Though many kids interact with tech tools on daily basis but few can design an app, build a game or even inquire how the tools that they use are built. Even if your child doesn’t fancy being a programmer in future, learning Programming concepts teaches kids to think creatively and empowers them to use technology to create apps, design video games and invent using new technology.
Ability to write programs for computers is an important part of STEM education and computer literacy. Indeed, computer literacy is much more than the ability to use WhatsApp or Facebook. Most of the jobs regardless of the industry require that the employees have basic computer skills because more and more industries are relying on computers to help run their companies faster and more efficiently.
Recently new attempts have been made to introduce programming to kids with new meaningful activities that generate fun and shareable projects but has no requirement of prior programming knowledge. Kids are inspired to learn new programming skills while engaging in activities that interest them like animation, robotics, app development and video game design.
Since the development of block programming platforms like Scratch, learning coding skills has become less frustrating. The graphical user interface lets kids write programs by connecting blocks. Learning to write computer programs has become easier with the amazing tools like Scratch and Alice for younger kids. Scratch is designed for kids ages 8 and up. It provides a new approach to teaching computer programming through a graphical user interface that eliminates the possibility of making mistakes. Programs are constructed by connecting collection of programming blocks to create a program. Scratch is designed to be highly interactive and allows kids to experiment with their ideas. The kid can build games, stories, and animations.
Children as young as 9 can start learning to program. Despite what many people think programming does not require advanced mathematics knowledge beyond basic math. Making video games is the best way to learn programming. Python is one of the best first programming languages to learn. Python has a very low learning curve but offers exciting opportunity to make great games using Pygame platform.
Summer tech camp offers many programming camps such as Java, Python, Javascript programming camps for kids as young as 9. Java programming is little difficult first language but Minecraft modding is a new to start learning java by modding the game of Minecraft. Kids don’t mind learning and taking notes on java codes if it helps them design custom Minecraft block, biomes or a weapon. Java is a choice of language by College Board for their AP computer Science course. It is an ideal programming language for middle schools or early high schoolers to get started with Java while creating fun projects such as games, apps or taking part in robotics challenges or building or programming robots as a hobby. Both LEGO Ev3 Robotics kit by LEGO and VEX Robotics kit can teach valuable advance programming skills for older teens.
