Coding is one of the most underrated ways for kids to learn writing and mathematics skills. Not only this, but coding provides invaluable skills later in life that they might need to use in future careers.
As with any subject, coding must be taught to kids from a young age for them to get to grips with the vast world of coding in the future.
Problem is, not all kids will be interested in coding. Coding might sound boring, especially to kids who would rather run laps around the backyard, but there are ways to make coding fun for kids of all ages.
So, if you want your kids to learn to code in their spare time, whether or not they’re learning it in school, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our 7 tips for getting your kid into coding.
What Is Coding?
Firstly, let’s take a look at what coding actually is. Coding is a way of communicating with a computer using a specific language. This unique language is understood by the computer to perform specific tasks and functions.
Virtually everything you see online has been created from coding, including websites, video games, apps, and computer software.
Due to the vast range of possibilities available, there are different types of code languages to learn. Each language comes with their own rules and instructions. It’s not easy, but it’s fun to learn and can create (see also: Creating An Outdoor Learning Space For Free Or Frugal)fantastic online content.
Tips To Get Your Kid Into Coding
1. Focus On Their Individual Passions
The only way a kid is going to become interested in a new hobby is if it somehow relates to an existing hobby or passion. The world is your oyster as a kid, but sometimes, they need a little push to make them realize that there are lots of hobbies available to them.
When a kid hears the word “coding”, they’re not likely to get excited about it unless they know exactly what coding is and what it does. The best way to describe coding to a child is to tap into their passions.
For example, if your kid loves playing video games or apps on your iPad, you can tell them that there is a way to make their own video game using a computer. If they love reading, they can make a website reviewing their favorite books.
If they love telling stories, there are countless ways to achieve this through coding. If they love sports, they can make a website to track their favorite games, players, and team stats.
Coding is so expansive that there really is something for everyone. So, tapping into your kid’s individual passions is a good way to get them interested in coding.
2. Coding Is A Creative Hobby
Again, kids with a creative spark aren’t likely to be intrigued by the prospect of coding. However, this is only because they don’t know how creative coding can be.
Math and problem-solving is a huge part of coding, (see also: Does Coding Require A Good Maths Knowledge?)sure, but creating things makes up a huge portion of being able to code.
The fact that they will develop other skills that aren’t so creative is just an added bonus to learning how to code.
Of course, not all creative kids are going to like coding even when they’ve tried it. It’s not exactly something you can force, and if your child would rather paint a picture or build Legos, then those are creative hobbies that don’t need to be replaced.
3. Problem-Solving Is Fun!
When kids hear about problem-solving, they probably think about math or science class, and will automatically mentally turn off.
Thing is, problem-solving is actually super fun and can come with great rewards – given by parents, of course.
Problem-solving is all about finding the most convenient way to do something. Coding is all about solving problems when learning the online languages, and the same mindset can be applied to non-coding situations, such as figuring out a puzzle or working with creative mediums like paints.
So, if your kid loves solving problems in the real world, try to encourage them to learn how to code. Coding is all about problem-solving, and the gratification that comes with successfully solving a problem is something that cannot be replicated.
4. Find Friends To Code With
There’s a reason after school clubs are so popular with kids. Kids are inherently social beings, and will often learn best in a group of friends who also want to learn a hobby. This includes coding, so, check if your kid’s school offers a coding club.
Alternatively, if you are an experienced coder and want to encourage your kid to learn, you can even make your own coding club! Invite your kid’s friends to join after school, set them up with some food, and teach them how to code in a fun and exciting setting.
Not only will this be beneficial for their coding skills, but it’ll also help them to associate coding with a positive atmosphere.
5. Encourage Mistakes
Learning a new hobby is all about making mistakes. This is a tough pill to swallow as a kid, especially if they don’t like failing the first time round. So, encourage them to make mistakes with coding. The computer isn’t going to explode if you make a mistake.
Instead, creating a safe environment where mistakes are allowed will improve their problem-solving skills and encourage them to explore past their comfort zone.
Coding is all about seeing what you can do with the power of a computer – who knows, your kid might be on the way to developing one of the world’s best apps in the future.
6. Find a Good Coding Tool
Kids are notorious for their short attention spans. If the tool you are using to teach them how to code isn’t exciting or thrilling to them, then it’s time to find another option.
Luckily, there are countless coding apps out there available on iPads and computers that are designed to make coding fun for kids of all ages.
There are even some coding classes that are created by popular video games, such as Minecraft and Lego. This is great for kids who are obsessed with these video games.
This is also handy for parents who don’t know the first thing about coding. It means you can learn alongside them without the risk of spreading misinformation.
7. Don’t Treat It Like Homework
Homework is undoubtedly the worst part about school, so don’t add to your kid’s ever-growing pile of homework and stress. Instead, don’t force coding practice on them.
Sure, it would be ideal to create a type of routine where they code for 30 minutes a day after school, but this isn’t always the reality.
For example, if your child has come back from school, completed their homework, and wants to play on the iPad, encourage them to spend some time learning how to code. Once they’ve done some coding, they can then use another app to play with.
If you introduce a reward system for using the coding app, such as building up points for an edible (see also: Edible Witches’ Brew)treat, it will encourage your child to earn more rewards through learning how to code. With this method, the goal is to get kids to want to learn to code in their private time.
Summary
So, there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has given you some tips on how to get your kid into coding. If you’re still struggling to encourage them to code, don’t worry – coding isn’t for everyone.
Some kids might turn to coding at a later stage, and some might not get along with it at all. Happy coding!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Should A Child Start Coding?
Ultimately, there isn’t a specific age where kids should start coding. Kids can start coding anywhere from 6 to 12 years old. However, it is believed that the optimum time for a kid to learn how to code is in early elementary school, at ages 6 and 7.
This is because this is the prime age for cognitive development. Kids at this age are like a sponge, soaking up as much information as possible. So, if you get them started young with coding activities, it should set them up with invaluable skills in the future.
What Age Is Too Late To Learn Coding?
Coding can be learned at any age. So, whether you’re a teenager or an adult, you’ll be reassured knowing that even some of the best coders in the world started their coding journey as adults.
Of course, learning how to code as a young child will give you a good head start, but there isn’t a minimum or maximum age to learn to code.
Do You Have To Be Good At Math To Code?
While coding involves numbers and math, you don’t have to be good at math to code. Instead, coding will help you develop your math skills through problem-solving. This is great news for kids who hate math class!
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