Coding for Kids

I want to talk about two things that are dear to my heart: My kids and Coding

My two sons are 8 and 3 years old. They are growing up in this vastly growing technology dependent era. Technically they are considered to be digital natives; however our economic circumstances holds them back from being well acclimated and  accustomed to using computers, navigating on the internet, and other various forms of technology, other than playing a few games on my smart phone. With so many new innovative creations being developed every day I try my best to stay relevant on what my boys should know in order for them to become intellectual contenders in the arena of life.  

First I will briefly explain what coding is. There are different types of coding languages that can be used to transmit instructions to a computer in order to perform different functions. Coding is the specific language that informs the computer on what to do next. For example; something as simple as the background on this blog is created through code. A specific sentence was written that the computer interprets and produces the outcome that we see here. Learning how to code is now becoming highly accessible and easily communicated in ways that young children can understand. There are free courses and tutorials that engage the curious minds of children and allow them to explore the possibilities of creating original computer apps, games, programs, and websites through code. With this knowledge children can began to unlock their learning potential and truly invest years in practicing a skill that has proven to be not only beneficial but a necessary bilingual language that will increase the amount of future education and career opportunities for these digital natives.

 I consider code to be the language of the future. My predictions are that in the next 10 years coding will be introduced into the public school systems as a component of the technology curriculum, when it is finally decided that there should be a mainstream requirement for computer skills beyond typing, to be taught in primary and secondary education.  Until this happens parents and educators like myself are on their own with helping kids ride the wave of the future through code. Below are a list of excellent websites that you can access to give you and your digital natives step by step instructions on how to code. I have tried these sites below with my boys but there are plenty other coding resources out there with FREE opportunities to become Coding Masters…. Enjoy

  

www.Code.org

www.tynker.com

www.bitsbox.com

www.pluralsight.com/kids