Learning to code is more than a professional skill, coding is used to solve real problems

Programming for children: definition and importance

As we know it, technology is changing the world. Indeed, digitization is in full swing and in a few years, we believe that the world will be completely digitized. It appears therefore that digital literacy is the future of society and that of children too.

Furthermore, great visionaries such as Bill Gates and Barack Obama think that parents should involve their children in the digital expansion process. To do so, is to contribute to the development of computational thinking, which means finding solutions to complex problems via a computer. Thus, learning coding will be a way for children to integrate this computational thinking, which is essential for digital transition.

Many other parents have already followed this advice, so why not do the same? You will probably follow this example when you discover what coding really is and how important it is for your children.

What is coding or programming?

Programming or coding is a concept that gives the ability to perform some tasks on a computer, using a language the computer understands. In the context of children’s coding, it is communication between them and the computer.

This communication is based on different languages such as JavaScript, Ruby, Python, etc. Programming therefore amounts to giving instructions to a machine. It is the execution of these instructions that gives rise to all the computer programs as we know: websites, applications, video games, etc.

Why learn coding?

Logic development

Computer science and specifically coding are concepts that focus on solving a specific problem. If you let your child learn how to code, you will be helping him develop a smarter way of thinking. In a coding exercise, children are given the ability to find solutions to complex situations themselves. They will be able to break the problem down into sub-problems in order to solve them easily and intelligently. Thus, their logical will be at work from an early age.

Creativity development

It may be hard for you to admit it right away, but learning coding develops your children’s creativity. They will no longer be content to simply play with their console or tablet. By learning programming, they will be able (in the long run) to develop their own games, or applications. In this way, rather than being mere consumers, children will be able to start immersing themselves in the production of digital platforms. Coding will therefore stimulate their creativity in all areas, which is interesting since they don’t lack imagination.

Developing team spirit in children

In some programming exercises, children will collaborate with other young people to achieve a common goal. Coding will therefore allow them to develop a team spirit, and to know how to communicate with others in a calm and cohesive way.

Coding isn’t just “cool”

Far from being a simple trendy activity, learning programming is of real importance for your children. It allows them to develop new skills, which for some of them can perhaps turn into being future professional developers.

Generally, enrolling your children in coding classes is preparing them to adapt to the continually digitizing society. While most adults consider programming to be incomprehensible or even boring, today our children are lucky enough to be able to choose from a range of fun and motivating apps, games and courses that allow them to progress quickly.

The ideal age for programming

The question that remains is at what age children should start learning coding. According to experts, young people between the ages of 2 and 7 are able to learn a new language, so they can start their coding training at the same time because learning should be gradual.

That is why we provide them with effective programs (applications, games, playful lessons) adapted to their age and levels. We recommend starting with visual programming games that are both instructive and fun.

Once they assimilate them, it will be easier to approach and learn coding key concepts (variables, loops, conditions, etc.) with block programming. This is only possible when children already know how to read. Likewise, it is possible to teach them coding by introducing them to the best programming applications.

By now, you must be aware of the importance and interest of coding. Therefore, if your children are of suitable learning age, do not hesitate to enroll them in programming classes.