The 8 Importance of Teaching Kids to Code in 2024 | 5 Years and  Above

When parents think of an activity to engage their children with, things like sports, dance, and theater arts immediately come to mind. These are the events known to them. However teaching kids to code can go as far as improving their IQ (Intelligence quotient) faster than the previously mentioned activities.

Obviously, you have been told about coding but never want to consider it because of some misconception about coding. This could also be spoken of in mathematics.

Growing up I found myself deeply in love with tech and Information technology. But before then, my parents and older siblings noticed my enthusiasm for electronics and computer games.

So, they suggested I study Electrical Engineering. They made a good course choice and suggestion for me.

But, my love for tech and the internet repositioned my path to studying Computer Science.

Just be assured that your kid will be getting the best resources and guidelines in learning how to code here. If that is what brought you to this page.

But before then, let us have a brief knowledge of coding.

What is Coding? The Definition 

Coding is generally computer programming, which is the way we communicate with computers using lines of commands or codes. 

The code gives instructions to the computer on what actions to take and execute tasks.

In addition, programming languages provide the rules for building websites, apps, and code-related tasks.

Is it Hard To Learn Coding?

No, coding is not hard to learn. The truth is that it is not difficult to learn to code. However, learning something for the first time can be challenging at first.

Over time, with a little patience, practice, and determination, anyone can master the art of programming. When it comes to learning to code, practice makes perfect.

Also, learning coding on your own can take longer time than when you have an instructor or enroll in a coding boot camp.

Why Learn Coding As a Kid?

There are numerous reasons why kids need to learn to code now.

In our increasingly digital world, parents want their children to become computer-literate, and why wouldn’t they? 

Learning to code doesn’t just set students up for career opportunities later on in life. It also provides a host of soft skills and Perks that we will discuss later in this article.

Below shows an infographic on why learn coding as a kid.

Here is a survey taken by Stack Overflow in 2020 which says that more than 54% of professional developers have written their first line of code by the time they are 16 years old.

This is just an amazing statistic.

While such an early introduction may seem strange at first glance, elementary school coders are much more common than you might think. 

Nearly nine percent of developers surveyed in the 2020 Stack Overflow survey started coding before their 10th birthday. 

In addition, it seems likely that the reasons why kids should code will expand as digital literacy becomes established as a basic rule of modern education.

Probably, you have searched the internet to know the benefits or importance of teaching kids to code so as to know why your kids should enroll. 

This content will provide you with all you need to know about the importance of teaching kids to code.

The truth is, there are enough reasons why kids should learn to code early. 

Not to worry, we’ll walk you through the best-researched benefits of why kids should learn to code.

See the list!

See also: Our Easter 2023 Bootcamp for kids

The 8 Importance of Teaching Kids to Code in 2024

#1. Coding Improves Computational Thinking

Yes, coding improves kids’ computational thinking.

What is computational thinking?

Computational thinking is a very useful problem-solving technique that allows you to break down problems into simple steps. 

Or

It’s the process of breaking down a problem into simple enough steps that even a computer would understand.

Students learning this model of thinking are encouraged to break down complex problems into smaller issues, thus revealing underlying process patterns.

There is a group of researchers who did great work on this case study. 

They said, “we believe that children as young as ten can directly benefit from opportunities to engage in computational thinking.”

They emphasized that “children can begin by solving puzzles on paper, continue on game boards, and ultimately complete their solutions on computers.” 

“Through this process, learners can be guided through increasingly complex algorithmic thinking activities that are built from their tacit knowledge and excitement about gameplay.”

What I can understand from this study is that, by engaging in computational thinking activities, kids obtained a better understanding of algorithmic thinking patterns. 

This improved understanding could translate well into math activities and reinforce a child’s problem-solving skills. 

These gains can have a clear positive effect on their performance as pupils or students and, in the long term, as professionals.

See also: Our Easter 2023 Bootcamp for kids

#2. Teaching Kids to Code Create Room for Creativity 

Do you want your children to be creative? Coding can help out.

Definitely, your creativity base will be sharpened as you code.

This is research by a team of UC Berkeley psychologists which suggests that creativity tends to decrease as we get older. 

The adage is true: adults tend to be less creative than children. 

By the time we reach our old years, we will have effectively “unlearned” one of life’s most important skills.

Here, Notre Dame researcher Doireann O’Connor once expressed “Creative people have quick and effective responses that help them achieve their life goals.

Allowing them to enjoy the journey… [It] is a unique and individual set of skills and personality structure that develops throughout childhood and is fully maximized in adolescence.

So, the question now is, how do we preserve a child’s creative abilities as they grow?

Experts suggest that children should learn to code.

As a practice, coding places developers as “innovators” or “world builders” within a programming environment; by definition, a system requires creative thinking and an experimental mindset.

With programming, children are constantly being asked to experiment. 

Once they understand the basic functions, they can constantly ask themselves: What if I try this? Will this work?

#3. Coding Improves Problem-Solving Skills

It has been proven that coding is undoubtedly one of the most direct ways for children to improve their problem-solving skills.

But before we get into that, let’s take a step back and clarify the term. 

