Parents often worry that their children are spending too much time on screens, but there are many ways to use technology positively. One of the most beneficial is to teach kids how to program.
At its core, programming is simply giving instructions to a computer. But it’s also a complex, creative activity that can help kids develop essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. And best of all, it’s never too early to start. Not to mention that programming is under a blanket of computer-related jobs that get the highest pay in the business. That might benefit your children in the future.
Many resources are available for parents who want to introduce their children to programming. These include online courses, apps, and even toys interacting with computers. By starting early, parents can give their kids a valuable head start in learning how to use technology in productive ways. Here are some tools to consider:
Kano Computer Kit
This kit, which comes with a build-it-yourself computer, is designed for kids ages six and up. It includes a storybook that helps kids understand how computers work and simple coding challenges that teach them how to program the computer to do things like play music or make art.
A tangible computer kit is an excellent idea because it will introduce your kids to the hardware of computers. It also comes with a make-it-yourself speaker so that they can learn about audio input and output.
Scratch
Scratch is a programming language and online community where kids can create their own interactive stories, games, and animations. Created by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is designed for kids ages 8 to 16 but can be used by people of all ages. The site includes step-by-step tutorials and projects to help kids get started with basic coding skills.
What’s good about this is you can download the app on your phone or tablet so that kids can use it anywhere. It also has a large and vibrant online community where kids can share their creations and get feedback from other Scratchers. Who knows, your child might create the next big computer game or be a master of SQL Server database tuning!
Codeacademy
Codeacademy offers free, interactive courses on programming and web development. The classes are aimed at kids ages 12 and up but can be used by people of all ages. They offer an excellent way for kids to learn programming concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Whether you use a computer kit, an online course, or another resource to teach your kids about programming, there are many ways to get them interested and engaged in this vital topic. With these tools, you can give your kids a solid foundation for success in the ever-changing world of technology.
Code.org
Code.org is a nonprofit organization that promotes computer science education. They offer a variety of resources, including an online course for kids ages 4 to 7. The course introduces kids to basic concepts in programming through fun and interactive games.
This is an excellent option for parents who want to start their kids early with coding and programming. The course is short and doesn’t require any previous knowledge of programming. It’s also completely free.
Google Kids Coding
Google offers a variety of resources to help kids learn about coding. These include a course for kids ages 9 to 12 and several apps and games that teach kids how to code.
The Google Kids Coding course is an excellent way for kids to learn the basics of coding. It’s also free, so it’s a good option for parents on a budget. The apps and games offer kids a fun and interactive way to learn about coding. There’s even a live game from the Google Doodle archive where kids can learn about basic coding.
Tynker
Tynker is a website and app that offers interactive courses on programming for kids ages 5 to 18. The lessons teach kids how to code in languages such as JavaScript and Python. They also offer a wide range of projects and games for kids to create and play with.
Tynker is available in online and mobile versions, so kids can learn to code anywhere. Whether your child wants to create their app or learn basic coding, Tynker is an excellent tool for introducing them to programming. With these resources, your kids can gain valuable skills to help them succeed in the future.
Whether you choose one of these tools or another resource, there are many ways to get your kids interested and engaged in programming. With the wide range of tools available today, you can help your children learn this valuable skill early on and prepare them for success in the ever-changing world of technology.
