If you have a child who likes to play video games, chances are you’ve seen or heard about Minecraft. Minecraft was created in 2009 by Markus Persson and is still going strong today.

While your child knows the game as Minecraft, it was originally called “Cave Game” and was created in just six days! Minecraft was continually tweaked until 2011 when the company then considered the finished product the full version. Since Minecraft continues to be popular among kids, you should know a little bit about this game that has mesmerized kids for over a decade. You may be surprised at what you’ll learn about Minecraft for kids. It’s not just a game. It’s used as a learning tool that can teach your children a great deal about coding and how computers work. Plus, it can also teach other skills that kids can learn in other parts of their lives.

What is Minecraft?

While Minecraft may look like just a video game to you, it’s much more. Minecraft is often referred to as a “sandbox game” because kids can create their own worlds and experiences. By using building blocks, players make the rules. This is one of the reasons why it’s been so popular over the years. Players can build and explore however they want. This makes the possibilities endless for Minecraft for kids.

This aspect also builds on children’s creativity. If they can imagine it, they can probably do it in the world of Minecraft. Many parents don’t realize this fact when their kids are on Minecraft. This is what sets it apart from many other games out there.

Players can build a new world from scratch or recreate an existing fantasy world. They can also choose to play alone or with friends. Minecraft for kids has four different modes: creative, survival, hardcore, and adventure. There’s so much flexibility that allows for a new experience each time. It’s very unlikely that kids will ever get bored playing this game.

Minecraft is a game that can be played at any level. This means it’s suitable for beginners as well as kids with more gaming experience. This is one of the benefits of the game because younger kids won’t get frustrated because they can work at their level. Minecraft allows kids to create their personalized adventures at any level.

What age is appropriate for Minecraft?

There are several different answers to this question depending on who you ask. Some recommend players be at least 8 years old, while others recommend age 10. The Entertainment Software Rating Board gives Minecraft a rating of Everyone 10+. This is the American rating system.

Parents should look at the game for themselves to determine what age they deem appropriate for their children. Some parents may think 10 is appropriate while others would allow their children to play at 7. The decision is ultimately up to each parent.

The PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating is for ages 7+. That rating is a European video game content rating system. Parents should make a judgment for themselves based on what they want their children to play.

Many parents also wonder what other things their children can learn from playing Minecraft. Besides technical skills, kids also learn how to build their social skills. They have to learn how to interact with others as they make their way through the game. This is something they can benefit from their entire lives. Kids learn how to talk with their peers online and make connections. They also learn how to give and take constructive criticism.

Minecraft can also help kids develop in many different areas. They learn life skills as well as how to be independent and work on their own. These are also skills they can bring with them well past their time playing Minecraft. Many parents don’t realize all that Minecraft can offer their children. This is why it’s important to look at all aspects of the game as your child embarks on their Minecraft journey.

Is Minecraft safe for 7-year-olds?

Although some recommend the game for older children, Minecraft is widely popular among kids ages 6 and up. So, many parents of 7-year-olds are allowing their children to play it. If you allow your child to play Minecraft on a public server that lets them to play with people from all over, there could be safety issues. You’ll want to keep them safe from cyberbullies and predators. Some parents choose to keep their child on local gameplay to avoid these issues. This is a personal decision that each parent needs to make for themselves.

Again, taking a look at the game, and even playing it yourself can help you determine whether you want your child to play it and at what age. Ultimately, you know your child best and can make the best decision.

Is Minecraft suitable for a 5-year-old?

Since Minecraft is not recommended for 5-year-olds no matter what rating system you’re looking at, you may want to hold off. While it’s a great game to get children’s creative juices flowing, 5-year-olds may get frustrated. There is also some very mild violence that parents may not want their 5-year-olds to be exposed to.

But, if your 5-year-old is determined to play, you can choose to put the game in creative mode where this is no interaction with others and no conflict. This is a good option for kids who really like the game and just want to have some time to play. This can allow them to be creative and see where the game takes them without interacting with others.

Is Minecraft a child’s game?

If you’re wondering if Minecraft is good for kids, Minecraft is certainly a child’s game. It allows kids to be creative rather than just sit in front of a screen and play a game. They are working to create things and even work together with other kids. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are utilized in this game which is great for kids to learn at any age. These are also skills they can use their entire lives. As kids play, they have to figure out how to get past levels to make their game the best it can be.

Parents can play too! Your child may get so into the game that they want to show you what they’ve done and what they’ve created. Take advantage of this time to learn what your child is doing online and what they’re learning. This will not only give you first-hand knowledge of what your child is doing online but will also allow you to spend quality time with your child as he does something he enjoys.

Does Minecraft teach coding?

Minecraft can teach children coding. There are modifications, or “mods”, as they’re referred to also. These are outside strings of code that change the game from the inside. Options include generating monsters and even programming characters to do specific things.

These mods are typically downloaded through a third-party website. Players can share their own mods among an online community for everyone to use. Learning to code in Minecraft can be a good jumping-off point to learn how to create code for other games.

At MakerKids, we teach kids the basics of coding as well as instill more complex coding techniques. Minecraft for kids is an excellent tool to get kids going in the right direction when it comes to coding and STEM topics. Many parents use Minecraft as a jumping-off point to get their kids more involved and interested in STEM.

How do I start teaching my child to code?

If your child loves Minecraft that’s a great place to start teaching them to code. When they’re having fun and playing they may not even realize they’re coding.

Besides Minecraft for kids, there are also apps, online classes, and virtual classes that can teach your child the basics of coding. Whichever route you take, be sure that it is age-appropriate. This could make or break your child’s experience with Minecraft and coding. If something is too difficult, they’ll get frustrated. If it’s too easy, they’ll get bored. You need to find that common ground.

MakerKids is one avenue to explore when you’re looking for ways for your child to learn to code. There are virtual classes for kids in grades 3-8.

Bringing it All Together

When it comes to Minecraft for kids, there are so many different areas for them to explore that will make the game fun and educational. As a parent, you can decide what age you feel is appropriate for your child to play Minecraft. Minecraft can teach kids how to be creative and work as a team to solve problems. It can also introduce kids to the world of coding that gives them endless opportunities.

If you have more questions about Minecraft and how we teach it at MakerKids, contact us at 1-844-MAKERKIDS or reach out to us online. We would be happy to answer your questions and get your child started on their Minecraft adventure.

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