Every parent wants their child on the right path to an enriching and practical education. For many, a future-proof education emphasizes STEM skills and the ability to program.
We may not know what the future will hold, but indeed, it will be written in code! The problem is that many parents aren’t technical experts, and it may be hard to launch your child on a coding journey when you don’t know much about the subject.
Teaching your children to code is the ultimate goal, but if you don’t know what to look for in their session, keep reading to learn more.
Professional Coding Languages
Even young kids can learn coding languages like Python, which professionals use. Look for a program that teaches this and other coding languages like Java, C#, C++, and others that power the apps and programs people use every day.
Some classes focus on more basic drag-and-drop languages, like Scratch. Such languages may give your child a sense of what coding is like, but they can’t apply these lessons if they want to design a serious game or program.
Work to Build a Game
The best way to motivate children to learn to code is by structuring the lessons around building an actual video game they can design and program themselves. There are kids online computer courses that show children how to make their own video game, a clear-cut goal that puts a hunger to learn in every child.
You don’t need to push kids to play video games, and you won’t need to motivate them to build them, either. You want your child to be excited about their weekly coding lesson. Plus, the skills they learn building video games will be immediately helpful if they take coding later in school or decide to do it professionally when they’re older.
Young Teachers
The best coding courses for kids aren’t taught by instructors with decades of experience. Younger teachers with experience in Computer Engineering or Computer Science are ideal, as they grew up playing video games themselves and can relate better to the students.
They should have expert experience and education in coding, but a childhood also spent in video games is an intangible quality for a coding instructor. Look for a program with a ratio of four students per teacher, so you know your child will get the level of attention and focus they need.
Just a Bit of Parental Supervision
Teaching young children STEM skills in remote sessions is a considerable undertaking, and it’s best for you to supervise the first session passively. Your child may have technical issues or questions about using the computer or camera, and it’s good for you to see what classes are like.
Coding can be a bit intimidating for people who have never learned how to do it. Parents with no technical knowledge of coding can feel confident that their child will get ample programming instruction and support if they keep all the above tips in mind.