How to Teach Coding to your kids

Nov 03, 2022 Admin 200 view(s)

The world has now become more and more digital, and computer science jobs are also increasing at a rapid rate. Logical reasoning and problem-solving skills need computer programming along with the ability to think algorithmically and critically. It also offers a strong foundation for a successful career. 

It is not surprising that kids have shown a keen interest in learning coding at an early stage. Parents are teaching their children to code at a young age so they can learn as much as they can about coding. Coding and software development, integral components of a comprehensive STEM education, offer students numerous benefits. By incorporating STEM kits, students can receive hands-on instruction, making programming accessible to almost anyone and providing extensive opportunities for learning and growth in technical areas.    

This has resulted in the development of various exciting and new tools as well as programs like raspberry pi zero 2 w Australia. 

 

5 Best coding resources for kids 

We append below the top 5 best coding resources for kids that can develop their skills along with the necessary information: 

1.     Scratch Junior 

Recommended age – 5 years to 7 years 

Skills learned – General problem-solving, programming, and interacting with a graphical interface 

Type of resource – Android tablet app and iOS 

Necessary coding experience – None 

Children can make their own stories, play games, and solve problems in this application. Part code and part graphical, kids can use the app to blend code blocks with the on-screen elements and make their avatar jump, move, sing and dance. It is also possible for children to insert their own photographs and sounds and to customize their characters using a paint editor. Every feature in this app is appropriately developed for kids to boost their interpersonal, social, and emotional development.   

2.     Scratch 

Recommended age – 8 years to 16 years 

Skills learned – Collaboration, systematic reasoning, animation, and programming 

Type of resource – Android app, iOS, and Website 

Necessary coding experience – None 

The MIT media lab develops this wonder coding resource for kids. It is a kids-friendly coding resource that has a vast online community where children can make codes, share stories, and can also animate their creations. While using this app, children can snap coding blocks together to create compelling visual stories. 

This app is also designed to boost the child’s creative thinking and encourage their collaborative work. Scratch can also be used offline if you don't have an internet connection; just download the app, and you're ready to go.    

3.     Minecraft 

Recommended age – 7 years and above 

Skills learned – Best coding practices and programming 

Type of resource – Web browser game 

Necessary coding experience – None 

Minecraft is not only a video game but also a great learning experience. This fantastic application encompasses several hours of code tutorials, allowing children to customize the in-game experience. 

Kids can create an interactive story-based game sessions, interior-designed homes, adventuring games, and aquatic voyages with this game. Every project in Minecraft comes with a video-based lesson plan, certified teacher training, and a computer science curriculum. 

Also, if you do not have an internet connection, you can download the offline version and get a starter. 

4.     Raspberry Kit 

Recommended age – 3 years and above 

Skills learned – Coding, illustration, animation, and storytelling 

Necessary coding experience – None 

Raspberry kit offer easy-to-use tools which children to make simple programs, drawings, and animations. With its easy-to-understand code blocks, kids can properly learn coding skills, as well as fundamental programming principles. 

Kids can work on both visual and verbal storytelling skills by making a story art built on a general theme along with app–prompted questions. 

Once the kids have completed the code, they can share their stories and drawings anonymously. The android and iOS apps are perfect for children who want to dive into programming and animation. Each of the pre-programmed code blocks in this app offers a brief explanation to help kids grasp the principles of programming. 

5.     CodeCombat 

Recommended age – 10 years and above 

Skills learned – Critical thinking, coding fundamentals, Python, JavaScript 

Type of resource – Web browser game 

Necessary coding experience – None 

It is the most exciting way to learn to code. This resource is recommended for kids who are new to coding. This adventure-based game lets kids to master the real magic of programming. 

Through CodeCombat, children learn to apply creativity, trial and error, and critical thinking to their own challenges in JavaScript and Python programs. 

The game is solely designed to make it easy for kids to make an independent game and a website after completion. 

Mentors can also personalize instruction by selecting the built-in assessments which measure the kid’s retention of core concepts. In addition to it, kids can also tackle practice lessons and also activate hints as soon as they are stuck.

 

 Wrap Up 

These days a significant portion of our lives is involved in online activities. For good or bad, computer programming underpins every facet of daily life, i.e., from our society to our work communications. 

So, what better than to make your kids jump-start a new hobby – coding? 

Raspberry is a great resource to teach your kids coding in an exciting way. You just need a keyboard, and mouse for connecting it. Also, this kit is very cost-effective and you can easily get it for your child’s better future.