WHEN SHOULD I INTRODUCE MY CHILD TO CODING
Do you know that At the age of 14, Steve Jobs started teaching kids how to code through Logo, an exclusive computer language developed to teach kids basic programming concepts.
LEARNING HAS NO AGE, AND CODING HAS NO BAR
Coding is not just for teenagers and adults; children as young as three years old can start learning to code. However, the type of coding and the level of complexity will vary depending on the age group. Younger children can start with basic coding activities, learning to give instructions and building algorithms. Older children can move on to more complex coding languages and projects.
Thus, we talked about coding has no age bar. However, there are few factors which needs to be considered-
- INTEREST
It is important to gauge your child’s interest in coding before introducing it to them. Some children may not be interested in technology or coding, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if your child shows an interest in it, it is worth exploring and encouraging them to pursue it.
2. SKILLS
Coding requires skills such as logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. If your child has already developed those skills through other activities, they may be ready to start coding. However, if they need to develop those skills, it may be best to wait before introducing coding.
3. EXPOSURE
Children who are exposed to coding early on are more likely to develop an interest and a passion for it. You can expose your child to coding through games and apps that teach coding concepts, toys that encourage logical thinking and problem-solving, or coding camps and workshops.
BENEFITS OF LEARNING CODING AT A YOUNG AGE
- Coding Boosts Problem-Solving Skills
- Coding Improves Computational Thinking
- Coding Encourages Persistence
- Coding Teaches Creativity
- Coding Helps Teach Digital Literacy
- Coding is a Career-Building Skill
- Coding Improves Confidence and Communication Skills
- Enhance Mathematical Skills
- Kids develop zeal to learn and tenacity
Each individual needs a creative outlet after a day’s work, and everyone needs an opportunity to work on something that feels great. Children who don’t enjoy expressing themselves via artistic forms such as music, drawing or writing can express themselves via writing a code. They can start creating their websites, apps, and games. It is important that they feel that they have the power to create anything they want. This will also help them build their self-confidence and have trust in their abilities.
BEST TIME TO INTRODUCE CHILD TO CODING
Generally, experts agree that children should be taught how to code at the earliest age possible. All children develop various skills at different rates and with different learning styles. Still, you can generally start teaching the basics of a skill to a child around the age of 5 or 6. Eight-year-olds can learn more advanced coding. The best place to start is by introducing various logical games that simulate the skill of coding. Children can then move on to more demanding exercises. Several studies have shown that children who code from the beginning of their elementary school education achieve better academic performance throughout their education. When compared to children who don’t engage in coding-related learning, a higher percentage of children who start coding early gain interest in STEM, both in college and professionally.
Kids from the age of 5 can start to code and program some basic applications. Coding for kids has gained popularity in the past couple of decades as technology has become an integral part of our daily life.
If unaware then some kids as young as 7 years of age start coding and learning programming basics. In fact, coding for kids has gained popularity rapidly in recent years as technology becomes increasingly part of everyday life. Kids who learn to code when they’re young can set themselves up for a lifetime of opportunities for success. Coding for kids involves using high-interest forms of content for creative projects. When kids learn to code, it’s typically done under the guide of a game.
This makes the process fun and engaging while the kids are still learning a new skill.
Therefore, it is rightly suggested that the sooner the better. Thus I recommend that every indivdual should be known to coding and that too at the earliest!
