Coding is already hard for us adults, what more if we have to teach it to our kids?
Thankfully, there are now tons of ways to learn how to code. Gone are the days where we have to read the definition of off textbooks and print “Hello! World” on a command prompt.
Nowadays, your kid would not have to go through all this boring stuff. They can just learn coding the fun way.
With that, we have listed a few tips on how to teach coding to every 21st century tech-savvy kid out there.
Let them Learn Naturally
One of the reasons why kids quit after a few coding classes is that they find it dull, boring, and just another lecture that they have to sit through.
So rather than having them sit through an entire lecture on coding, why not start the learning process in your home instead.
Reading stuff off of textbooks and making them do pointless assignments will not simply cut it. You need to take it up a notch and teach them the basics more differently.
In order to do so, you can start by teaching them the basics of coding by relating it to everyday objects or scenarios. Some parents even do this by the dinner table or while watching TV to make It seem more natural. This way, their kid would not even notice that they are already learning.
Simply put, do not spell it out for them. Make them learn and absorb the information in their own time. This would give them an ample amount of time to think about what you said and reflect on it.
Use Fun Learning Materials
The great thing about teaching your kids at home is that finding learning materials is not that difficult.
A quick Google search can do wonders and provide you with some of the best learning materials that you can use for teaching your kid.
There are also software programs like Scratch that you can use as well. Programs like Scratch are a different type of learning material; rather than teach kids the definition of programming, they can instead learn the basics and fundamentals by testing and playing with the actual program.
It is also worth mentioning that several schools and universities are also using Scratch as an introduction to programming. That said, you can ensure that your kid is getting the high-quality education that they need even if they are studying from home.
Utilize Coding Games and Apps
Programmers and educators understand the struggle of teaching complex coding concepts to kids. So to help parent-teachers, they have created several coding games and apps that make learning fun.
If you do a quick google search on coding for kids programs, you would find tons of results on Roblox coding, Minecraft coding, and other types of games coding. These types of kids coding are a great way to keep your kids hooked as they slowly progress towards a more difficult subject.
Once your kids know and understand the basics, then you can immediately introduce these types of coding to them. This way, they would be able to learn text-based coding languages in no time.
It is also worth checking the App Store or Play Store for other apps that can supplement your kids’ learning journey. For instance, apart from the desktop version of Scratch, there are also mobile apps like Blockly, Swift, and even Scratch that your kids can play with any time and anywhere.
Keep them Busy
Aside from the 1 to 2-hour study session you have with your kid, you should also make sure that their learning journey does not stop at the end of every session.
That said, you need to give them an outlet or assign them projects so that they can apply all the things that they learned from you. Keep them busy and make sure that they are absorbing and applying all the things that you are teaching them.
If you are having a hard time assigning projects, then you can simply refer to other course syllabus and learning materials online. Oftentimes, schools and universities upload all these things on their website for everyone to download. All you need to do is find the best one that is suitable for your kid and their level.
All in all, you just have to remember that coding is a continuous learning journey. And to make that journey more bearable and a lot more fun, you just need to find the right learning materials that would help your kids make it through this journey.
