What is Coding for Kids?

When you think about all of the activities available for kids these days it can really blow your mind. From the arts to music to sports and science, kids have many choices when it comes to keeping busy and exploring new topics.

When you start talking about science activities, STEM should certainly come to mind. The areas of science, technology, engineering, and math, are ones that now go well beyond the classroom. There’s robotics, coding for kids, and much more to get kids thinking about all of the possibilities out there.

In this article you will learn:

• What is coding for kids?
• Statistics on coding jobs
• Is coding for kids good?
• At what age should a child start coding?
• How do I get my child involved in coding for kids?

What is coding for kids?

Coding or computer programming is how people communicate with computers. By coding, computers know what to do. Coding for kids allows kids to learn how to write code and give the computer a set of instructions for what they want it to do.

Many kids get into coding because of the gaming aspect. Since they like to play games, plenty of kids also want to learn how to create their own as well as other programs. They can also learn how to create apps and websites.

Statistics on Coding Jobs

As you start to learn more about coding for kids, it’s important to understand that it’s a great idea to get them involved because you’re setting them up for a great future.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that computer science and information technology jobs are projected to grow by 13 percent through 2026. That’s quicker than the average for all occupations.

Here’s another statistic to think about.  According to Code.org, 71% of all new STEM jobs are in computing. This just goes to show that coding and computing jobs are here to stay and are growing. By the time your children are ready to enter the workforce, they should have plenty of jobs to choose from.

Is coding for kids good?

Absolutely! Coding for kids not only teaches the valuable skill of computer programming but also instills other values. It encourages them to be creative and think out of the box. If they can dream it, it can become a reality. 

With coding for kids, participants in the program also learn teamwork and how to take and give criticism. These are valuable life skills they can take with them wherever they go.

At what age should a child start coding? 

The answer varies depending on who you ask. Some say starting at age 7 is good, while others say you can start at 5 or 6. This will depend on the child. Some children have a longer attention span and will sit and focus longer. These are the kids who may be able to start at age 5 or 6. If your child tends to squirm around and has trouble focusing, you may want to wait until age 7.

How do I get my child involved in coding for kids?

If you’re not sure if your child is going to like coding for kids, you can look for an introductory class. Many places will offer a free trial class. This lets kids get their feet wet. Once they decide they like it, you can sign up for classes regularly.

You can also start off by searching for free apps that can teach coding. These can be used easily at home whenever you want.

Final Thoughts

Coding for kids is an exciting topic that can open up so many doors for kids. At MakerKids, we offer coding classes for kids in grades 3-8. Kids are grouped by age so that they are with their peers and everyone can learn from one another. We also offer a mini makers class to introduce coding and other STEM topics to kids in grades 1-2. For more information on coding for kids, be sure to check out our guide for parents and contact us at 1-844-MAKERKIDS to book a free trial class.