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Top 17 Ways to get kids learn coding

In these modern times, coding has proved itself as a technological boon, as well as a fundamental skill that serves as an asset for a student’s profile. Almost every industry and business requires coding on some level, which makes it all the more significant. Thus the basic principles of coding must be introduced at an early age, to enable better learning curves. Where many schools lack the infrastructure required to integrate coding within the syllabus, few schools have designed a dedicated curriculum that promotes coding at an early age. Here are 17 ways in which parents can encourage their kids to learn coding from the get-go:

Define Coding:

It is highly unlikely that the child will have any prior understanding of what is meant by coding, and its intricate yet widespread range of applications. Explaining the essence of coding and its purpose initially, will improve their inquisitiveness, while adding a relatability factor to the world of coding. 

      2. Purpose before concepts:

Explaining the purpose of coding, before defining the conceptual aspects of it, would work wonders for building up the curiosity for it, at their own pace. Functions, classes, databases, programming language, tend to be significant, yet secondary and burdening for kids who would need to know why they’re engaged in coding, before developing the aptitude for it. 

       3. Incorporating Open-Source programming: 

Open source programming is an all-inclusive approach to coding that motivates learners to code free of charge, while providing the source-code to the original application, to offer a better coding environment. Open-source coding helps us learn how to teach programming to 8-year olds, by providing direct access to the source code.

      4. Scratch the coding surface:

‘Scratch’, MIT’s brainchild project, establishes the absolute basics of coding, by utilizing a top-down approach for instructing coding. Skipping the specifics of coding language, Scratch programming adapts a chain of code-blocks, thus introducing the child to the wonders of coding without the complexities in it.   

   5. Python’s coding interface:

Python, with its wide variety of real-life applications, is a great way to start teenagers with coding. Object-oriented and intuitive, Python is the best programming language for teenagers, for learning the initial workflow of coding without diving deep into the complex details of programming.    

    6. Stress on algorithm design than cramming:

Algorithm design and flow-charts form the basis of programming languages and establish the purpose of specific and generalized forms of coding. Cramming the code’s lines, functions and other components of PL tends to compromise its innovative nature. 

    7. Emphasis on problem-solving:

The intent of coding has always been to solve problems, make processes convenient, modify workflows, and reduce redundancy. When we establish that coding is being carried out for problem-solving, it helps us guide our kids towards the right mindset that is necessary to imbibe coding habits amongst them.  

    8. Co-relate coding with their real-life:

Associating coding with their inherent interests, hobbies, preferences, and likes/dislikes can add realism to the tech-based nature of coding. Arts, sports, media, and other industries are deeply connected to and depend on coding. Encouraging coding mindset through their real-life examples, would provide them with the necessary exposure, and host a better outlook for it. 

   9. Video games can help: 

Video games can be an extremely beneficial educational tool for coding since almost all of the aspects of video games rely on programming. Often pegged as a distraction, video games can make the learning process more tangible, and directed towards an output. Finding the best coding games for kids will serve as a focal point for understanding how the coding process is integrated. 

    10. Guide, don’t spoon feed:

Parents tend to spoon-feed the coding related technicalities to kids, thus making the learning process mundane, by reducing the challenge. These challenges are necessary to develop a problem-solving approach, and resisting from the urge to solve every issue ourselves, can enable children to develop that approach.

 11.  Avoid the complex technical jargon (initially)

The technical jargon and verbiage need to be introduced slowly, gradually and especially ‘eventually’. Initially, words and concepts need to be defined only as they come, and burdening the children’s intellectual load will reduce their interest while adding to the difficulty of it.  

 12. A programming language based on the kid’s preferences:

By a certain age, kids start displaying their interests in specific domains and can establish their inclinations to the myriad options available as probable careers. Selecting programming languages that reflect upon these options and choices, will ensure their dedication and focus onto these coding platforms. 

 13. Interesting study structure:

Following a captivating and engaging study structure for coding that enhances the approach of a kid for coding, the syllabus should be designed to offer the right set of academic guidance for coding. An interesting study structure, followed by the right balance of conceptual knowledge and real-life examples, can help to initiate an extensive approach for coding. 

 14. Knowledgeable tutors and teachers:

Expert professionals that are well-versed with the intricacies of coding, and experienced with imparting the knowledge for the same, should be selected as guides for establishing the foundation of coding for your child. 

 15. Rely on well-defined coding resources:

Coding resources, repositories, teaching aids, and coding environments are necessary to establish the learning cycle for coding amongst kids. These academic and non-academic resources are essential for getting your kids to code effectively. 

 16. Prefer interactive and fun coding environments:

Coding does not necessarily entail a rigid conceptual and programming approach, and fun, interactive coding sessions can prove to enhance the learning experience while enabling better retention and higher forms of innovation. 

 17. Choosing the right academic institution:

The academic institution plays a significant role in developing a coding-based approach for children. Nowadays many schools have been embracing technology within their curriculum, that enables teachers to provide their students with the best-in-class coding resources, guidance, and education, that will go a long way in improving their profile.