In its simplest definition, problem-solving refers to a person’s ability to deal with complex or new situations effectively. 

Someone with good problem-solving skills puts together disparate skill sets such as creativity, emotional intelligence, research skills, collaboration, and decision-making into a cohesive and effective response.

In the context of programming, coders are constantly challenged and forced to solve problems. 

The entire practice requires breaking problems down into manageable subproblems.

Also, moving through a repetitive process of identifying, prioritizing, and implementing solutions. 

Therefore, children begin to hone their problem-solving skills as soon as they are faced with their first programming challenge.

Here is some research that supports this point. 

A 2013 study of five- and six-year-olds found that when children are engaged in a programming environment, they have “opportunities to develop math concepts, problem-solving and social skills.” 

In addition, the researchers noted that the young study participants often enjoyed their learning experience and participated in the age-appropriate games and coding activities offered to them.

In a nutshell, coding encourages breaking down complex concepts and problems into manageable steps so that children better understand the problem.

Teaching kids to code definitely improves their problem-solving skills and abilities.

See also: Our Easter 2023 Bootcamp for kids

#4. Coding Makes Your Kids Technologically Literate 

This aspect should be a concern and a reason for teaching kids to code.

Technology is the future of work. So, it is advised to equip your children with coding skills early.

This would help them be in an advantaged position compared to their peers in the professional system.

In the modern world, the ability to understand and engage with technology is not only a good thing but a necessity to navigate an increasingly digitized society. 

Children need to know about technology; In other words, they must be digitally literate.

Digital literacy is a broad term. In general, it refers to a person’s ability to understand and engage with technology in thoughtful and meaningful ways. 

Topics such as internet safety, cyberbullying, networking, programming, data science, and online ethics fall under the scope of digital literacy.

For example, digitally literate children can research topics online, find relevant information and then think critically about the sources they have identified. 

From there, they can formulate their own opinion and respond if necessary. 

They can also manage their digital presence and communicate with others through online channels, effectively.

Also, Programmers are in high demand and have a competitive advantage. 

But it’s also fun and helps improve creativity and problem-solving, as well as teaches perseverance, cooperation, and communication.

#5. Coding Teaches Persistence to Kids

One of the core aims of teaching kids to code is to build perseverance or persistence attributes when faced with a task.

Persistence is a soft skill that every programmer needs because they can’t give up every time adversity hits them.

Obviously, soft skills are traits that shape work habits.  And persistence is one of them.

They affect the way a person completes a task, interacts with others, and resolves conflicts.

Unlike hard skills, which are technical skills or knowledge, soft skills can be overlooked in the curriculum.  

People can’t just possess hard skills alone. 

Yeah, it’s great to be an expert in programming or coding languages. However, success also depends on interpersonal skills. 

The programmer must be able to explore new ideas, solve problems, pay attention to details, propose original concepts, collaborate, and communicate with others. 

Not only that, he can’t be someone who quits every time things get tough. 

As kids begin to code, they learn that failure is temporary and doesn’t have to be discouraging or stop progress. 

Even small successes can provide the encouragement children need to overcome problems in their programs. 

Over time, this perseverance can strengthen a child’s resolve and serve as one of the most important indicators of her future educational and career success.

Programming can help your child develop a growth mindset: a philosophy in which the ability to learn can be improved, adjusted as needed, and held firm against moral failure.

So, I will leave you with some soft skills coding can help your child with.

Coding teachers should consider these 7 soft skills when coding lesson planning:

• Curious
• Logical
• Meticulous
• Persistent
• Creative
• Team player
• Communicator

See also: Our Easter 2023 Bootcamp for kids

#6. Teaching Kids To Code Enhances Their Professional Career Skills

On the importance of teaching kids to code, computer coding is an important skill in today’s job market. 

Learning to write computer code can be a valuable skill in a variety of ways. 

The importance of coding cannot be overemphasized in our economy today which has been anchored by technology.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reports show that job opportunities for software developers will grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028. This will be more than four times the average rate for all occupations. 

Also, not all employers require their developers to have a four-year certification from a college.

Many of them are so talented that they would welcome anyone with the requisite skills and career potential.

But here’s why kids need to code even if they’re not interested in becoming full-time developers.

They can still benefit professionally from learning a programming language or two.

Programming proficiency is valuable, regardless of your child’s educational background or career interests. 

In some cases, it may be the skill that ultimately propels them above their competitors in the job market!

So, teaching kids to code much early is highly recommended by CodeAnt Technology.

#7. Learning to Code Builds Kids’ Communication Skills and Composure

Some kids feel inferior when they don’t know how to communicate their thoughts with peers.

This is why teaching kids to code can never be overlooked by parents. Because kids bring joy to their parents when they are outspoken and communicate effectively.

Hence, communication skills are essential in all aspects of life, in academics, career, and other activities. It has been included in many schools and colleges and is given great importance.

So, why shouldn’t parents follow suit in enrolling their kids to learn to code?

Additionally, coding doesn’t need to be a team effort, but it does provide an excellent context for collaboration. 

Enrolling your child in a coding class can be a great way to develop their communication and team-building skills. 

