Parents sometimes face difficulty introducing something new to their kids, let alone something as complex as coding. Kids scare off easily when they are overwhelmed. It is important to tread lightly when inaugurating coding to your kids.

There are methods you can follow to ease your kids into the world of coding, and little by little, your kids will fall in love. Let’s reflect on some ways you can introduce your kids to coding. 

Block-based or Tactile Code Tool

Although some coding software are easy to grasp, coding an application at the start may be overwhelming for beginners, especially kids. Some tools, known as the block-based code and tactile code, require little to no coding. 

Tactile tools allow beginner developers to “drag and drop” coding elements to create usable programs. This would help them understand the coding structure and language concepts such as functions, decision-making and variables. Block-based tools are similar but offer more customisation with written code into their applications and can be taught without a computer screen. 

Create interesting programs

The easiest way to introduce programming to your kid is by incorporating something they love. The best way to start is by learning to code computer games that they love such as, Roblox.

Depending on the genre and complexity, video games may not be the simplest things to code. However, there are simple platforms that can be used to teach kids the fundamentals of coding, such as the structure and elements of coding. An example of such platform would be Scratch, which is very intuitive for children. Of course, not all kids enjoy video games. In this case, there are other ways for their entry into coding such as drones, mobile app developments, robotics, etc. Therefore, whether it is reading or maybe music, involve the things they love to ease the learning process. 

Getting involved

Another great way to make your kids enjoy coding is to code with them. Sit down and go through the courses with them to help them understand better and keep the environment fun, so it is not just another dull class for them to partake in. 

You can make it a project for the family while your kid takes the lead. Discuss applications they would like to program and start working on them together. To ensure they take away as much knowledge as possible from this family project, let them have sole control of what to do and only offer light guidance not to disrupt their learning train. 

Sign them up for coding camp

There are summer camps that are dedicated to teaching kids programming. These camps are suitable for your kids as they will be surrounded by knowledgeable teachers and kids of the same age groups going through the same program. Coding camps are also an effective way for kids to learn to code in Singapore. 

The coding summer camps will teach them not only about programming but how to work as a team and problem-solving skills. Working together with the friends they make can help them forge friendships that would ease their learning process while still maximising the knowledge they absorb. 

Have a blast

Coding doesn’t have to be boring and mundane. Instead of turning it into a chore, make the process enjoyable to keep them interested and motivated. As mentioned in the first point, keep it interesting. 

Keep an eye on the emotions your kids evoke during their learning process. If they show any sense of frustration, allow them to take a break and continue later on. Do not feed your kids with heavy information at an early stage, as it would scare them away from the subject. Ease into it and let them enjoy the process.

Conclusion

Learning to code can and should be fun. There are many other ways to introduce coding to your kids. Do what you feel your kids are comfortable with and what is most suitable for them. Make it fun for your kids and bond with them along the way. 

Looking to sign your kids up for programming lessons? ripplecreate offers coding and robotics lessons in Singapore for your kids. We teach a program catering to each kid’s level of experience and knowledge of coding. Contact us at hello@ripplecreate.com to register your kids or for further inquiries.