The last few years have seen a massive rise in the concept of teaching young kids to code. Since then, a number of platforms are offering complete courses. Moreover, tips, and tricks to get into the world of coding. Schools too have started to adapt to this latest educational shift where kids must learn the basics of computer programming. Moreover, now that the idea has become prevalent, more and more kids are getting enrolled in coding classes.
There are a lot of benefits of learning coding at an early age. It not only gets your kids well-versed in mathematics, but it also prepares them mentally to secure a stable future. Children, by learning to code, understand the fundamentals of how technology works, which is somewhat essential given most of our lives are integrated with technology. We are surrounded by a plethora of technology including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and even our toasters. In such a scenario, it makes sense to introduce our kids to the basics of computer programming so they can better understand their surroundings.
Nevertheless, learning to code is difficult and can be a daunting task, especially if the kids are not given special attention and time to work on their own. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways you can transform coding classes for kids and help them make the best of it:
Use Real Programming Language
As we have said before, computer programming can be challenging and more often than not a newbie student will need the help of a teacher. Most online coding classes, however, have taken them upon themselves to make programming easier or at least give the illusion of it being easier. And they do it by minimising a lot of the language’s functions and stripping down the language to its bare minimum. By doing so, they are making programming seem easy but taking away some of the most important ideas and functions of computer programming.
In order to avoid that, find a programming class that teaches real programming languages. Find someone who does not cut down on the majority of material just for the sake of making it easier for kids. A good coding institute will teach your kids all the basics of computer programming along with some of the most advanced stuff so it is easier for your kids to transition to more complicated languages.
Use Real Environment and Tool
In order to teach your kids in the best ways of computer programming, you must let them have their hands-on tools and features that large corporations are using. Online Coding classes provide kids with a created experience that aims to minimise errors without the use of a teacher. However, in real life, there is a huge benefit to using real coding tools and environment.
Using the latest tools allows kids to be up to date with the latest technology. This helps them gain 21st-century skills and gain confidence in their approach.
Learn from Real Engineers
Computer programming requires an experienced teacher or mentor to be around you. Online classes try to replace a teacher with a curated and easy to follow environment. Nevertheless, without the guidance of a teacher, kids will never be able to learn to code as they should.
If you are looking to enroll your kids in a particular coding institute, make sure you have gauged their faculty first and that they have a team of experienced teachers who know how to code.
Teach them to Build Real Apps and Games
It is easy to get a kid to join an online class. However, the problem is getting their interest in the subject. In order to help your kids get the best out of the online classes. They should build things that interest them. For instance, kids would love to be a part of a video game or Minecraft mods. You can help them create the same and retain their interest in coding with the best coding languages for your kids to learn at this age.
Computer programming is a creative process above all. One should be able to use this to their advantage, especially if they are to teach their kids to code.
Get to Know Their Passion
There are a lot of ways learning to code can come in handy. But before you force your kids into learning the languages of computers, try to understand their interests and passion. Furthermore, inform them on how learning to code can help them realize their dreams. For instance, if your kid is into building Lego, you can harness their interest. Use coding as a platform to let them build new things. Similarly, kids who like reading can build a website featuring their favorite books.
Tap into something that your kids enjoy and use it to teach them the practicality and application of coding.