Programming is based on algorithms, which in turn requires a flexible and analytical mind. Teaching children the basics of programming code allows them to develop the speed of thought and the ability to find correct and quick solutions. Someone are born with talent in this matter, while others comprehend each topic with hard work. But, in none of the options is easy training provided. And sometimes, there are problems with the code, and the child has no one to tell, or the parents do not have enough time for this.

Why should a child learn to program?

In 2021, most of the products we use have software code in place. Each of our actions on the Internet takes place at the expense of previously written code by someone. And over time, the number of web pages only grows because the digital industry is developing. That is, by the time a child finishes school, his or her programming skills will still be relevant, and most importantly, in demand. By sending your child to figure out the code, you not only foster their creativity in multitasking, but you are also paving the way for them in their careers. Even if, after graduating from school, the child chooses another specialty, the skills acquired during training will be helpful to him in any of the areas that are relevant in the future.

why programming is helpful for a child?

1. Math. While programming, children learn to visualize abstractions in the form of concepts. When they apply mathematics in the real world, they find it exciting and creative.
2. Constructivity. To write excellent and competent code, you need to follow specific rules and be able to compose your thoughts technically. In this matter, brevity in solving the problem is essential, and very often, having such an experience, then children begin to better express their thoughts. They discard the unnecessary and leave only the central part of the idea, both in the code and in the essay.
3. Imagination. When children learn, they are forced to experiment, that is, to find different ways to solve the problem. Thus, they develop their creativity and the ability to look at things in general outside the box. And in the future of our world, there will be no professions where creativity will not be involved.
4. Self-esteem. It has been observed that after a certain period of study, the children have increased confidence in themselves and their actions. Indeed, while coding, they find many solutions and begin to feel the strength in themselves.
5. Concentration. It is impossible to write the code while being involved in another activity; an extra sign and an error will be shown on the screen. Therefore, children become more focused and persistent in the best sense.
6. A wide range of possibilities. Programming provides the younger generation with the driving force to change our world for the better. They can create programs that spread a positive message worldwide or simply vote for dessert in the cafeteria.
7. Awareness. By studying programming, a child receives at least basic technical skills, which are indispensable in the digital world of the future.
8. Future career. Many employers welcome and sometimes require basic knowledge of the code. For a child who has been studying the IT field from an early age, his or her skills will be a significant advantage in a future career.

Mastering the code may seem daunting for a child, but modern academic programs focus on simplicity and a visual dimension of education. Today there are a lot of resources for training and assistance for those who are mastering new areas. Regardless of age and geolocation, everyone can learn programming from the comfort of their home.

Computer Science Helps Children Learn and Develop Problem-Solving Skills

We can all agree that the ability to analyze a problem and solve it is useful both in and out of a classroom setting. More so in the latter, we’d argue, because your children will continue to face problems and challenges as they continue to grow and go about their lives. 

Refining their problem-solving skills as early as possible equips them with the mindset and soft skills they’ll need to overcome minor inconveniences, major roadblocks, and everything in between.

Computer Science Helps Children Learn and Develop Other Important Life Skills

Over the past decade or so, more and more kids have expressed an interest in coding at an early age. Incredibly intuitive and kid-friendly coding programs, apps, and websites have all contributed to keeping this surge alive. It also helps that most (if not all) studies conducted regarding this specific topic have found that coding for kids helps them develop tons of useful life skills. Here are a few examples:

• Logic – coders need to find the best, most logical solution to a problem before they can start coding the answer
• Creative Thinking – sometimes, the answer isn’t always immediately evident or clear-cut. Programmers are often forced to find a unique or “creative” approach that works with the problem presented
• Analytical Skills – in order to solve a problem, you need to understand it. In order to understand it, you need to analyze it. Coding helps refine a child’s innate analytical skills through practical application and repetition
• Focus – this is true for practically every field of computer science; you need to be fully focused on your task, as one mistake can render the entire process (or, in this case, code) useless
• Perseverance – coding – especially text-based coding – can be pretty frustrating. Programmers hone the art of perseverance every time they painstakingly type out, run, debug, and edit code (sometimes multiple times)

Computer Science Gives Your Child a Huge Career Advantage

Nowadays, kids with a strong foundation in computer science have just as much of an advantage as kids with strong roots in math or science. As we’ve stated earlier, the world is practically dependent on computers. Jobs that normally would never have needed computer systems ten, fifteen years ago now use tech to automate or manage many of their in-house operations. 

Regardless of the industry, hopeful applicants are expected to possess basic computer literacy and a modicum of knowledge regarding technical computer systems (like smart devices, cloud-sharing platforms, email clients, etc.). 

Today, a solid grasp of even the basics of coding may be the one thing that separates a candidate from the rest.

Computer Science Helps Kids Better Understand the World Around Them

The world around us is brimming with technology. All of us use smartphones or laptops to access websites, apps, and social media platforms. We enjoy playing video games on computers and gaming systems. Given the current pandemic, we pay for goods and services using digital cash from digital wallets. 

We do so every day without the faintest idea of how we’re doing it.

With computer science knowledge – specifically coding knowledge – kids can better communicate and interact with the world around them. They gain a foundational understanding of how things work and this, consequently, helps them realize inherent possibilities in objects or programs that may have typically gone unnoticed.

Computer Science Helps Children Develop Skills Useful in Other Sectors

Maybe your child has no interest in becoming a computer programmer, game developer, or website builder. That’s completely fine. Computer science can still be a useful field of study for them because new data tells us that practically every sector – even the ones outside the technology area – require some degree of computer literacy and basic programming knowledge. 

Especially the science and engineering fields. 

If your child wants to be an architect, they could use their CS knowledge to build a program to help sketch out or automate blueprints. If your child wants to be an artist, they can use what they know about CS to create 3D art. 

The possibilities are endless, and obtaining the knowledge early on definitely gives your child a considerable advantage.

How and where can a child learn to code?

There are many ways to help your child start coding. It is vital to consider their nature, that is, how and where, it is more comfortable for them to perceive information. A child, like an adult, has several ways of perception, and you need to choose the one that suits your child best. And with this approach, you are already looking for training so that you will ensure a guaranteed result.

Programming courses can be online and offline or even in a game format. In this respect, there is no crisis in the choice. Let’s look at some training examples.

• Block coding. Block coding uses blocks of text to create animated stories or programs. It uses a visual form of code that is easy for children to perceive. For example, there are several courses from the University of Massachusetts explicitly designed to give children a foundation in programming. There they learn the basics and technical thinking.
• Free training from Code.org.This organization organizes activities for children aimed at learning programming. There they can learn the foundation that will be a great start. In addition, these events have inspired some companies to create free guides for an introductory course in learning programming languages.
• Educational institutions. Some schools have computer science programs for young children.
• Games-based platforms. Programs are often presented based on favorite children’s games like Minecraft on such platforms. In the process of learning, children create a code for a product, the functionality of which they already know well. Even the learning stages in them are divided into levels, similar to the game technology. In addition, they teach not only the basics. At the end of the whole training cycle, the child will be excellent technically and practically knowledgeable in IT.

You can choose any teaching method that suits you. But, despite all the advantages of learning programming for a child, parents should not forget about their child’s dreams. If your child wants to do ballet by starting up, find a compromise and create an opportunity for him to combine both activities.

Conclusion

Computer science for kids is more than just talking to computers or creating fun games. It’s actually a vast sector in and of itself that can teach children new ways of thinking. It’s an area of study that introduces and develops so many important skills in a child’s life. One could even say it’s the ultimate field that teaches kid’s the concept of “anything is possible.”