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What is the best age for kids to start learning coding?

What is the best age for kids to start learning coding?

Many parents wonder what the best age for their child is to start learning coding. Some have concerns over too much screen time, while others don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn during their child’s peak brain plasticity (its ability to change and adapt). Your kids have probably been computer-savvy with video games, smartphones, tablets, and other electronics from a young age. They might also have started to express an interest in learning how to code and program their own games. But, is this a good idea, and should you allow young kids to jump into coding? So today we’ll take a look at some factors to consider to help you make the right decision for your child.

Coding creates a set of instructions for computers to follow. These instructions determine what actions a computer can and cannot take. Coding allows programmers to build programs, such as websites and apps. Computer programmers can also tell computers how to process data in better, faster ways.

Research has shown that the brain is more receptive to learning during childhood and adolescence, and that the brain’s plasticity is greatest during this time. This may make it easier for younger learners to learn new skills, including coding.

Starting at age five: 

By about the age of five, a child is likely to have the motor skills and understanding to begin to interact with simple toys and apps that introduce the very basics of coding. Kids can begin learning fundamental programming concepts, and start using tools such as ScratchJr. Although they may not be able to understand all of the intricacies of programming languages, at this age, children are typically able to understand the basic principles of cause and effect. As a result, they can begin to learn how to give simple commands to a computer.

Starting at age eight: 

By around age eight, students are ready to learn intermediate entry-level coding concepts, and to start using more intermediate block coding tools such as Scratch and Thunkable. Children are usually able to understand the principles of loops, variables, and basic data types. Children at this age also start to develop the problem solving skills necessary to understand the concepts of debugging and testing, and may be able to troubleshoot simple errors in their code.

Starting at age ten: 

At around the age of ten, student’s typing skills are often good enough for them to start learning text-based languages such as Python, and they’re typically able to understand more advanced coding concepts. At this age, children are usually able to understand concepts such as functions, arrays, and object-oriented programming, and may be able to use these concepts to write more complex programs. Children at this age (and older) may also be able to start learning about web development and may be able to create simple web pages using HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).

Benefits of Coding for Kids

1: Coding helps kids understand the connected world better

Most people don’t know much about how our smartphones, tablets, or computers run. We take many of these things for granted on a day-to-day basis.

Having a basic understanding of programming can change the way kids look at everyday technology.

It may also open their eyes to the limitless possibilities coding knowledge offers.

2: Coding can give your kid a competitive advantage

Mastering a skill many of their peers may not have could mean your child is a more desirable candidate for colleges, universities, work experiences, and jobs.

Coding has become a highly sought-after skill in recent years, and one Code.org statistic shows computer science graduates have the potential to earn up to 40 percent more than average.

3: There’s a high demand for computer programmers

Another stat from Code.org shows that 58 percent of jobs in the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field are in computing. The problem is only 10 percent of graduates from STEM programs are in computer science.

That’s a 48-percentage shortage in the field. Coding will give your kids a better chance to lock down a lucrative career.

4: It’s satisfying and fun!

Computer programming is a logic-based activity, but it can also be a creative outlet at the same time.

Many programmers live for the challenge of creating something and the reward of seeing the results.

Don’t be scared off by the terminology involved or the thought that coding is too complicated. Given the right instructions, learning to code can be fun and easy.

How to start coding (for kids)

Firstly, doing too much too fast could end up causing frustration. You want your child to enjoy coding if they are going to get the most from it.

It’s better to start coding slowly, take your time, and accomplish small goals along the way.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to introduce coding to your kids in a way they will enjoy and excel at it:

1: Introduce them to the basics first

It isn’t easy to master something if you can’t quite grasp the basic concepts. The best way to show your kids the fun of coding is with some light reading or viewing.

Find articles, books, or even YouTube videos which cover the basics of coding.

Once the kids understand the general idea of coding, they’ll be able to explain it to friends and relatives in a few short sentences. If you’re unfamiliar with coding, you might even end up learning something, too.

2: Learn a little more

Talking with others about something new is a great way to help it stick in your head. Encourage your kids to chat with their friends about the subject.

For example, they might be able to relate it back to the latest video game they’re playing; your child can explain how the game wouldn’t exist without coding.

At school, they can ask their science teacher about how coding helps power robots.

Your kids may not have anyone in their everyday circle who’s interested in talking about coding. In this situation, you’ll need to branch out a bit. 

Here, they can better learn about coding and talk about it with other people who are interested in it as well.

3: Try something small

One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning something new is going overboard. Your kids have recently learned how coding is the backbone of movies, robots, and video games. They’re excited and ready for more info, which is great.

However, their first project shouldn’t be designing the next open-world adventure game or battle bot. While anything is possible, keep their expectations realistic in the beginning.

Have your kids start with something small instead.

This way, they can get a feel for coding before they fully dive into it.

Online learning programs such as Scratch are a great way to start, as well as introductory mobile apps like Move the Turtle. Both these resources will pave the way of learning to code while allowing for fun at the same time.

4: Move onto something bigger

Now that your kids have the basics under their belts, it’s time to move onto bigger and better things. Keep in mind they shouldn’t be shooting for the stars quite yet, but they’re ready to take the next step in the journey.

Stick to something that feels familiar to them.

This will help them see how different parts and pieces come together to bring something to life. Perhaps they create a relatively simple mobile app or online game – in fact, this is task is a core part of many of our summer coding camps.

The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this introduction and explainer for what age a child can start coding.

Kids as young as 7 years old are able to do amazing things with code. With apps, summer camps, and online programs, there are many different ways to teach your kids this awesome skill.

Mastering coding can set them up for future success in college and their career. They may even end up creating the next smash-hit game.

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