We're taking extra measures to ensure your children are safe. Terms and Conditions
Why Get Involved at Young Age in Computer Science?
Children have more free time on their hands than any other demographic group, which means, they have a great opportunity cost to wasting their time.
When you guide children towards learning skills that will help them in their future, you’re setting them up for success at an early age. There are so many benefits of coding that are only seen down the line in a young coder’s life.
The Future of Coders
1. College
For starters, the ability to code is a competitive advantage over other students during the application process. It shows universities that a student can remain committed, resilient, and is a good learner.
2. Start a Company
At the basis of all high-tech companies is coders. Whether it’s an application, website or service, coding runs various systems and allows a young child to grow into a business owner, if he or she wishes to.
3. Enter the Workforce
If a child really falls in love with coding and showcases their skills, they can enter the workforce as a freelancer or employee and share their abilities.
Work Anywhere: Since coding is a universal language, it permits a coder to be able to work anywhere in the world. Unlike becoming a lawyer or doctor where one has to pass certain requirements based on their location, coders simply need an internet connection and some hardware to do their job.
Earning Potential: Coders are in high demand and are granted jobs with high earning potential because the need for coding is continuously growing as society relies on technology in every field.
How to Get Kids Involved in Computer Science
Just like every other subject, kids need to be introduced, taught, and supported throughout the process of learning and growing. Since coding is a complex and ever-changing subject to master, many resources are available to ease children into the new world of computer science.
Here are a few ways to begin teaching computer science to kids:
1. Coding Toys
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) toys are joining the ranks of art supplies and board games as a common type of toy to keep kids entertained. These tech toys often teach the concept of logic. From building blocks to robotics and STEM kits, there are many options to get kids interested in computer science through these types of toys.
For example, a particularly popular and entry-level coding toy is Lego Mindstorms. Developed by Lego, Lego Mindstorms is a hardware and software system that develops programmable robots based on the building blocks of legos. So, kids can build physically with legos and then use the software to learn logic and how programming works.
2. Coding Games
Whether kids are going to build their own games or play games that teach coding, there’s a variety of online and offline software that teaches these skills on a tablet, mobile device or computer. For example, with platforms like Scratch (developed by MIT), children can create animations, games and stories and then easily share their creations. The variety of apps and websites teach coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python and more.
3. Online Tutorials
If a child is showing particular interest in the subject, why not get them involved in an online course that builds knowledge with each lesson?
With project-based learning and team-driven assignments, students get to learn while building teamwork skills.
