The first thing to do when introducing your child to programming is to choose a fun project that they can complete. This can be anything from building a robot to creating a game to finding the missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
Start simple.
When you first get started, itâs best to keep your lessons as simple as possible. This means avoiding complex coding languages and using the simplest programs that accomplish the task at hand. If youâre working on a game, for example, you can have your child write a program that tells your child to jump when they press the âjumpâ button on the keyboard. This is an easy task that your child can accomplish quickly and helps them understand the basics of coding without confusing them.
Start with commands.
Just as you wouldnât expect a toddler to learn a new language, you shouldnât expect a 7-year-old to learn a new programming language. Your child is just beginning to learn to read and write, so itâs important to keep the learning simple. If they get overwhelmed by something, theyâre more likely to give up. Focus on the basics and gradually add complexity as they learn more. If they like to create things, encourage them to build toys with Legos or a craft project that they can customize.
Make it fun.
Before you start teaching your child to code, make sure they have the right attitude. Being interested in coding is a great first step, and if your child is interested in coding before they start learning, they will be more likely to learn! Try to find fun ways to help your child learn about coding. Scratch or Lego are great ways to learn about coding because they are easy to understand and can help your child learn without feeling overwhelmed. You can also check out sites like Coding Dojo or Hour of Code to help them learn the basics.
Build a foundation.
If youâre not sure how to start, start with Scratch. With Scratch, children can learn by dragging and dropping different shapes to build animations and solve puzzles. This fun and easy to learn programming language is perfect for children ages 7 and up. Theyâll quickly learn the basics of coding and may be interested enough to try more advanced programs.
Let them lead the way.
Iâve seen many people say that you shouldnât start your kids early with codingânot until theyâre at least 8 years old. I canât help but disagree. Just like learning to read, writing, and speaking, kids learn best when theyâre young. We need to take what theyâre interested in and help them learn. If you think your child is interested in coding, encourage them to play around with Scratch, make a game, or create a website.
Try it yourself.
There are many ways to help your child learn coding. The best way is to start with some of the activities that they already love and see if they like the idea of building their own programs. If so, then you can slowly add more and more complexity to the project. Try some of the activities that weâve mentioned in this post to get you started and let us know how it goes!
Itâs never too early to learn to code.
There are tons of great resources out there for ages 7 and up to learn coding. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. The most important thing is that you keep your child engaged in the learning process. Try to find ways to make coding fun so theyâre more likely to want to practice.
Conclusion
The best way to learn is by doing. Donât try to make your child learn by explaining. Try to find activities where they can make choices, solve problems, and create. For example, donât just ask your child to memorize the Pythagorean Theorem, ask them to solve the problem of building a triangle house. It will be more fun for them and youâll be amazed at how quickly they learn!