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Come to
think of it—the apps and websites our kids visit today all run on code. As we
strive for a future that involves technology, teaching coding to kids as early
as now could bring them to something better in the coming years. But knowing
how complex coding is, how can you make it fun and easy to learn for them?
Well, you have nothing to worry about because this blog will provide you with
simple strategies that you can employ to ensure a smooth learning experience.
Let’s get started.
What is Coding and Its Benefits?
Coding, also known as computer programming, is the process of communicating with your computer. And just like how we converse with someone, in coding, we use a language that can be understood by computers. Java, Python, and C++ are some of the most common coding languages you might have heard of. Coders use them to write instructions for computers to follow.
What's in coding for kids, though? You may ask.
Well, there are many advantages codings can provide to your
little genius. Here are a few of them:
●
Enhancing
logic and problem-solving skills
●
Fostering
creativity
●
Improving
focus
●
Cultivating
persistence
●
Fostering
communication and teamwork
●
Opening
doors to a wide variety of career opportunities in the future
●
Getting
high salary potential
Ideas To Make Coding Fun
Finding the right balance between making something educational and fun is not always easy. And knowing how much information coding has, it can be difficult to build the kids' interest in the subject. But you always have to start with something. It would help if you relate coding to the games they play on phones, laptops, or computers. Tell them that by learning how to code, they cannot only pass challenging levels on various games but also create one on their own.
Once
you've started introducing coding to kids, you can follow our strategies to
make the learning experience fun and efficient. Here are some of them:
Use Toys
One of the best approaches to expose your kids to programming is through toys. Toys can help them understand the basics of coding while also having fun. And many toys on the market could help you teach the subject to kids.
One great example is Edison Programmable Robot. It allows students to experiment, gain new knowledge, use their imagination, develop their inventive thinking, and have fun. There are several EdVentures this robot can take your students on, from pre-programmed barcodes to drag-and-drop graphical programming. It even can use Python (a relatively easy programming language). Moreover, Edison can be operated by a programmed TV/DVD remote control.
Another amazing toy is Sphero Mini Activity, which teaches block-based coding. This kit comes with various accessories children can use to create mazes, obstacle courses, towers, play croquet, and more. By using the Sphero App, your child can instruct the robots to do basic commands.
Educational toys like Edison Robot and Sphero Mini can help
improve logical reasoning, resilience, and creativity.
Do StoryTelling
Another way to have fun learning coding is by using books. And, of course, we are not talking about boring textbooks. But instead, fun children's books can teach coding through storytelling. There are many gamified books that you can use in this step.
"Hey, Ruby" by Linda Lukas is one of them. It's a book that will bring young geniuses on an adventure where must will complete tasks to advance to the next level.
Another
great material for coding beginners is "My First Coding Book" by Kiki
Prottsman. It teaches coding in a language that children 5 to 7 can easily
understand. With its lift-the-flap games and offline coding exercises, your
little genius will have the best headstart on the subject.
Incorporate Games and Activities
Like any other activity, coding requires a lot of practice for students to become proficient. That's why it's crucial to add a few short exercises to their schedule to help them practice and hone the abilities they've already acquired. You can either use various online apps and websites or be creative with items you can find anywhere.
For instance, you could use a LEGO and teach them the concept of loops. The activity will be called "LEGO coding game" and will require two students to work. The two must work together to succeed in the game. And their goal is to recreate a pattern using LOOP instructions.
It would start by giving two students (students 1 & 2) the same set of LEGO blocks—one built with a pattern and one in pieces. Student 1 must instruct student 2 in the simplest way possible to match the LEGO design. Using the LOOP method in instructing, student 1 will advise their partner to create the first part of the pattern. Once succeeded, student 1 will use the term "REPEAT" until student 2 finishes the rest of the pattern. That’s it! Give prizes to whoever finishes the game first.
By making
coding fun and interesting for kids with games, it would be easy for them to
learn.
Final Words
Many
people believe that teaching children to code is extremely challenging.
However, if you build their interest in it—make the subject fun and engaging
for them, it will be a seamless experience to teach them. We hope our guide
helps you in your goal of inspiring kids to learn how to code.