Why is it important to teach children to code?

We are in a world where technology plays a pivotal role in all our lives. Almost all of us use technology because it makes life easier and more convenient.

We no longer have to go out and buy things because we can already order via the net. We no longer have to go out just to tell someone things because, with just one click, we can already talk to them with the help of lots of different software. Everything is now online and digital. There are even robots that were created to serve in restaurants and conduct operations in hospitals.

See?  Almost everything can be controlled with software.

Software is radically becoming the language of the world today, and who lives in the future? The children of today.

It is crucial that each child knows how to code not just to equip themselves for the future.  Coding teaches the child how to break down big problems into smaller parts to solve them faster and to help see a bigger perspective. Analysing different situations – and what might happen in these situations – is an important skill in coding, that teaches the child to choose the decision that works best. It helps the child to think critically and consider every angle and consequence before venturing into something.

Coding establishes routine. Compare a child to an empty cup wherein you need to pour everything for him to learn including how things work. Children are very detailed.  You have to establish daily routines for them to follow.  Coding enhances the child’s capacity to follow instructions and turn these instructions into a routine.  Coding can be learned through games whereby a child needs to follow instructions, sequences, and patterns in order for them to complete the game.  It establishes a routine as well as helping them to think logically.

Once a child learns how to code, he will use and benefit from it for the rest of his life.  It is a skill that never goes out style.  It is a skill that is enhanced and developed as years pass by.  It is a skill that can be used in almost everything, even in a career when he grows up.  Not all careers in the future need programming, but most do – like in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, business and even music.  There are a lot of coding and programming job opportunities today and there will be even more in the future.

Coding is becoming a part of the educational curriculum. Many countries no longer use books, instead, they use IPads and tablets that are installed with software such as e-books and simple educational software.  It is very important that a child should know how to operate it so that he won’t get lost during class hours and class discussions.

We can no longer deny the fact that technology is shaping the world in one way or another. Learning how to code is like learning how to ride a bike. It takes a lot of practice before you run smooth.  It seems hard, but the truth is, it is just easy once you get started and it will be fun once you mastered it.