Helping Children Learn to Code: A Guide for Parents
Math might not be your child’s favourite subject at school, but that shouldn’t mean learning to code is out of the question. Further down the line, core programming skills could even lead to a career in building computer games and open doors to opportunities in advanced development roles.
However, it’s easy to see coding as complex and intimidating, so you might be wondering how to introduce it to your child. In this guide, we’ll cover some simple and enjoyable ways to encourage computer learning after discussing the benefits of learning to code.
What are the benefits of learning to code?
Even though learning to code revolves around working with computers, the process demands useful cognitive skills. Programming requires patience, perseverance, and good problem-solving skills, just to name a few.
Extensive research by technology experts at OKdo, a fast-growing business with a focus on IoT, has found that learning to code develops a child’s capacity for teamwork. Their study found that the major benefits of learning to code include:
- Improved creative thinking
- Advanced skills in mathematics
- Teamwork and communication
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving and analysis
Over eight in ten surveyed teachers in the study said that coding enhances a child’s ability to solve problems, while a staggering 96% also saw first-hand evidence that teaching computer science to children develops additional soft and hard skills.
With it being clear that education in coding carries a range of benefits – not limited to just improved mathematical and creative thinking – how is it possible to incorporate IoT learning outside of the classroom?
Discover accessible resources
While online educational resources are available, the fastest, most interactive way to learn how to code is to tinker and experiment with physical devices. Through coding, children learn to address and analyse problems, working independently and on projects requiring a collective solution.
There’s only so far visualisation can be applied to the learning process, but the good news is that you can discover a huge range of coding starter kits and single-board computers online.
Learn together
Collaboration can be the key to success – especially since discussing potential methods and solutions can be so crucial to the process of unpicking programming puzzles. Learning with your child, even if you’re both complete beginners, could be an incredibly rewarding and surprising process.
With just a pocket-sized single-board computer, you’ll be introduced to a new realm of possibilities. Whether you choose Raspberry Pi or Arduino, a lively online community packed with inspiration for projects is waiting for you!
The benefits of learning to code are clear. If you’re feeling inspired, don’t wait to get your hands on a piece of kit to teach you everything you need to know.
