Today we will be talking about coding, and how to use “scratch” and “make code language” to teach kids coding. Here’s one of the popular questions about coding; is learning to code hard? Or is learning how to code hard?
People sometimes voice out words that at first sound strange, but with time, the same words become their current reality.
I have stumbled upon people who are not educated that will tell you, “learning in school is hard”.
At first, I wondered why such a person became aware that learning is hard.
A little investigation or chat with this individual then reveals to me the reason why they think so. I got to know that they have the wrong motivation and interest.
These two now launch them to a reality that makes them think that learning is the worst thing they can ever want to do.
Firstly, we will look into some terms to get what actually what the subject matter is.
What is Coding?
Coding is the act of programming a set of code instructions to the computer using a programming language to perform a task. So, we have a lot of programming languages for different problems in web development, data analysis, App development, Software development, Robotics, etc.
See also: The 8 Importance of Teaching Kids to Code in 2024 | 5 Years and Above
Why Should I Learn Coding?
Coding is a skill that is futuristic and can have a great effect on an individual’s career. Stack Overflow has it that most world-class developers have started before their adulthood.
And these developers have gone ahead to building fortunes for themselves in the tech space.
Also, programmers are in high demand worldwide. In every industry, there is a need for a programmer or cybersecurity personnel. Thus, learning coding will give your kids and teens an advantage in their professional careers.
Technology is the future of work!
Is Learning To Code Hard? or Is Learning How To Code Hard?
Studies have shown that kids get motivated by what they can see and appreciate (gift or prize), this kind of motivation makes the child’s attitude to learning change for good.
Now, moving on to the reason why we are here, is learning to code hard?
The answer to this is solely dependent on the individual who wants to learn coding.
If the individual’s attitude to learning is bad, eventually coding will look hard to him/her.
Anything in life can be easy to learn, it depends on the individual’s willingness to learn. Their willingness to put in better effort every day (dedication to learning), and their determination not to quit learning to be better.
The individual in this context is the child. Children can learn anything and at a fast speed or pace, if you teach them well using the right approach they can relate with.
This is possible with the right motivation and zeal.
If learning is easy for you, coding will eventually be easy for you.
Teaching kids coding is way simple if you can stoop low to think like them, and to relate every topic to their level and understanding of things they see every time.
The Structure of Coding
Coding involves the use of technology and science
Technology is the sense that we use digital appliances to create a particular art (code).
Science, on the other hand, allows us to use mathematical samples to (angles, coordinates of x and y) transcribe codes (make moves), into what we need it to be using technological appliances (computer smart devices) with enabled software programming.
So, to be a good coder you need to understand the link between using arts and coordinates to solve your day-to-day problems, desires, and needs.
See also: Top 15 Best Computer Programming Schools For Kids in Nigeria in 2024
How We Make Learning Coding Fun For Kids at CodeAnt
At Codeant Tech Hub, we use “scratch” to make learning code languages fun for kids.
We are the best at making kids understand how to code.
We inculcate in the minds of our kids the right mindset to get motivated to code anything.
I will like to chip in this, “starting something new at first sounds good but looks hard for anybody”, but in the long run, it starts simplifying itself.
The age we are in gives room for kids to be way smarter than adults. Kids now tend to understand easily how to use technological devices and appliances, and how to easily navigate through these devices with ease.
Kids see the use of computer devices to be fun and educative.
You might be surprised that when you leave your smartphone with your kids, how they easily learn to use it for their exact need which is usually watching cartoons or playing games
This is why the “scratch” and “make code language” for kids is easy to learn by kids.
How Do You Make Learning To Code Fun For Kids
As I said earlier, kids have more chances to learn faster than adults. Kids these days, know how to safely navigate through a technological gadget or device. In teaching kids to code, we first expose them to these technological gadgets and devices.
We expose the child to the “scratch” application in the devices they easily have access to
At first, we allow them to play around using the “scratch” application.
We run the scratch application on our device to enable us to create a simple game with simple motions and actions that will thrill the child.
Allowing the kids to see us do something better with the same applications they have, now creates a kind of curiosity and motivation in them to learn to do that exact action.
At this point, the child’s willingness to learn is increased. Here, we calm the kids down to now teach them that exact action they saw you do, and they will try to use the whole day to arrive at the same result you got
This is the first step to increasing the kid’s willingness to know how to code.
Teaching kids Coding The Easy Way Using Scratch
While teaching the kids how to replicate the same action they just saw you play out, we try to break these actions into progressive steps.
This is the first step to teaching the child how to code.
We then explain to them the three interfaces in the scratch app and what we can use them to do.
These three (3) interfaces/areas are the:
- Blocks area
- Coding area
- Stage area.
These three areas allow us to use the scratch app well.
The block area allows us to select and use the written motions, looks, sounds, events, costumes and sounds that we need to play out a character on the stage area.
