How is Learning to Code Important for Young Children

Teaching kids new skills is always a good idea, and that includes coding. Kids pick up new skills easily, so the sooner they can learn, the better. 

If you’ve been thinking of introducing coding to your young child, but aren’t sure if you should, we’re here to tell you that there’s no time like the present! At MakerKids, we introduce kids to the basics of coding as young as first grade. Why? Because we know how important it is.

We’re going to share some of the reasons with you as well as some of the classes that kids can take advantage of at MakerKids.

Why Your Young Child Should Learn to Code

There are many benefits of introducing your child to coding. Let’s explore some of them.

Learn Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching children to code at a young age helps them to quickly learn problem-solving skills. They learn that the first approach is not always the one that’s going to work. They must realize how to solve problems until they find the right answer. Kids not only need to figure out how to do something, but how to fix something when it doesn’t work the first time. This is a skill they can use in all parts of their life as they get older.

Allows Them To Be Creative

Coding requires kids to use their creativity. The sky’s the limit! If they can imagine it, they can do it. How exciting is that for a young child? Children get to see their ideas come to life right in front of their very eyes. They may even surprise themselves with what they can do!

Gives Them a Head Start for the Future

According to Code.org, 71% of all new STEM jobs are in computing. When kids are introduced to coding at a young age, they get a head start in the exciting world of coding. This gives them an advantage over their peers as they get older. If children really get to like coding and want to make a career out of it, there are plenty of places they can go. They can start off learning the basics, work on them, and see where their skills take them.

Teaches Digital Literacy

When kids learn coding, they learn how to understand and engage with technology. This is a necessary skill in a digital world. Children need to be digitally literate and coding helps to get them there.

When kids learn digital literacy, they learn how to research topics online and find relevant information. They also learn how to be responsible when it comes to their digital presence.

When is the right time for kids to learn to code?

This answer varies because the right age for your child may not be the right age for someone else’s child. The age you decide to start your kids with coding is going to depend on the child. 

Many people say the magic age for kids to get introduced to coding is 7, while others say 5 or 6 is the appropriate age. If your child has a good attention span and can sit still for a good amount of time and pay attention to a lesson, they may be ready to start at age 5 or 6. But, if your child has a tough time sitting still for a lesson, you may want to wait until age 7. 

Whatever age you choose, you’re still getting them on the path at a young age, which is only going to benefit them in the long run.

Introduce Your Kids to Coding at MakerKids

At Makerkids, we offer coding classes for kids in grades 1-8. Classes are age-appropriate so children can learn at their level. Our Mini Makers class introduces kids in grades 1 and 2 to coding and robotics topics. With our online classes, kids can join and meet peers from around the world. Small classes ensure that each child is receiving the attention they need.

For more information on coding classes at MakerKids, call us at 1-844-MAKERKIDS or reach out to us online. We can’t wait to introduce your child to the exciting world of coding!