Coding is an essential skill in today’s world. STEM learning is important for children to grow in their career. It helps develop problem-solving, decision-making, critical-thinking, creativity, and more. Learning to code is one of the most demanded STEM skills. By joining coding classes, your kids can quickly become technologically advanced and learn to build applications.
Coding courses for kids teach the fundamentals in a proper way. However, if kids are whimsical and do not pay attention to anything in particular. They learn to play and engage with things that are interesting to them. While coding may seem boring or difficult at first, they can learn properly if the methods are right. Coding classes for kids can adapt a variety of techniques to engage kids in coding.
In this article, we will look at some of the significant tips & techniques that you can use to engage kids in learning to code. While coding courses can teach your kids the concepts and ideas, you can make it fun for them. Let’s look at these techniques in detail.
How to engage kids in coding
Coding doesn’t have to be challenging. While your children may not develop an application, coding can teach them various soft skills helpful in life. Here are a few ways through which you can engage your kids in learning to code –
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Make connections
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The first thing you need to do is start making connections. Coding courses for kids also follow the same technique of relating codes to real-life problems and situations. Children ask a lot of “why” and “how” questions. You can explain coding concepts through everyday situations of problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and more. You can also use real-life things to explain the application of code.
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Teach the basics
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It is advisable to start teaching MIT’s Scratch to younger kids. Python is a fun and easy language to learn, but should be restricted to kids above 13 years of age. Coding classes for kids must start by teaching Scratch as it has a graphical interface that simplifies the learning process. Multiple pieces of code can fit together, essentially making it difficult to make any kind of mistakes.
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Be practical
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Teaching concepts is essential. They are the building blocks for all coding. You should describe the code as they write it. Coding classes teach practically, and you should too. You might sit with them and explain about objects, variables, loops, and more. Explain to them what every line does and so they can understand the application of each piece of program they are writing.
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Introduce games
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One of the best ways to engage kids with coding is introducing games. There are multiple websites online that teach coding through gamification. Coding courses also introduce games by enabling children to make their own games, While most high-end games might require the expertise of architects and developers, kids can build basic games with ease. They can use Python and Scratch to develop easy games, which will eventually make learning fun for them.
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Simplify coding
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And finally, you must debunk all the myths and simplify coding. Children might feel that coders are people who sit in front of the computer 24×7. However, you must explain to them that such is not the case. Clarify all their doubts about coding and ensure that they see coding as an opportunity for growth. Coding courses for kids ease the process of learning with the help of several tools that could teach children the right way. You can also take the help of coding experts who can guide kids in the right direction.
Children have a short attention span. By following the above techniques, you can engage them in a much better way and teach them how to code.
