As a parent, you may notice how easily your child uses gadgets such as smartphones. The increasing presence of digital technology in our daily lives highlights its pervasiveness within your child’s everyday experiences. This is why children of this generation are known as the ‘digital natives’. Today’s preschoolers are born into and brought up in a world of digital technology.
Digital technology has tools that encourage young children to explore the world around them interactively and creatively. It pushes the critical need for early childhood education in the 21st century to provide children with ample opportunities to enjoy playful digital learning experiences. In this aspect, preschools play an important role in building children’s capability to use technology and in developing their ‘digital literacy’. And what best way to do it other than through coding education?
First of all, what exactly is coding?
The people at teachyourkidscode.com define coding as “the primary method for communicating with a computer”. This means that coding is a kind of language used to give computers instructions on how to carry out specific functions. Indeed, it is through coding that your mobile phones, laptops, or social media applications work properly.
Now, think of all the possibilities that your child has when equipped with coding skills!
Nowadays, learning to code at a young age is not something unusual. A number of early childhood education providers have started to introduce coding education, in alignment with 21st century learning. Many parents may have questions such as, “Isn’t it too early for my child to learn coding?”, “Can my child cope with coding education?”, or “Is coding an important skill for my child to have at such a young age?”
As a new kind of literacy, learning how to code is like learning a second language. Therefore, many experts believe that similar to picking up a language, children could begin coding as early as two years old (venturebeat.com). However, coding for children does not mean having to learn something as complex as computer programming. Coding education in the preschool classroom focuses more on introducing young learners to the basics of coding through the application of 21st century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.
Let us share with you the top five reasons your child should learn to code:
Coding fosters creativity
Learning to code means learning to create solutions to problems. In creating these solutions, your child must exercise their creativity and critical thinking. Without proper guidance, it can be quite daunting for young children to start coding. Structured methodologies, such as the A.C.C.E Methodology helps link your child’s mind to think logically and creatively when solving coding problems as it is developed to enable children to find solutions step by step while allowing them room to explore and experiment.
Coding builds skills for Mathematics and Science
Just like Mathematics and Science, coding applies algorithmic thinking in learning, which is basically “the ability to define clear steps to solve a problem or solving a task” (raisesmartkid.com). When your child learns to code, they simultaneously develop crucial skills for solving Mathematical and Scientific problems. This will make learning Math and Science concepts a lot easier and more effective.
Coding develops resilience
Coding education revolves around problem-solving activities and teaches your child to evaluate choices and make better decisions. Through these activities, your child will begin to understand that every problem comes with a solution. Thus, they will gain the persistence and positive mindset to solve even more complex problems in the long run.
Coding improves communication
Coding activities encourage children to work together. In finding ways to complete different coding tasks, your child will need to actively participate in the learning process by contributing their ideas, thoughts and opinions. This is a good way to build your child’s confidence. Further, coding encourages your child to respect and pay attention to others, enhancing their soft skills.
Coding is the skill of the future
Studies show that “coding sets children up for academic success” (The Star) and prepares them for the modern world. As a matter of fact, codakid.com predicts that “67% of all new jobs in the future are in coding and computing.” Coding equips your child with skills that prepare them to overcome challenges and succeed in the era of digital competitiveness.
Register your child for Q-dees Robotics ‘n Coding now — the best preschool coding programme for your children ages three to six years old. The Q-dees Robotics ‘n Coding offers young children the opportunity to learn coding through the use of engaging and practical learning tools such as a coding robot, apps, coding cards as well as themed maps! This programme structures coding education through two levels (Junior and Senior) in which the coding skills taught will increase in complexity and depth in each level — ensuring a more learnable and goal-oriented approach to your child’s coding learning experience.
What are you waiting for? Reserve a spot for your child in the Q-dees Robotics ‘n Coding programme today!
– 1700-81-5077
– https://www.www.q-dees.com/contact/