Learn to Code: Making Coding for Kids Engaging

The growing trend of teaching coding to children has become a global phenomenon, driven by the increasing dependency on technology in everyday life. Initially emerging from countries like the United States (US) and the United Kingdom(UK), coding education has gained momentum worldwide, with schools, educational platforms, and extracurricular programs embracing it as an essential skill. The importance of coding today stems from the rapid digitalization of industries, making it critical for young minds to understand and participate in this technological shift. Learn the fun ways making coding more engaging for kids. And what coding languages are suitable for kids.

Why Children’s Young Minds Should Learn to Code?

During Abundance Summit, Emad Mostaque, CEO of Stability AI, said “we would have no more humans coding in next 5 years”. Maybe because Artificial Intelligence (AI) is smarter now and enough qualified for a Level 3 Engineers. Software Engineering job opportunities might be different in next 10 years. Wouldn’t you? Tools evolve. But unless you’re a technological determinist, you must allow that people evolve, too. This isn’t a speed game. It’s a thinking game. Problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking are essential skills in today’s world. Kids gain significant advantages from learning to code early on. It goes beyond being just a technical skill; it helps develop effective problem-solving abilities for the future.

Why Code?

Coding is similar to piecing together a puzzle, which is something kids really enjoy! It promotes logical thinking and helps children to break complex problems into smaller tasks. It enhances their analytical skills. Research studies indicate that kids who learn to code at early age tend to improve logical reasoning and creative problem-solving abilities. The Royal Society’s report highlights that children involved in coding activities perform better in solving problems and creative tasks than those who did not.

Is Coding Good for Kids’ Brains?

Absolutely! Coding is akin to a workout for the brain. It encourages young minds to think creatively and fosters patience and focus. Through coding, children develop skills like sequencing (organizing events in a specific order), pattern recognition, and abstraction. A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology revealed that kids engaged in coding activities exhibited improved brain development, especially in areas associated with executive functions such as planning and memory. Moreover, coding nurtures creativity by equipping children with the means to design games, stories, and animations from the ground up.

What Coding Languages could teach to Kids?

Coding for 5 Years Old

At this young age, coding should be fun and visual. Schools are now introducing fundamental programming classes to students as early as secondary level, and some even start teaching to code at preschool level. The technology plays a larger role in our lives and economy is crucial hence, the tools such as “ScratchJr” and “Kodable” enable kids to use a drag-and-drop interface to build simple programs. These platforms emphasize the logic behind of sequencing, basic problem-solving through coding.

Coding for 10 Years Old

Here, languages such as “Scratch” and “Blockly” are great options. Scratch allows kids to create interactive stories, games, and animations. It helps them to grasp basic concepts about loops and conditional flow. Blockly teaches a smooth transition to text-based coding, showing kids how visual blocks convert into actual code. In the late 1960s, Seymour Papert and his team introduced the language names as Logo. It is one of the first programming languages specifically designed for children, remains influential in educational technology still today. The main idea was to enable children to program and explore Math, Science, and other subjects in a hands-on, interactive manner.

Coding for 12 to 15 Years Old

Children are curious to learn to code on more advanced level. The programming languages such as Python and JavaScript can be thought to them. Python is frequently suggested as an ideal first language due to its simplicity and versatility. It enables young learners to create games, develop websites, and even program robots.

Fun Ways to Code: Making Learning Engaging

Learning to code can be fun and engaging for children, which can be helpful to keep less perseverant students motivated to learn even other subjects where programming is involved. Here are some creative ways to keep coding exciting:

• Games and Apps: Platforms such as Code.org and Tynker utilize game-based learning to introduce coding concepts in an engaging way.
• Robotics: Resources like LEGO Mindstorms and Ozobot enable children to program robots, blending coding with creative, hands-on activities.
• Events: First LEGO League and Hour of Code can inspire kids and create a sense of accomplishment.

Gamifying the coding process makes it less about sitting in front of a screen and more about experimenting, creating, and having fun.

Benefits of Coding for Children

Learning to code prepares children for a future where digital literacy is just as important as traditional literacy. High level of computer programming literacy will lead to increased innovation and productivity, driving economic growth and development.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Kids learn how to tackle with complex problems in a systematic manner and come up with creative solutions.
• Creativity: Kids can create games, animations, and websites on small level and express themselves uniquely.
• Academic Performance: According to a study by MIT, children showed improvement in logical subjects like math & science.
• Teamwork: Kids learn teamwork over group work, collaboration and share ideas to express themselves.
• Career Opportunities: Learn to cod opens up numerous career paths in the future by enabling new strengths.

Are kids facing challenges while learning coding?

Yes, there seem to be a few concerns regarding programming in school. Lindberg et. al.(2020) notices the danger and They state that “An even more pressing challenge has been maker education’s nearly exclusive focus on STEM topics and specific applications amplifying the lack of diversity and already existing equity issues present in many STEM fields.” Bers and Sullivan (2019), where they problematize how programming at early ages could increase screen-time antagonizing with the recommendations of The American Academy of Paediatrics

In summary, we are instilling a precious skill by introducing coding from pre-school to high-school. No matter what if your child is 5 or 15 years old. There is always a dedicated coding language that fits their age. Learning to code can improve their problem-solving and analytical skills. It helps kids in self-expression and creativity. Most importantly, coding prepares kids with the basic skills they need to succeed in future digital world. Introducing coding at preschool, secondary and high school education was believed to enhance social interactions and teamwork.

Mostly Asked Questions

Q: Can 5 years old kids learn to code?

A: Yes, 5 years old can start coding using tools like ScratchJr and Kodable. This is the best age to learn to code. At this age, children are naturally curious and eager to explore things. They are quit open to creative learning methods. Coding allows kids to hold a grip over basic concepts like sequencing, logic, and problem-solving in a playful way.

Q: How many hours of coding are allowed?

A: It is essential to balance screen time with other activities to prevent screen fatigue.

• 5 to 7 years old children are allowed to code for 20 to 30 minutes, as they are still developing their focus so might not lose interest quickly.
• 8 to 10 years old children can be extended to 30 to 45 minutes, as they are able to handle more complex things.
• 11 to 15 years old children can continue from 45 minutes to 1 hour because, by this age, kids are more focused and can engage in more detailed coding projects.

Q: Why limiting time for coding?

A: Excessive exposure to screen-focused activity harms the eyes, health and attention, so it’s essential to balance it with soothing activities. It helps to prevent overall health, burnout and retain focus.  Doing physical activities are referred, as it improve dopamine and serotonin to improve mood, reduce stress and concentration.

Q: Does coding useful with school studies?

A: Yes! it improves problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and math skills, which are valuable in subjects such as Science, Mathematics, and the Arts. The advantages of coding extend beyond just computer use, preparing children for a successful future in a digital world.