Get Your Child Back to School & Coding with MakerKids

By now, kids are back to school and getting into their routines. They’re learning new things and looking into new after-school hobbies. So, what better time than now to introduce them to the exciting world of coding?

Coding isn’t a topic that is reserved for adults. So many children are eager to learn the basics. As they get a taste of what coding is and what it has to offer, they’re also discovering all they can do with it, like build their own video games!

If your child hasn’t gotten on board the coding train just yet, we’re here to offer you some reasons why they’ll want to jump on!

Why You Should Introduce Your Children to Coding

Coding Is Part of the Curriculum

In Ontario, coding is now part of the curriculum. A new science and technology curriculum includes mandatory coding for grades 1-9 and promotes the value of skilled trades.  By getting your child interested in coding outside of school, you’re helping them get ahead, gain more skills they can learn in and outside the classroom.

Teaches Problem-Solving Skills

Coding teaches important life skills, like problem-solving. Very rarely does a coding project come out perfectly on the first try. So, kids are forced to solve the problem and figure out a way to make their project work. These problem-solving skills are ones they can use throughout their lives.

Promotes Collaboration

When kids start to take coding classes, they learn collaboration. Many times, students will have ideas to improve their classmates’ projects. They learn how to work together to share their ideas so that their peers can succeed. They even build their own servers. In the same way, they also learn how to accept help and constructive criticism, another beneficial life skill.

Sparks Creativity

Coding classes can spark a child’s creativity, leading them to realize that if they can imagine it, they can make it happen. Whether they’re working on coding a videogame or another project, they can be inspired to become as creative as their imagination allows. This freedom is a great tool for children of all ages to have as they grow and learn.

At what age should my child start to code?

After hearing all about the benefits of coding, you may want your child to jump right in. While every child develops at their own pace, age 7 is typically the age when children are introduced to coding. At this age, they have developed basic reading skills and have a long enough attention span to listen and focus on lessons. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start to show them some concepts to get them ready for their first lessons in coding.

Coding at MakerKids

The coding journey at MakerKids is an exciting one that is fit for students of all levels. Whether your child is just starting out or is at an advanced level, there is something for everyone.

Children learn alongside their peers as they dive into the exciting work of coding. They will gain skills that they will build on as they continue their coding journey. 

Each MakerKids class is taught by an experienced mentor who has been properly vetted and is suited to teach children. Each coding class covers skills such as:

• Animation
• Beta Testing 
• Environment and level design
• Storyboarding
• Character development

For more information on our classes, call 1-844-MAKERKIDS or reach out to us online. Book a free trial class for your child and experience what MakerKids has to offer!