step between traditional building blocks and robotics, this Lego series allows kids to build models with programmable motors and sensor.
  • OZOBOT: Using OzoBlockly, a drag and drop programming language, students will be introduced to the basics of coding and advance their skills. Students will watch their code come to life as they learn to program the robots to complete various activities
  • PYTHON: Kids aged 9+ can begin to learn the simple-yet-powerful programming language used to build mission critical systems at Google, Dropbox, Pinterest, Instagram, and other major tech companies.
LEARN MORE
Sources: 
https://www.tynker.com/blog/articles/ideas-and-tips/10-reasons-kids-should-learn-to-code/ 
https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/why-kids-should-learn-to-code-and-how-to-get-them-started  
https://www.tynker.com/blog/articles/ideas-and-tips/10-reasons-kids-should-learn-to-code/ 
https://youtu.be/Dv7gLpW91DM