WHAT IS CODING?
Coding is a basic literacy in the digital age, and it is important for kids to be able to work with and understand the technology around them. Having children learn coding at a young age prepares them for the future. Coding helps children with communication, creativity, math, writing, and confidence.
At the most basic level, coding is how we communicate with computers ("computer coding"), and what we use to build and run websites, apps, video games, and much more. Learning to code is like learning how to speak and write in a particular language; a computer’s language.
The term ‘coding’ simply refers to the process of writing codes. A ‘coder; is an individual who codes from one language to another.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
Code powers our digital world. Every website, smartphone app, computer programme, calculator and even microwave relies on code in order to operate. This makes coders the architects and builders of the digital age.
Over the next 10 years it is estimated that there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer sciences and only around 400,000 graduates qualified to do them.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO START CODING?
When kids are introduced to coding, they gain appreciation of how digital technology works. Digital technology is a big part of many kids’ lives, as they are surrounded by smart phones, video games, video entertainment, websites, and even robots.
Many good programmers claim that they start coding by age 5 or 6. But the best answer is when the child starts to show excitement and interest in it, like when a gamer child thinks that he can create his own game, or when he thinks he can create a program that will be useful or will entertain his friends.
A Few Reasons Why Coding is Important for Young Minds:
- Coding fosters creativity;
- Coding helps children with Math skills and logical thinking;
- Coding improves writing academic performance;
- Coding helps children become confident problem solvers;
- Coding provides a competitive advantage;
- Coding is fun and satisfying;
- Coding improves persistence;
- Coding improves collaboration;
- Coding prepares kids for skills that are necessary in the future;
- Coding shows math in action;
- Coding can make your child discover his lifelong passion, and can be helpful for him to decide his future career;
- For exceptionally creative and entrepreneurial coders, coding can make a lot of money;
- Coding encourages kids to think outside of the box.
“Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains.” – Bill Gates
Free online sites on: HOW TO CODE?
MIT Scratch: Scratch is a programming language and an online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world.
Scratch is designed especially for young people ages 8 to 16, but people of all ages create and share with Scratch. Younger children may want to try ScratchJr, a simplified version of Scratch designed for ages 5 to 7.
Scratch Junior: https://scratchjr.org/
Scratch 8 to 16 years: https://scratch.mit.edu/
Code.org. https://code.org/: Learn the foundations of computer coding so you can build your own websites, apps, and other programs.
Some other BEST places to learn to code absolutely free https://learntocodewith.me/posts/code-for-free/
