7 Reasons Why Your Kids Should Learn How To Code

The idea that kids should code has been gaining traction in recent years. Researchers, educational institutions, and government leaders have realized the huge role of computers in today’s world and the future. 

The education that kids should receive should prepare them for the challenges and demands of the future. Nowadays, parents don’t have to wait for schools to start integrating computer science into their curricula. Children in their primary education years can already be learning the foundational skills and concepts of coding. 

But why do your kids need to learn to code? 

Coding offers many benefits that are hard to ignore and dismiss. This post covers the most common benefits. 

Here are the 7 reasons why kids should learn how to code:

1. Coding Develops Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Coding is the practice of writing instructions for computers to execute. Coders need to learn and write in a language that computers can understand. The first set of codes written does not always work. Part of the coder’s job is to solve problems constantly and overcome challenges to achieve the desired results. 

Children who practice coding will hone their ability to look at a problem and find ways to overcome it efficiently. Most often, they need to break down a major problem into different sections and check each section one at a time. This is a similar analytical skill needed in subjects like mathematics and science. In addition, young coders also need to test out different solutions and approaches.

 2. Coding Builds Creativity

Creativity is innate in children but research suggests that they lose it as they get older. However, you need to cultivate and maintain creativity in your child because it allows them to make effective responses and solve issues they will encounter. 

Coding is an excellent way to enhance creativity amongst children. In the programming world, coders are builders and creators and builders. With coding, your child will need to apply the skills he/she learns to create games, animation, programs, stories, or simple robots. Coding projects and exercises prompt them to explore their creativity and experiment constantly. After learning basic coding principles and seeing the result, they will see what else they can make.

3. Coding Builds Resilience

Coding requires patience and readiness to fail for the first time. More often than not, the first codes a programmer writes will not work smoothly. With coding, your child will learn to accept failure as part of the learning process. He/she will be uncomfortable with not finding solutions at first, but then will be able to build resilience that will be vital to professional and personal success. 

 4. Coding Makes Learning Fun and Relatable

Many students find the traditional ways of learning subjects like mathematics and science boring and not engaging. In addition, kids can easily get too overwhelmed with information and theories. Over the years, teaching strategies have changed dramatically, and teachers are trying different approaches to make learning more engaging. 

Teaching kids to code can develop key skills that are important for their future. However, coding also has a hands-on and practical element to it that makes it enjoyable.

Coding is fun because it does not pressure learners to succeed in their objectives right away. Making mistakes and going through a few or many trials and errors are part of the coding process.  

 It is also a discipline that produces real-time results. When children work on coding projects like building games, interactive stories, and graphics, they can see the fruit of their efforts right away. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. If something is wrong with the product, then students can re-examine the steps and make the necessary adjustments. 

5. Coding improves collaboration and communication

There is a common misconception that coding is a solo activity – which is far from the truth. In many professional settings, coders need to work in teams to finish a project. Coders usually join online communities that encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas. For example, members often discuss topics like the most efficient coding languages or the best switches for programming. 

 Educators copy this model in classroom settings. Your kids can code together. They can ask questions and help each other find solutions to coding problems. 

Through collaboration, young coders will learn to communicate complicated ideas and become confident in expressing themselves.

6. Coding helps improve concentration 

These days, kids can get distracted easily by various stimuli. The act of coding encourages the children to stop and focus on the task at hand. Through coding, they will quickly learn that their concentration will result in a better product and a successful project. 

7. Coding prepares children for stable and lucrative careers

Programming(coding) is one of the most sought-after skills in many fields today. This is because technology is one of the main drivers of the economies around the world.  

Several computer science-related job vacancies will need talents to fill them in the years to come. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in software development, quality assurance, and testers will grow by 22 per cent between 2020 to 2030. This growth is much faster than other jobs, These jobs are not just in-demand, but they are also well-paying and more stable than others. 

Even if your child won’t take up computer programming-related courses or careers, coding is still a valuable skill that can give them a professional advantage.

Final Thoughts

Coding is one of the most constructive activities for your child to take up. It does not only prepare the young learner for more promising career opportunities but also enables them to develop skills that will contribute to their success in whatever field they choose to pursue. 

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About the Author

Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.

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