The current information age is full of technological advancements. Digital is the way to go and affects our normal lives on a daily basis. Children should get the basic skills to ensure they are ready for the future. Coding is one of the important skills that children should embrace. There is a need for them to adopt programming skills as they grow up. Most elements around us are becoming software-driven, starting from smart homes, the entertainment arena, healthcare, and vehicles. There is a demand for skilled programmers to implement such technologies. Many kids may not opt for the development side; they need basic coding skills, which are becoming necessary in most careers.
Some kids may wonder, “Who can take my class online for me?” Such apps should have a good user interface encouraging kids to take practical lessons. As a parent, make sure your kid gets to learn coding. Even if you are not an expert or experienced, let your kids get started using the free resources available.
Overview of coding apps for kids
We define coding apps for kids as mobile applications facilitating kids’ learning and application of programming skills. Such apps can incorporate puzzles, quizzes, coding challenges, and interactive games that will help kids understand coding concepts in a unique way. The platforms offer engaging and playful directions for learning.
The applications will incorporate tutorials, visual coding interfaces, and easy-to-follow instructions. The learners have an easy way of grasping the programming basics and enhancing their problem-solving skills.
The importance of kids learning to code
The future holds a lot when it comes to technology. Kids need to learn computer coding skills to become creators, not only technology consumers. Here are some reasons why it becomes important for kids to learn coding.
A good way to enhance problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Coding falls under the art of problem-solving. Coding helps kids grasp capabilities for analytical thinking, start to reason logically and harness critical thinking skills. With programming, kids get instructions on how to study problems and break them into tiny and manageable bits before creating step-by-step solutions. Such abilities, once learned, apply to other academic subjects and real-world circumstances.
Triggers kids to be creative and innovative
Coding is always a practical activity that calls for creativity. It involves the kids turning concepts into real digital works like phone applications, websites, digital tools, or games. Let the kids free resources like the free coding websites that support kids to ensure their creativity and curiosity come out by creating original projects. Let them try new ideas, fail in them, and redefine everything to make them resourceful and creative. They get the motivation to be original and have a mind of inventing and innovating.
It is a road to employment opportunities
With skills in coding, there are professional prospects in different sectors, including entertainment, engineering, finance, technology, and healthcare. Once kids have the coding skills, the future is great for them since they have a competitive edge against their peers in the future years.
Kids will become persistent and resilient
Coding is not a linear process. It involves lots of debugging, trial-and-error missions, and solving problems on a frequent basis. With their curiosity, kids will always yearn to understand the cause of errors or bugs and fix them while deep in programming. They won’t allow errors to deter them but will take it as an opportunity to improve. Failure is a stepping stone and helps kids learn perseverance and adopt a step of coming up with answers to such situations. Resilience or perseverance is practical across all life activities.
What are some of the coding apps for kids?
We have many coding apps available to help kids nurture their programming skills in a fun manner. Let’s explore some of the coding apps for kids.
Hopster Coding Safari
This is a pre-coding logic game with jungle themes. It presents logical problems using the various animals present in the jungle. It could be a monkey trying to find bananas or a tiger finding its way to its den. The trick is to make kids familiarize themselves with abstraction, pattern recognition, and the different algorithms.
The app has lessons that focus more on standards of computer science based on US and UK curriculum. This app is available on the iOS platform.
Code Karts
Here is an application that uses racing games to teach kids. Kids need to apply logical thinking to solve the obstacles presented in the game. There are 70 levels and 2 game modes with various puzzles that equip kids with skills to improve their programming. Android users can use the app and has been applied for 4+ years.
Lightbot
Here is an application where kids enjoy puzzles as a game to help them learn the basics of coding. It has been translated into more than 25 languages. The application has animated robots in which you move to different levels using commands and helps them understand loops and procedures. It allows multiple players to play simultaneously, and they track their progress separately. It has 50 different levels with 20 challenge stars. Whether Android or iOS, you will comfortably use the app.
Kodable
Kids learn coding, where they can access games, interactive videos, and lesson plans. Interactive videos fascinate kids and give them the knowledge of solving if/then situations, and the games have building blocks they use in dragging and creating commands. Kids learn syntax, sequence of instructions, and the different variables like integers, arrays, and strings. It can suit kids between the ages of 4 to 10 years.
CodeSpark Academy
This is a common app to help kids learn coding. It takes a different approach to using colorful and interesting activities. Children between the ages of 4 to 9 years can use the app. It has cartoon characters acting as teachers, a game of puzzles, and simple guidelines for designs, activities, and projects. You won’t find any in-app advertisement within the application, which is available for Android and iOS users.
How to select coding apps for kids
There are several factors to consider:
- Ensure the app has educational value to teach kids about variables, structures, and algorithms.
- Select an app that suits the age of the kid
- Make sure the app has an intuitive interface that encourages engagement
- Go for apps that allow for parental guidance/control and safety.
Conclusion
Once you understand the coding apps for kids, help them learn in a fun way by selecting the appropriate app. Help them understand why they need to take the skill seriously. They will always thank you.
