How Do You Help Your Child Learn Coding?

In today's context, many people are treating programming languages as any other normal languages. Many parents are encouraging their children to pick up some programming skill.

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How Do You Help Your Child Learn Coding?

Published: 3:20pm, 7 Mar 2016Updated: 3:20pm, 7 Mar 2016

In today's context, many people are treating programming languages as any other normal languages. Many parents are encouraging their children to pick up some programming skill.

Some parents might think that programming skills are not hard to pick up. As a matter of fact, they might think that it is quite straightforward like Mathematics and expect their child to pick it up with ease. In reality, having kids to learn conventional coding is not as simple as it seems. Conventional coding requires a lot of syntax, which forms the structure of code. Some conventional coding languages are Javascript and Swift.

Before the kids start on conventional coding, they can try out some simple and fun programming websites. Both Scratch and AppInventor are suitable for children from age 7 and above. Both languages use block-based programming, where learners can focus on the programming logic behind their code. Furthermore, learners can get instant feedback on their codes by running their projects in Scratch or AppInventor.

Both Scratch and AppInventor utilize the concept of event-driven programming. Event-driven programming refers to a designated set of instructions that executes after a certain occurrence . For instance, the occurrence of an earthquake and the resulting effect of people seeking shelter. In this case, the event is "Earthquake" and the set of instructions executing is "seeking shelter".

With Scratch and AppInventor, even children as young as seven years can create their own animations and games and enjoy playing their custom-made games. Once your child has mastered block-based programming, they have built a solid foundation to challenge themselves with conventional programming. Who knows, your child might even win a programming competition like AppJamming Summit next.