Here Is How You Can Get Your Kids into Coding – Teaching your kid how to code can seem daunting to a parent. If you feel that your child has a gift for coding, then here are a few ways you can get them started:
Table of Contents
1. Sign Them up for the Right Classes
In the right setting, your child can certainly learn how to code. Look for online coding classes for kids from a team that’s passionate about teaching kids how to code.
- Find a school that offers a free class to see if they’re right for your child
- Check their testimonials to see what other parents have to say
- Make sure their staff is full of young and enthusiastic teachers who can make coding seem fun
- The instructors should be highly qualified and knowledgeable in programming
- The classes should be small with only a few students per teacher for personalized care and instruction
2. Buy Them Their Own Computer
While this step isn’t essential, it helps if your child has their own computer. With their own machine, they can get excited about programming. You don’t have to break the bank to buy them a computer — a gently used laptop can serve well as their first system.
Alternatively, you can build one yourself by ordering parts online. Nowadays, it’s as easy as an advanced version of Lego. Building a PC can also be a fun group activity! Of course, make sure that their computer has the best cybersecurity software and parental locks in place for their protection.
3. Encourage Creativity
Make coding fun by encouraging your child to think outside the box. Download apps and programs that motivate children to be creative. You can also find several apps that teach children to code from a young age.
In addition, remember to compliment your child on their achievements! Whether they make accomplishments in their online classes or on their apps, your positive reinforcement will help them stay motivated.
4. Make Coding Exciting
Coding can lead to well-paying jobs in fields such as data science, desktop programming, app development, and web development. However, such careers will seem dull to a child. Instead of talking about these vocations, speak to your child about the exciting possibilities of coding.
For example, you can talk about the video game industry. Younger children can learn about how their favourite mobile game, Angry Birds, was developed with JavaScript. Older children will be fascinated to learn that games like Fortnite were developed with C++.
Alternatively, you can bring up the exciting field of robotics. With languages like C++ and Python, anyone can program a robot. If your kid loves space movies, then tell them how C# helps develop space engineering software. Of course, C# is also useful for creating websites, compilers, and development tools.
Ultimately, it’s critical to find the right balance. Don’t push your child too hard if they’re not into coding. If your child loses interest in programming, give them space, and they may bounce back independently. However, if they respond positively to your efforts, then ensure that they have the best tools and teachers for coding.