In addition, having good communication skills allows children to navigate social settings, collaborate with others, perform well academically, and achieve their goals.

The relationship between coding/programming and communication

Here is to support what we have discussed already in a simple understanding.

During college admission, job interviews, project proposals, etc. Communication is one of the essential skills. 

It shows how the candidate can express himself or herself. Coding is said to improve communication skills.

A programming language can also be considered as another language, if only because it helps us to communicate with the computer. 

When children learn to code, they practice a new language and communicate their ideas with the computer. 

This helps in the improvement of their communication skills.

Coding involves thinking about a problem and finding ways to solve it. 

It gives kids the opportunity to creatively express their thoughts and ideas and this is an important component of communication. 

Every time a child comes up with an idea expresses it to his teacher or his classmates, or writes a program, he communicates with them. With a lot of coding practice, the child gets used to the ability of self-expression.

As kids find a solution to a problem, be it simple or real world, their self-confidence will increase. 

This is closely related to communication since self-confidence is a fundamental part of it. Effective communicators are people who are very confident in themselves and in their abilities.

Lastly, a coding project teaches your child that any problem is solvable and that any obstacle can be overcome with repeated creative effort and teamwork.

See also: Our Easter 2023 Bootcamp for kids

#8. Learning Coding Gives Your Kid Job Security in Future

Many workers have been relieved of their duties currently in the top tech and commercial companies in the world. 

My question is, what will be the fate of these laid-off staff? This is where teaching kids to code is so important like never before.

You are securing your children their jobs in the future when you enroll them in coding school at a young age.

Also, some of the richest people in the world are from the tech world. So, your kids have a good chance of becoming billionaires. 

This is what CodeAnt Technology will help your kids learn in a space of 3-6 months of intensive coding. We offer both online and offline learning.

Your kids will escape the rat race of working a 9-5 job every week.

So, when some questions like why should kids learn to code pop up again, parents would have been equipped with the ‘WHY’.

Below are some jobs your child can operate, independently.

Top 5 job roles your child can go into after learning coding

Below are the top 5 coding job roles;

• Software Tester
• Game developer
• Mobile app developer
• Web developer
• Artificial Intelligence developer.

1. SOFTWARE TESTER

A software tester is a person who tests software or applications for bugs, glitches, defects, or any issues that may affect the performance of the program or application.

Companies are always creating software and these companies ask people to test their software to make sure it works optimally and is at the right level.  

AVERAGE SALARY: According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a software tester is $66,024 in the United States.

2. GAME DEVELOPER

A game developer is a software developer who specializes in game development: the process and disciplines involved in creating games. Have you ever played games like Call of Duty (COD), Minecraft, Mortal Kombat, etc.?   

AVERAGE SALARY: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a game developer is $70,781 in the United States.

3. MOBILE APP DEVELOPER

The average person has more than 80 apps on their mobile phone and uses an average of 9 apps per day for 4.2 hours per day. 

We practically depend on apps in our daily activities. The job of a mobile app developer is to design, create, and update mobile apps, whether on Android or iOS.  

AVERAGE SALARY: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a Mobile App developer is $77,465 in the United States and can differ in other countries.

4. WEB DEVELOPER

A web developer is responsible for designing and developing websites and web applications. 

Use a variety of programming languages and web technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.JS, Node.JS, etc. 

Web developers manage site functionality, implement application features, and integrate security measures.

Good web developers are a valuable asset right now due to the high demand for digital e-commerce.  

AVERAGE SALARY: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a Web developer is $69,161 in the United States.

5. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROGRAMMER

Have you ever wondered how apps like Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri can hear your voice and answer your questions? This is the power of artificial intelligence. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. 

AVERAGE SALARY: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for an Artificial Intelligence developer is $77,465 in the United States.

See also: Our Easter 2023 Bootcamp for kids

How To Make Money Coding?

Below are the 10 ways you can make money coding. Hence, it involves delivering coding services and creating tech products.

• Upwork/Fiverr
• Create a Course on Udemy
• Start a YouTube Channel
• Create Your Own Website/Blog
• Make an App
• Sell Themes/Templates
• Create a Plugin on WordPress or Shopify
• Sell eBooks
• Organize a coding boot camp
• Beta Testing

Frequently Asked Questions on Teaching Kids To Code

Conclusion

I believe some doubts about why your kids should learn to code or not must have been cleared. Seeing the need of teaching kids coding, you will agree with us that your kids need to enroll in our coding class.

CodeAnt Technology is the best Coding and Robotics platform for kids in Nigeria. We offer online learning as well. 

We trust that the list was of great value to you. You can recommend us to schools and organizations.

References

• https://techbootcamps.utexas.edu/blog/why-kids-should-learn-to-code/
• https://www.technokids.com/blog/programming/persistence-is-a-soft-skill-every-programmer-needs/
• https://digitalskillsglobal.com/blog/10-reasons-why-coding-skills-are-vital-for-organisations-worldwide
• https://www.codingelements.com/blog/how-coding-for-kids-improves-communication-skills
• https://www.9jacodekids.com/5-careers-your-kids-can-pursue-after-learning-to-code/

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