The Right Age to Learn Coding: Everything that You Need to Know
Children today grow up with video games, phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets. Your children are most certainly computer literate.
And as technology becomes more integrated into daily life, the interest in coding for kids has grown significantly in recent years. Learning new concepts comes much easier to children and introducing coding young is vital to ensure they develop a lifelong interest in this area, opening up a world of possibilities for them throughout their lives.
What Is Coding?
Coding, also known as computer programming or development, is a creative process in which computers are “trained” to do different jobs. This is accomplished through code, a collection of instructions that a computer needs to perform a task.
How Early Can Kids Learn to Code?
The world of technology is growing at a rapid pace. In every manner, technology is transforming the way we live our lives. The internet and smartphones have transformed us into tech-savvy individuals.
Children’s education needs to evolve in the same way. They need to get accustomed to new skills that lead them to a bright future.
According to MIT, kids as young as 5 to 7 years old can learn coding languages. This is their most productive period when they start learning things at an enhanced rate and can adapt quickly to new things and concepts.
Why Should Kids Learn How to Code?
The idea of children learning to code first surfaced a few years ago, but it has since evolved into something that we now realize is essential.
Some people may wonder why this is such a big deal. The answer is simple: The world is changing, and students need to be prepared for these changes.
In the not-so-distant future, children will be living in a world where technology plays a massive role in everyday life. Even today, everything from phones to cars, TVs, and even refrigerators are connected. It’s easy to see how coding could help kids learn how these and other devices work and prepare them for careers in various industries.
After all, if there’s one thing we know about the future of technology, it’s that individuals who train themselves in these skills will have plenty of career opportunities.
Four Reasons to Get Your Kids into Coding
While there are multiple reasons why your kid should start learning to code right away, let’s take a look at the top 4:
1. Coding for Kids Teaches Problem-Solving
When coding, rarely do things go exactly as planned the first time. Programmers must examine the code for issues or mistakes and figure out what is needed to achieve the desired result. Thinking creatively and logically are both vital to becoming a successful programmer.
2. Coding for Kids Helps Children Develop Resilience
During code examination and ‘debugging,’ children learn to bounce back after each setback and in the best possible way. They learn to accept errors and learn from them rather than giving up. They can also learn that failure is necessary for progress since it provides learning.
3. Coding for Kids Teaches Children How to Think
Steve Jobs once famously stated, “A computer is a bicycle for your mind.” Computer programming has less to do with entering lines of code and more with your ability to think. For instance, programmers frequently examine a significant problem and then break it into smaller pieces to tackle it efficiently.
4. Computer Programming is the Future
Coding is utilized by many businesses, not just the technology industry; therefore, coding is quickly becoming an essential skill in today’s society. Teaching kids to code ensures them more job options in the future, be it in health care, technology, finance, retail, or even entertainment.
Get Started with Coding for Kids: Enroll in Coding Class Today
If you’re interested in coding for kids, iCode School is an excellent choice. iCode is a leader in onsite coding and STEM education. They specialize in hands-on, project-based learning with knowledgeable instructors leading students through their comprehensive, proprietary curriculum. Oh ya….it’s a lot of FUN too!
What are you waiting for? Enroll your kid in iCode School today!