Reasons Why Kids Should Learn to Code

1. Coding Teaches Problem-Solving Skills

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

Let’s say your child is coding https://kiddy-coding.blogspot.com/2023/12/unlocking-talents-how-coding-courses-at.html a game that has text on the screen. The game is the big problem and https://sandangels.us/sand/profile/patjayme4124679/ it’s made up of smaller problems like adding the text, images, positioning, etc. Kids learn to tackle each small problem and eventually solve the bigger problem, like a full-fledged game. 

They practice decomposing problems by making them smaller, sequencing them, and then solving them. While kids are writing their code, they’re also forced to solve errors that come up with their program, called debugging. 

By doing this consistently, they develop a problem-solving framework that leads them to a fix every time. This framework can be applied not just to coding, but to any problems they have.

2. Develop Logical Reasoning Skills

Within a problem-solving framework, kids also need to develop logical reasoning skills. Not only can they solve a problem, but they’re also able to explain how and why they solved it that way.

Having logical reasoning skills encourages kids to think for themselves, to question assumptions, to develop their own theories, and to test their theories against known facts. 

When you’re coding a game, the computer processes each step of the game. Tic tac toe has a unique game logic that the student has to think through first, in order to tell the computer what to do. 

Every game has game logic and this is one way that kids practice logical reasoning in coding. With every project, they build on these skills and transfer them to other challenges and situations. 

3. Coding Teaches Attention to Detail

Coding requires higher-order thinking, but it also requires attention to detail in the written code. Details are especially important in programming because one wrong semicolon or space is the difference between a working program and hours of debugging. 

Debugging itself also requires attention to detail. It’s looking through individual lines of code to spot the errors and correct them. It takes a sharp eye to catch bugs on the first try. 

Luckily, your program, browser, or IDE can give you feedback on what’s wrong. This reinforces the idea of paying attention to details when writing and reviewing your code.

4. Having Coding Skills Can Lead to a High-paying Job

Many aspects of our everyday life are now automated. As a result, the supply gap for workers with coding skills continues to grow.

It’s possible that 3.5 million STEM jobs will need to be staffed by 2025, https://moral.senate.go.th including vital jobs in healthcare and technology. As a result, as many as 1 million jobs will go unfilled over the next decade because workers won’t have the necessary coding skills.

We calculated that a computer science major can earn 40% more than the college average and their lifetime earnings are $1.67M versus $1.19M of a college graduate and $0.58M of a high school graduate.

That doesn’t mean that everyone will be working as a programmer. There will be plenty of well-paid jobs that don’t directly involve coding, but benefit from coding knowledge and experience. For example, kids interested in biology can use their coding skills in bioinformatics.

So, even if you aren’t writing code, learning to code can mean a higher-paying job. 

5. Coding Experience Helps College Applicants Stand Out

The college application process is highly competitive. Every student has good grades and extracurriculars. How can anyone demonstrate the “exceptional talent” needed to get into the college of their choice? 

One way is to study coding and build a portfolio of coding projects. Schools like to see this long-term commitment and investment of time. A coding portfolio provides the admissions officer with tangible evidence of the applicant’s problem-solving skills, creativity, and work ethic.

Colleges also value students who have had real-world experience. At CodeWizardsHQ, high school students who complete the core track are given an internship opportunity. They can add the experience and the project to their college applications. 

An internship shows colleges you are responsible and professional, qualities they want in their students.