Have you spent the last few months spending your afternoons teaching your children the basics of coding? If so, you’re not alone.
Since the National Curriculum saw huge updates to the computing syllabus back in 2014, coding classes have become a regular part of everyday learning for school children in the UK, from primary age right up to Key Stage 3.
As parents have taken the reins with schooling recently, computing has become a frequent feature. But what makes computer science, and specifically coding, such a worthwhile part of their education? Read on to find out the main reasons why computing is key.
Welcome to the future
If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that we’re living in a technological world. From learning the tricks to get the best internet connection to navigating our first Zoom call, we’ve all had to learn to quickly adapt to the digital world at home.
While many adults have experienced a steep learning curve, children who are growing up in a world filled with tablets and smartphones are already well placed to pick up new technologies easily. By learning some of the basic versions of what can become advanced systems, they’re in a good position for the technological advances to come.
The main ways that children benefit from learning about computer science and coding are:
1. Builds their confidence
By learning computing skills, children are growing their knowledge and boosting their confidence levels in the process. For instance, if a child successfully codes a basic programme, this achievement will give them a confidence boost as it worked well. From there, they’re more likely to want to try different types of coding to see how they do with different systems and formats.
Additionally, if they worked as part of a team to make the coding work properly, they are building their communication skills. By being able to communicate well, they’re also likely to grow in confidence.
2. Encourages problem solving
Coding uses basic maths to make systems and processes work. These mathematical problems must be solved to avoid any glitches. However, this is all done in a fun way that engages children, so it doesn’t look like they are doing problem solving they do in formal maths lessons.
There are many different formats used in schools to help build these problem-solving skills through coding. Raspberry Pi, for example, is used in many schools as it has the capacity to create fun and exciting coding opportunities.
3. Prepares them for the real world
These coding sessions all lay the groundwork for real-world job roles. Computing and coding is an industry will only grow and provides stable career opportunities in the future.
However, even in your children aren’t destinated to be the next Steve Jobs, they are likely to need the computing skills they’re learning now for when they leave school. We’re already living a lot of our lives online, and this trend is only likely to continue.
4. Fun and educational way to keep them busy
Perhaps more importantly than that, coding is fun! It’s an engaging way to apply logic that encourages creativity. While the process involves problem solving, seeing the finished project can be a real boost for your children.
So, embrace coding and explore the different apps and projects available with your little ones. You might find that you end up building your own systems too.
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