Is coding even necessary for kids? I have heard some parents ask. How can I teach my kids programming fundamentals? Others have asked. What are coding fundamentals? The truth is that technology is here with us and it is not leaving any time soon. Consequently, equipping kids with coding skills is necessary to have a secure future.
Coding is the same as programming just in case. So, you can equally say programming fundamentals or coding fundamentals and be correct.
One thing coding skills do to a child is a feeling of being a genius. Which kid does not want to feel that way?
Parents are also the beneficiaries of their kids’ success in academics and careers because they are responding to investment.
As a business person, profit is at the top of the goal of your business activity.
This is why we advocate that parents should equip their kids with coding or robotics skills to help them in the future.
Extensively, we will discuss what are the coding fundamentals for kids and how important programming is to kids.
Get some cold juice on standby as we dive into this article to uncover every detail you need to know about coding fundamentals for kids.
What are programming fundamentals for kids?
Coding is simply how we communicate with computers as humans. Programming fundamentals for kids are basic coding concepts kids can learn.
This can be in games, puzzles, or app forms. kids can learn basic coding as early as five years old.
The earliest games kids can start with can be block-based puzzles.
At ages, 4 – 8 young coders can draw and release pictures to learn basic coding concepts. For older kids, text-based coding can be a “go-ahead” for them.
Also, programming fundamentals involve basic coding concepts including variable declaration, basic control structures, data structures, object-oriented programming, troubleshooting and debugging, and various programming tools.
These concepts are similar across different programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, and Java.
See also: 10 Ways Robotics Can Help Kids Develop Creative Thinking Skills
Why should kids learn programming fundamentals?
In learning it is always advised that one especially kids should start from the basis. This would enable a clearer and deeper understanding of the concepts of coding.
Importance of coding for kids
Below are the importance of teaching kids coding.
- Coding improves their creativity.
- Coding helps them develop problem-solving capacities.
- Coding is fun and it allows them to express themselves.
- Coding develops their abilities to think.
- Coding equips them with skills for the future.
What are the fundamental ways kids can learn to code?
Every child is unique and special. To make the right decision on what coding concepts you would introduce to them, it is important you think and note the kind of things they enjoy doing the most.
Consequently, decide on the best coding fundamentals you would go for.
Now let’s talk about where you can start.
Unplugged coding
Coding can take place without the use of technology. This is what unplugged coding is all about. Here is a tiny list of unplugged activities you can get your kids engaged in.
- You can try Sudoku Puzzles
The process encourages computational thinking skills. The child is allowed to think of steps to solve the puzzle by focusing on the numbers that are missing.
For children below 7, you can give them options to select from.
- Building a Lego Robot is a cool idea
Building Lego blocks is fun for kids. It teaches them about algorithms and sequences. You can build with the kid for the first time and then allow the kid to build alone following a finished image.
- How about stacking some Cups?
This activity can teach kids how to collaborate with other children and take action. Here a kid is given a picture of how cups should be stacked. Then another kid describes the directions on how to build the stack of cups. Both of them can work together to stack the cups.
- Kids can create their Codes too.
Kids from 8 and above can design their codes and send secret messages to their friends. You can visit Morse Code, Binary Code, or Caesar Code for more information on how to get started.
For this activity, kids would be able to explore their creativity and think outside the box.
See also: Coding and Robotics: How Robotics Can Help Kids Learn Coding
Introduce kids to Hour of Code
The Hour of Code started in the year 2013. It is a one-hour challenge to introduce kids to computer science, especially coding activities.
The purpose of this is to set aside one hour every day for kids to learn to code. You can choose from the unplugged coding activities or download coding games’
Coding toys are great
With Coding toys, kids can be introduced to Another great option is using Apps.
to coding concepts. This is also a very fun way to learn to code for kids under 6 years.
No doubt there are a lot of programming games and apps out there but check out the list below to figure out where you can start.
This app uses graphical objects to teach kids basic coding. It introduces kids to several important coding fundamentals through maze building, puzzles, and games.
It is also recommended for kids with learning difficulties.
See also: 10 Ways on How Coding Can Help Kids In Problem-Solving Skills
SratchJR is an interactive app that encourages the creative thinking of kids while improving their critical reasoning abilities. Kids build their own games, and animation and create interactive stories.
CodeSpark like the name implies sparks kids with all the excitement there is to teaching coding fundamentals to kids. It’s designed for kids lower than 10 and introduces them to characters called “The Foos.” It improves kids’ problem-solving abilities.
This is an easy-to-use app that helps kids stay entertained and enjoy a fun way to learn coding.
LightBot is a great free coding app to explore. It teaches the logic of coding using simple commands and some other coding techniques.
Collecting bananas has never been so much fun. unlocking treasure chests using various commands is the absolute definition of fun. Codemonkey is interactive and also suitable for younger learners.
See also: Benefits Of Robotics: How It Can Be Used In Everyday Life
Coding Fundamentals For Kids
1. You can Invest in online coding classes
Coding is a skill that is ought to learn well. While the previous ways of learning coding fundamentals are very beneficial for the kids, the impact of actually enrolling them in an online class cannot be overemphasized.
Now after careful research, these are the top 3 best coding websites for kids.
Code.org
If you are looking for one of the best sites you can learn coding fundamentals for kids then try Code.org. Code.org is a non-profit organization where you can learn coding for free. Their goal is to make coding accessible for all.
Codeant.org
Codeant is a company that is dedicated to giving every child and woman the opportunity to learn computer programming. You enroll in our online classes by clicking here
Udemy
Udemy offers a wide variety of coding classes you can enroll your child in to learn coding fundamentals.
2. Send your kids to Coding Bootcamp
A learning environment where kids can learn with other kids can be highly effective. You can click here to register for our bootcamps for kids which happens every year.
Conclusion
Just as I said from the beginning, programming fundamentals for kids are basic coding concepts kids can learn.
This can be in games, puzzles, or app forms. kids can learn basic coding as early as five years old.
The earliest games kids can start with can be block-based puzzles.
At ages, 4 – 8 young coders can draw and release pictures to learn basic coding concepts. For older kids, text-based coding can be a “go-ahead” for them.
However, programming fundamentals can also take the shape of basic coding concepts including variable declaration, basic control structures, data structures, object-oriented programming, troubleshooting and debugging, and various programming tools.
These concepts are similar across different programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, and Java.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coding fundamentals involve basic coding concepts including variable declaration, basic control structures, data structures, object-oriented programming, troubleshooting and debugging, and various programming tools.
These concepts are similar across different programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, and Java.
Coding is simply how we communicate with computers as humans. Coding fundamentals for kids are basic coding concepts kids can learn.
This can be in games, puzzles, or app forms. kids can learn basic coding as early as five years old.
The earliest games kids can start with can be block-based puzzles.
For easy learning. Because in learning it is always advised that one especially kids should start from the basis. This would enable a clearer and deeper understanding of the concepts of coding.
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