10 REASONS WHY EVERY KID SHOULD LEARN TO CODE

As a parent, the thought of coding for our kids may seem difficult and daunting at first - though its benefits outweigh any reservations we may have. If we want to set our kids up for success, then they should learn how to code. Coding for kids helps improve their mathematics and writing skills and gives them valuable skills in life and eventually in the workforce. 

Why is coding so important? Learning to code teaches kids lifelong skills that stretch far beyond the computer. From problem-solving, attention to detail and critical thinking, the benefits of learning to code are immense. Recent research puts coding at the forefront of future careers. Nearly 50% of all jobs require some coding skills

Before going into the reasons why every kid should learn coding, let us know what coding is

What is Coding?

Imagine you have a meeting with a client who understands only Chinese while you understand just English. How likely is it for you and your client to come to an understanding? It’s like Coding, communication cannot take place without you speaking the language your client understands. Coding, in simpler terms, means feeding our commands to the computer in a language the computer understands so that the computer can carry out the said command, and perform the task. It is the computer language used to develop apps, websites, and software. 

Now let’s dive into our top 10 reasons why every kid should learn to code.

1. Coding helps improve concentration and focus

In our highly distracted world, learning to code gives kids the opportunity to concentrate and focus on a single thing. That thing is to solve the coding problem in front of them.

Coding requires concentration and focus, something that some kids may find difficult, while others may find it easy. With concentration, decisions are easier and more focused on the objective at hand.

2. Coding stimulates creativity among kids

Taking a mental image and giving it form in the real world is the very heart of creativity. Computer coding empowers kids to not only consume digital media and technology but to create it. Kids build and write their code to create websites, video games, and other interactive programs.

3.  Coding prepares our kids for the jobs of tomorrow

With jobs in the technology sector experiencing steady growth from year to year, the demand for candidates with coding experience in 5, 10, 20 years down the line will only grow higher. Getting your child started young with coding will help better prepare them with the skills sought by employers around the world and create a foundation for further learning and coding in the future.

4. Coding builds Self-Confidence

Coding helps kids develop soft skills and builds aspects of their character, as they develop traits such as resilience, grit, and patience. kids develop self-confidence that enables them to pursue their dreams and goals. One of the best ways to build self-confidence is to become more competent at something.

5. Coding helps to build entrepreneurial skills

Being an entrepreneur isn’t just about starting or running a business. It’s about bringing ideas to life. Being entrepreneurial is about being a problem solver, a clear communicator, a team leader, a visionary, taking risks, pursuing a passion, and so much more. When kids learn to do all of this they become the driving force behind creating new things. “At its core, [entrepreneurship] is a mindset – a way of thinking and acting. It is about imagining new ways to solve problems and create value.”― Bruce Bachenheimer

6. Coding helps kids develop problem-solving skills

All coding projects start with a problem to be solved.

Whether it’s bringing an idea into real life, improving how something works or fixing something that’s broken, every coding project involves problem-solving

Coding helps build problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills, as kids solve complex coding problems by breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks. The ability to solve problems is a trait that is useful in life in general. We all want our kids to become excellent problem solvers so that they can overcome any adversity they face. Learning to code gives kids the chance to learn this type of skill while they are young and it will help them along the way in life.

7. Coding helps kids develop resilience

Coding gives kids the ability to try again and again especially if and when things don’t go right the first time, teaching them to learn from their mistakes and move on. They also learn that success is often the result of hard work and many repetitions of trial and error rather than immediate mastery of a skill.

8. Coding can help sharpen math skills

Coding helps children strengthen their arithmetic and algebraic skills, being able to apply math to real-world situations in a practical and fun manner. It helps kids to be able to  visualize abstract concepts and makes math fun and creative

9. Coding improves communication

Communication is an essential skill throughout school, work, and life. People who can communicate complex ideas in simple terms tend to be successful in different industries and walks of life.

10. Coding Teaches Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is all about making judgements and decisions based on reason and logic. By practising critical thinking skills, kids who code develop a disciplined process for analyzing problems, gathering data and information, understanding the objective, distinguishing between possible solutions, predicting possible results, and choosing a problem-solving approach. When kids code, they learn how to communicate with the most simple-minded audience imaginable: computers. Computer coding teaches kids how to break down complex ideas and arrange them in a way that computers can understand.

We will all agree, there’s no shortage of excellent careers in the field of computer programming. Many of the technology giants today were created by young minds. Facebook was invented by a 19-year-old. Snapchat by a 21-year-old. Reddit by a 22-year-old and Google by a 25-year-old.

Now tell me, why haven’t you enrolled your kid to learn to code? Is it because you don't know where to start or how to go about it? We at Mentortribes will love to help you set your kid up for success.