You’ve heard that Coding and Robotics for Kids are fast becoming a popular trend, with coding boot camps popping up around the country. While this is a wise decision to make for your kids, there are a few things to know about coding and Robotics BootCamp for Kids before taking this decision.
Coding is the method of using programming languages to give computers and machines a set of instructions on what to do.
While, robotics is a fun way of combining science, engineering, and technology to create robots.
Knowledge of Coding and Robotics is heavily required to be relevant in the future. This is why teaching your kid to code is the best decision you can make today.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 15% increase in computer and IT occupations from 2021-2031. So, sending your child to a coding and Robotics boot camp is a sure way to give them an excellent set of skills. A skill that will give them a better advantage over their peers in the future.
But how do you show them that coding isn’t dull? How soon is too soon? When is the best time to introduce coding and robotics for kids and how do you introduce it without frustration or massive cost?
In this article, we are laying out how to do just that covering the why, how, and when of coding and robotics for kids.
What Is a Coding Boot Camp?
Coding boot camps are intensive, short-term training programs in information technology fields.
Essentially a coding boot camp is a short, intense course designed to give your child the skills they need to transition into a job as a programmer.
Boot camps may offer in-person instruction, online learning, or a combination of the two.
See also: Top 10 Best Kids Coding Languages to Learn in 2024
How Do I Know If Coding and Robotics Classes Are Right For My Child?
You know the saying “you can’t know unless you try!” You can’t be 100% sure that coding and robotics for kids are right for your child unless you let them experience a few classes.
These classes should be age-appropriate so that your child understands what’s going on and doesn’t get frustrated.
You also want to check that the instructors are properly certified and have a solid background in robotics. You want your child to be taught by people who are experienced and have a love for teaching children about the exciting world of robotics.
Why Should My Child Learn to Code? 4 Reasons
Having your child learn to code offers him a lot of advantages over his peers.
These are some reasons why your child should learn to code. Below are the top four reasons for your kids to enroll in coding and robotics bootcamp.
#1. Learning to Code is Fun
Coding offers the sheer joy that comes from making things, the fascination of solving puzzles and problems, the pleasure of making something useful, and the delight of learning.
#2. Coding Teaches Problem-Solving Skills
All coding projects start with solving a problem.
Whether it’s bringing an idea into real life, improving how something works, or fixing something that’s broken, every coding project involves problem-solving.
As with many things in life, code doesn’t always work as expected on the first try.
Lastly, when that happens, try again. But kids learning to code don’t simply try random fixes, one after the other, until something works. They learn a more elegant approach.
#3. Having Coding Skills Can Lead to a High-paying Job
More and more aspects of our everyday life are becoming automated. As this happens, the supply gap for people with coding skills continues to grow.
It is estimated that as many as 1 million jobs will go unfilled over the next decade because workers won’t have the necessary coding skills.
#4. Kids Who Code Develop Self-Confidence
Having self-confidence is a cornerstone for Success. Self-confidence gives kids the ability to pursue their dreams and goals.
One of the best ways to build self-confidence is to become more competent at something.
Learn how to do something new and do it well. Another really good way to build self-confidence is to set a goal and achieve it. After all, if you can reach that one goal, you can probably reach other goals again and again.
Learning to code gives kids the opportunity to do both of these things and, as a result, build their self-confidence.
“Learning to code makes kids feel empowered, creative, and confident.”
― Susan Wojcicki, Senior Vice President at Google
See also: Top 15 Best Computer Programming Schools For Kids in Nigeria
How Do I Get My Child Into Coding and Robotics Bootcamp?
Many schools do not offer coding and robotics classes or programs. You need to look for after-school activities like coding boot camps that include robotics for kids at a beginner level.
These days, there are many virtual programs available that can be done right from home, including offerings from Codeant Technology Hub.
This is convenient for many parents who may not be able to get their children to in-person classes.
The classes are geared toward each age group so that the projects are doable and fun. Instructors engage with the students to answer their questions and encourage them to explore on their own.
Besides classes, there are robotics kits that you can buy to see how well your child adapts to them. These will let them try to build a robot and see how it works.
There are also plenty of apps available that can introduce your child to the world of robotics.
What Is The Best Age To Get Your Child Introduced To Coding and Robotics?
Since all children develop at different stages, some children may be ready for coding and robotics for beginners at age 5 while others would be best suited to start at age 8 or 9.
You know your child better. If you think they can handle a class that is age-appropriate for 5-year-olds, you can give it a try. If not, you can wait until they’re a couple of years older.
There’s no determined age that’s better for learning robotics. It’s probably best to consider it more like a language – the sooner you start, the easier it is and the more natural it seems.
Or maybe it’s better to think about coding and robotics education as a method for learning every other skill needed for your child to become a successful adult: communication skills, teamwork, and creativity.
No matter how you think of it, the earlier they begin to learn coding and robotics, the better.
If you are keen on knowing an exact number, education researchers in Australia determined that children as young as 4 years can learn and understand the basics of coding and robotics. Does that sound unreal?
They discovered that children, even at that age, can easily understand how different robots receive their commands.
What’s even more interesting is, that even if the child doesn’t fully grasp the concepts while learning robotics, their skills in problem-solving and various other life skills still improve.
If anything, the sooner you get them started, the less intimidating and overwhelming science, math, and technology will feel to them throughout their academic journey. Yes, you heard that.
Conclusion
In the exciting world of coding and robotics, there exist endless possibilities for your child. Whether they start at age 5 or a few years later, they will learn how robotics classes for kids can teach them to build projects they thought they could only dream about.
Coding and robotics may not be intensely done in the school curriculum of your kids unlike the coding and robotics Bootcamp offered by coding schools.
Nevertheless, with the options of virtual classes, boot camps, apps, and robotics kits, there are different ways that you can get your child interested in robotics. You can also try a combination of ideas to see which one your child likes best.
Lastly, when it comes to robotics for kids, there is no limit! Also, if you want a coding and robotics bootcamp for kids, you have just come to the right platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coding boot camps are intensive, short-term training programs in information technology fields.
Essentially a coding boot camp is a short, intense course designed to give your child the skills they need to transition into a job as a programmer.
Having your child learn to code offers him a lot of advantages over his peers and makes him or her job ready and relevant in the future of work which is powered by high-tech inventions in AI and robotics.
Many schools do not offer coding and robotics classes or programs. You need to look for after-school activities like coding boot camps that include robotics for kids at a beginner level.
These days, there are many virtual programs available that can be done right from home, including offerings from Codeant Technology Hub.
Since all children develop at different stages, some children may be ready for coding and robotics at age 5 while others would be best suited to start at age 8 or 9.