Kids today are
born into a world full of high-tech gadgets previous generations never thought was possible. These gadgets work thanks to computer programming, aka coding. Kids as young as five can begin to learn the basics, and there’s a good reason to: coding is a coveted skill, and it bolsters creativity, collaboration, and teaches how to solve problems. But how can you encourage your child to get excited about coding? What games and toys are best to help them learn? These 5 tips will help inspire and motivate your child to learn to code.
How To Get Children Excited About Coding
- Talk Coding At A Young Age
There’s no wrong age to start learning to code, but a kid’s young brain is better at taking in and retaining new information than adults.
This is because a child’s prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain behind the forehead and eyes that controls cognitive abilities) is rapidly developing and, therefore, prime for learning the basic coding concepts.
So how can you talk about coding to your kids to pique their interest, even when you know little to nothing about coding yourself?
First, explain what coding is: coding is the language we use to talk to computers.
Then, help your children understand who uses coding.
Virtually everybody indirectly uses coding. Think clicking this blog post or tapping an app on your phone – while industries need coding and programmers to thrive, like healthcare, agriculture, and cyber security.
Eventually, start to help them connect coding and real life to pique their interest. Then, the next time they power on their iPad, think aloud, “I wonder what programming languages were used to make this work.”
Or the next time your kid is on Minecraft, “Did you know that Java was the main programming language used to create this game?”
The more they’re introduced to coding and the younger they are, the better chance they’ll become excited about coding.
- There’s Creativity In Coding
Creating is one of the most fun things a kid can do, so don’t pass up the chance to make sure your child knows the creative possibilities with coding are virtually endless.
You can also explain that coding is another way to express themself without speaking.
For example, animators and graphic designers need to know coding in addition to painting and drawing to bring their designs to life.
Furthermore, problem-solving also flexes your child’s creativity skills.
Take creative developers. They create attention-grabbing experiences for their audiences and brainstorm potential problems and solutions through code.
- Use Their Passion As A Springboard
What is your child passionate about? Drawing? Legos? Music?
Robots?
There is a terabyte’s worth of fun code programming platforms on the market, so talk with your child about what they’d like to try.
If they like drawing, Python Turtle teaches code by making a turtle move across a drawing board.
For Lego fanatics, test out the robot-building kits called Lego Mindstorms.
The more your kids merge their passions with coding, the more likely they’ll want to explore coding further and enjoy it.
- Games Make Coding Fun
Many
free and subscription-based programs and interactive toys keep your kids engaged and having fun.
Plus, kids learn best through play!
Here are some of our favorite coding programs for kids:
- Code.org (free guided courses)
- CodeSpark Academy (subscription-based game and puzzle lessons)
- Scratch Junior (design games)
- Osmo Coding Jam (create music with preconfigured coding blocks)
Don’t forget about coding toys:
- Osmo Coding (uses an iPad and physical blocks)
- OJO STEM (board game)
- Sphero Bolt (a programmable ball)
- Kano Computer Kit (program your own computer!)
- Learn To Code As A Family
Kids, at least until they hit their teenage years, generally like to spend time doing the things they see their mom, dad, or caretaker do. So if you’re not entirely against the idea of learning coding, give it a shot!
Your rambunctious bunch will likely race to see what you’re up to once you sit down and start your introductory course or game. It’s like the Call Of The Kids!
If you’re a complete beginner, try the original Scratch software program. Designed for children ages 8-16, Scratch teaches you to create interactive stories, games, music, and animation. You won’t need to know any programming languages like Python, C++, or SQL to start, so your child can certainly join you when they ask!
Use Scratch Junior if your child is younger.
When you learn to code as a family, you not only learn a valuable new skill but strengthen your bond from all those belly laughs and good memories.
So make a coding night, or if you’re competitive, have a contest to see who can impress the most with their new creation.
Final Thoughts
Coding continues to become a valuable skill thanks to expanding technology. In addition, learning to code has proven benefits like better collaboration and problem-solving. Therefore, children need to know at least the basic concepts of coding.
Get them curious by talking about coding when they’re young, then get them excited via coding games rooted in their passion. Next, seek software and tools that teach fundamental concepts and in-depth programming languages to round out their coding education. And if you’re game, go for a regular coding
family night!