What is coding?

 Coding is a term for computer programming, an activity in which computer programmers to tell a computer what to do. Programmers use one or more computer programming languages to accomplish this. For example, programmers working at Google might use C++, Java, JavaScript, or Python.

 Video game programmers at Nintendo might use C++, Java, C#, JavaScript, or SQL.

Some coding languages even take the form of visual blocks such as Blockly or BluePrints in the Unreal Engine. There are many languages in the world today, but the same concepts and conventions are shared by nearly all of them. Even for students who don’t plan to become software developers, coding provides a number of benefits. Here is a good list of reasons why we should consider teaching it to our children:

•  Computer science builds skills in a number of corollary areas including math, science, problem-solving, teamwork, project-based learning, creative arts, and more. As Steve Jobs famously stated, “Coding teaches you how to think.”

 Learning to program is just like learning a foreign language. The earlier you start, the easier it is to learn and master.

•  By the year 2020, there will be nearly 1 million unfilled tech jobs in the United States due to a shortage of qualified engineers.
•  Jobs for software developers and programmers are forecast by the Labor Department to grow by nearly 18% between 2016 and 2026
•  Computer-related occupations make up over 60% of projected new job positions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
•  Computer programming teaches practical skills that are immediately relevant in today’s labor market.
•  Computing powers nearly every industry from education to farming, from law to business, and from construction to medicine, and software is behind all of this.

 

At what age should kids start?

•  Coding for kids can be taught as early as age 5.
• With the youngest learners, using visual block interfaces or age-appropriate text-based coding classes are recommended.

From Where/how should one start learning to code? 

There are many ways in which kids can learn coding, and your choice of method will likely be impacted by where you live and what is available to you in your area.

 For simplicity, we have broken the options into three basic categories: 1. Online Classes  2. Live Classes, Camps, or Tutorial sessions 3. DIY Options 

Online Classes

Online classes offer the ultimate convenience as well as a level of quality that is difficult to find outside of large tech hubs. If you decide to go with online classes, you might consider one of the following:

1. You can find self-paced online courses that provide mentor support

•  A great way to learn coding in the comfort and convenience of your home is to take an online, self-paced course that your student can take any time.
•  These options are great especially for today’s overscheduled kids who might have a rigorous sports schedule for a few weeks and then get some downtime.

2. You can find self-paced courses without support

•  There are several more basic online providers out there who have designed platforms that generally don’t require any type of interaction with a teacher.
• Some of the platforms are free – such as Scratch, Code.org, and KhanAcademy – and there are others who charge a modest price for subscriptions such as Tynker, CodeCombat, and Osmo.

        3.   You can find online classes that meet live at set times

•  There are several new academies that offer live online classes where students in small groups interact with a live teacher over the web.
• Using platforms such as Blackboard or even Google Hangouts, teachers can interact with the students one-on-one, students can raise their virtual Hands if they have a question, and the content can be fun and exciting.
• Providers such as Coding with Kids have recently begun offering this option as well as other more academic providers such as CodeWizardsHQ.

 

Live Classes, Camps, or Tutorial sessions

If you go with live options, you can do one of the following:

1. Find a coding academy that offers group classes, camps, or private classes

•  There are a number of kids coding academies and tech camps – and over the last two years several franchises have opened up offering varying levels of kids coding.
• We strongly recommend picking academies that focus exclusively on coding. For example, many academic tutoring centers have recently begun offering coding to supplement their income, yet are offering options such as Scratch and Tynker – which most families can do by themselves at home.
• If you do not have time during the school year, there are a growing number of tech camps in most major cities. Many tech camps offer both winter and summer camp options.

          2. Look for academies that provide after school classes at your school

•  Many academies have begun offering after-school coding for beginners clubs at local schools which can provide a convenient option for busy families.
• Many will teach using courses centered around game design or game development. This is actually a fantastic way for kids to learn coding, as many of the same concepts used in game development are also used in other areas of programming

 DIY Options 

If you opt for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach, you might try the following:

You can find kids coding books from bookstores or online retailers

•  There are a number of excellent books on a variety of kids’ coding projects that you can find at a local bookseller or Amazon.
• You may find that today’s youth gravitate more towards video instruction, but using books can also strengthen reading skills.

You can search for free YouTube tutorials and other websites that post free projects YouTube has thousands of DIY video tutorials on computer programming, game development, app development, web development, and more. Sometimes these options will be of varying quality. As always, check the reviews and feedback, and look for content that is age-appropriate.Coding is taking over the world. In this day and age, a kid is looking to learn to code just as much as learn English and Mathematics.  Few good websites that teach coding to kids

CodaKid

CodaKid is perhaps the best resource available for kids looking to learn to code. That’s why it’s right at the top of our list. They make use of modern games like Minecraft or Roblox, engaging children through things they’re already familiar with.