Should I Urge My Kids to Learn Programming?

With so many activities available for kids, you may be wondering what activities you should encourage them to pursue. If you’re on the fence about whether you should urge your kids to learn programming, there are many reasons why you should steer them in that direction.

Computer programming is more than just a hobby or after-school activity. It can lead to so much more, especially when kids learn while they’re young. Plus, there are many added benefits that parents don’t even realize coding can offer. Sit back and relax as we explore the different reasons why you should urge your kids to learn programming.

Reasons Why You Should Urge Your Kids to Learn Programming

Computer Programming Boosts Problem-Solving Skills

When your child learns programming, they are also working on their problem-solving skills. Computer programmers are constantly being challenged. This encourages them to work on their problem-solving skills. Children start working on their problem-solving skills as soon as they start to code.

One study found that when children participate in programming, they get to develop math concepts, problem-solving, and social skills.

Programming Boosts Creativity

As kids learn how to program, they begin to boost their creativity. They look for ways to make their ideas come to life and realize that there may be more than one way to do something. Computer programmers are creators. They look for ways to improve the way we do things by making it easier. All of this involves creative thinking that is very much alive in the world of coding.

Coding Can Improve Computational Thinking

Computational thinking involves expressing problems in a way that a computer would. One study done in 2014 found that coding games may help to boost how middle schoolers grasp this type of thinking. With computational thinking, students have to break down complex problems into smaller issues. The study concluded that when students engage in computational thinking activities, they get a better understanding of algorithmic thinking patterns.

Computer Programming Encourages Persistence

We all know kids can be persistent when they want something. But computer programming enhances their persistence in another way. It encourages them to continue with their projects even when they may not work at first glance. If they’re not persistent, their ideas won’t go anywhere and they won’t continue with the learning process. But, when they’re persistent and keep trying, they’ll discover that they can get their projects to work and come to life. It’s this type of persistence that is responsible for many great inventions. If entrepreneurs just gave up, who knows where we would be right now?

Programming Improves Confidence

When kids learn programming, they see their confidence rise. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing an idea you’ve worked on flourish. Kids realize that they can do things when they persevere. It’s this type of activity that can give kids the healthy self-image they need to thrive and grow.

Coding Teaches Communication Skills

As kids learn how to program, they also learn how to communicate better. While they may be sitting and programming by themselves, many times they collaborate with others on their ideas. Being able to take criticism and give it is a valuable skill that is one of the many perks of computer programming.

When you start to consider these different benefits of computer programming, there should be no doubt that you should urge your kids to learn programming.

If you want your child to learn programming, MakerKids can help. We offer coding classes for kids in grades 3-8. Kids are grouped with their peers to get the best experience possible. They are also divided into different classes based on beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.