The coding area allows us to transfer our intended motion, looks, events, costume, and sound options to the 2nd interface where the main coding takes place
It is whatever you put in the coding area that starts manifesting in the stage area.
The stage area, allows us to watch out for the actions we coded already manifest with precision and artistry. The games we see and play were coded and programmed to look very colorful, artistic, and captivating, just as the coder desired.
The character on the stage that does the action wears the look, and speaks in the “scratch” app is called the “sprite”, it is more like the coder’s avatar.
See also: How Long Does It Take To Learn Coding? Holistic Review
There are three proven efficient methods of teaching kids to code:
- The use of simple relatable examples allows interactions
- The use of illustrations
- The use of songs, catchy words, simple choruses, and a relatable sense of humor
First, we allow and instruct a kid to act out/physically the exact action we plan to play out in the “scratch” app. We relate it to what every one of them does daily.
We now break these actions into steps that can be translated into the blocks, coding area, and then the stage area.
To make kids understand faster and better, we use illustrations (in bigger screens or projectors): here the teacher connects their gadget to a bigger screen or projector while breaking the actions into one step per time.
Allow the kids to see the exact action the teacher performed, and allow them to perform that same action with their own gadgets.
The instructor’s role in making learning coding easy and fun
The teacher goes around to observe if all the kids did the action and observe the outcome of their actions. The teacher corrects kids who did not catch up, and those who did it wrong.
The use of songs, catchy words, simple choruses, and a relatable sense of humor helps to excite the kids as well as get them to easily recall the steps, actions, and catchy words used to play out these actions on the stage area.
We also allow the class to be interactive and participatory. Allowing the kids to voice out their views, confusion, and difficulties which the teacher will then provide simplified answers to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coding is the act of programming a set of code instructions to the computer using a programming language to perform a task. So, we have a lot of programming languages for different problems in web development, data analysis, App development, Software development, Robotics, etc.
No! Learning to code is not hard. However, we need to put time into learning it. If learning is easy for you, coding will eventually be easy for you.
At Codeant Tech Hub, we use “scratch” to make learning code languages fun for kids.
We are the best at making kids understand how to code.
We inculcate in the minds of our kids the right mindset to get motivated to code anything.
I will like to chip in this, “starting something new at first sounds good but looks hard for anybody”, but in the long run, it starts simplifying itself.
You can teach kids coding the easy way using Scratch
Coding is a skill that is futuristic and can have a great effect on an individual’s career. Stack Overflow has it that most world-class developers have started before their adulthood.
And these developers have gone ahead to building fortunes for themselves in the tech space.
Also, programmers are in high demand worldwide. In every industry, there is a need for a programmer or cybersecurity personnel. Thus, learning coding will give your kids and teens an advantage in their professional careers.
Technology is the future of work!
Conclusion
I want to believe that from this blog post, we now understand that coding is way easier than we thought.
So, if you have someone asking, is learning to code hard? Share this blog post with such a person and help him or her.
Any kid can learn to code at a very good speed and pace with the right teacher who understands how to teach. This is what we can offer you at Codeant Tech Hub.
I think coding is the future and will encourage everyone to engage their kids in it for a better communication I love what codeant tech hub is doing 🥂
This is an eye opener…. They can actually start very young.
Coding to the world😍
You conducted your research properly. Kudos! You dwelled well on the subject matter with deep and clear elaborations, nice one! However, I think the organization was not well done. But it’s a great job. Bravo!
Thank you for the feedback, Perpetua.
It will help us improve subsequently.
Codeant tech hub is doing great. Children who learn coding can easily navigate through lives challenges and truly create the kind of life they want.
That is the fundamental impact coding has in their lives.
It will also help them get ready and be relevant in this innovating world of ours
Thank you, Emeka.
Tech is the future and the future is here
Wow even me I have learned a lot. Please keep it up
Great and impactful piece. A must read for parents. Well done.
Very comprehensive and detailed content.
Absolutely incredible! Well done Ejiro. Article is spot on.
The world is going DIGITAL right now and the computer system is almost everywhere, it is advisable to all parents to endeavor their children have these knowledge.
CODING is the language people learn and speak now worldwide 💯
Tech is the future and the future is now, it has already begun. Enrolling your kid(s) to learn and master coding at a young age is preparing them for their skillful future. This is an intentional way of positioning your offspring(s).
The future is here. Tech is the new gold let’s mine it and support the vision(coding).
Nice one Ejiro keep the fire burning.
Well detailed Article. Well done
The future is come. The vision is clear, the goal is visible and well articulated…
Coding is taking the wave 💯💯
Very insightful article, well done Codeant Tech Hub.
It is advisable to start learning coding at young age, it will help give kids verse opportunity to utilise their skills in the nearest future.
We need to prepare and equip them with resources and skills necessary to excel in this digital world.