Move over, Spanish and Mandarin. Tech commentators say that “Code is the language of the modern world.” With more jobs requiring coding skills than ever before, adults who know how to code find it easier to advance their careers, change jobs, and secure higher salaries. However, coding brings many benefits long before it’s time to start collecting a paycheck. Listed below are some of the reasons that coding is so important for kids.

21 Reasons Why Kids Should Learn How To Code

It’s never too early for kids to start coding. Learning how to code is beneficial for children of any age because it helps your child do the following:

• Develops logical thinking: Coding gets children used to analyzing the information in front of them and making reasonable plans. They’re encouraged to decide on the best steps and follow them in a logical order to achieve their desired results.
• Improves problem solving: Coding encourages children to identify problems and decide on the best solutions. Brainstorming, testing, and debugging are common steps children use when coding and solving non-technical problems.
• Encourages critical thinking: Coding familiarizes children with critical thinking processes, such as analyzing the information provided, applying it, and reflecting on their results. Following the same processes every time they code strengthens their understanding of critical thinking and ability to follow the same steps when faced with any kind of information.
• Boosts computational thinking: Coding encourages children to think like a computer would. This type of reasoning involves breaking complex problems into more manageable ones and discovering patterns that lead to solutions and has many tech and non-tech applications.
• Improves math skills: Coding introduces children to mathematical concepts such as equations, algorithms, and variables in a new and exciting setting. Many math and coding skills overlap, such as logical thinking and problem solving.
• Increases communication skills: Coding teaches children to use a new language to communicate with a computer or mobile device. They may also become better at communicating with others as they participate in group challenges.
• Builds storytelling skills: As children piece together their code, they essentially tell a story about what they want the computer or device to do. They may also tell more creative stories when they design games or animations through coding.
• Encourages experimentation: There are multiple ways to solve most coding challenges. Experimenting with different approaches can help children be more open-minded and innovative.
• Nurtures creativity: Coding encourages children to ask what might happen if they try a new approach. As they try different things, they’ll likely feel inspired to think further outside the box and become more creative.
• Promotes hands-on learning: Children often learn best by engaging in hands-on activities. Coding is incredibly interactive, encouraging children to apply what they’ve learned and get real-time feedback on whether they’re mastering their new skills.
• Teaches resilience: Mistakes are part of the learning process when coding. Teaching children to accept this helps them understand that making mistakes isn’t failing, that they should be kind to themselves when mistakes occur, and that with practice, they can succeed.
• Encourages persistence: As coding often involves the process of making mistakes until someone reaches a solution, it encourages children to keep trying until they succeed. This lesson can help them rise to any challenge without giving up.
• Develops patience: No one becomes an expert coder overnight. Children learn to be patient and take their time to achieve the desired results.
• Encourages focus: Coding encourages children to continue working on a problem until they find a solution. Improving their focus can equip them to concentrate on other aspects of their lives, including study and exams.
• Develops organizational skills: Coding teaches children to organize their ideas and information in a very structured way. They can apply their organizational skills to improve at keeping their room in order and meeting their deadlines and responsibilities.
• Boosts self-confidence: Children feel proud of themselves when they master new skills and solve problems. The more they become confident coders, the better they’ll feel about themselves and their abilities.
• Promotes understanding of the world around them: So many everyday items children interact with have been programmed using code, from the traffic lights they use to safely cross the street to the smartphone to stay in touch with family and friends. Understanding the wide applications of coding gives children a better grasp of how the world works and what coding can do.
• Teaches digital literacy: Children live in an increasingly digital world, where people interact with computers, mobile devices, and internet-connected machines daily. Coding teaches them to feel more comfortable interacting with technology and using it to improve their lives.
• Pairs learning with fun: Coding is a very enriching activity for children by pairing learning with fun. It feels like play, which is positive for children of any age while engaging their brains.
• Improves academic performance: Children who code often get better results in the classroom as this skill has made them better problem solvers and complemented core subjects such as math and English. The persistence and resilience that coding teaches can also help children continue striving until they achieve their desired grades.
• Prepares them for the workforce: Coding is a highly sought-after skill in the modern workforce. Learning how to code can teach fundamental skills they may use in their careers and introduce them to a passion they may pursue professionally.

Enroll Your Kids in a Coding Class

Now that you know the importance of coding for kids, consider enrolling them in a childcare center where they can learn this vital skill. Crème de la Crème offers a supportive environment where children can learn coding basics to improve a variety of technical and soft skills. We incorporate coding throughout our curriculum so that your children can understand how this skill relates to all aspects of their life. Contact us to organize a tour of your nearest Crème de la Crème childcare center and learn more about how we can teach your children to code.

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