Programming and Coding are what’s really in right now. Everywhere we see, its technology doing wonders. In this fast-paced generation, where some people have the audacity to accept newer forms of development while others don’t; it’s still delightful to see how others are warming up to it now. People have been rigid in their own ways for years or even decades for that matter, but now as the time is changing so is the acceptance of newer technology.
Coding and programming is the core of technology undoubtedly. You could go all the way from writing mere scripts to creating versatile applications if you know how to. And from that, I think everybody should learn the skill which I'm sure most of us have started to. Not only will it boost your careers in the later stages, but those who are a part of the fraternity even if they are kids have many advantages for them.
Now coming to learning the computational skills, I think it’s great to have a beginning in that way itself. So getting the involvement of kids since the beginning will not just shape their lives better but prove as a gem in their growing age.
THE DO’S
- DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN ELEMENT: The best way to develop an interest in anything is to make it fun. If you treat it as a load or something mandatory then you'll never be able to explore the beauty of it. Even when it comes to studying irrespective of the subject, it should be intellectual but fun at the same time as well.
- VISUAL BLOCK LANGUAGES: Kids tend to lose interest if they don't find pictures or eye-catchy things while learning. So to incorporate that element, making use of visual block languages so that they have pictures and hence keep the kids satisfied and involved. Scratch and Blockly are the most commonly used ones.
- LET THE KIDS TAKE CHARGE: So for them to learn the best way and faster, is to let them operate. If they take control of the system, they can discover many things while exploring which we might skip on. Also, this increases their practical knowledge of the computer and at the same time boosts their thinking skills.
- TOUCH OF CREATIVITY: Children already have studies to stick to and most kids don’t like studying irrespective of their grades; we’ve been there too! So this should not add up as a burden on them but rather prove to be a stress reliever. They could do whatever they want to and bring out the creative genius inside them.
- MAKE IT INTERACTIVE: When dealing with kids, interaction becomes a major concern as most parents or mentors feel that the kid is too shy or silent while some turn out to be a complete chatterbox. Interaction is something that is very important between two people be it kids, youth or whatever. Children shouldn't shy away or feel nervous to express how they will or about what they want to do and for that a good interaction is necessary.
- NEED FOR CONSISTENT ENVIRONMENT: For some extracurricular skill especially at a young age, consistency is necessary for it to become a habit or a daily ritual sort of. To achieve that, the surroundings should be appropriate.
THE DONT’S
- NO ROOM FOR PRESSURE: Under any situation, no matter how grave or mere, never ever pressurize the kids. It is always better to motivate and encourage them.
- DON’T USE PROGRAMS MEANT FOR ADULTS: Eliminate complex programs that are meant for adult use. Take it easy on the kids. Let them get a grip on the basics and the simpler programs first and then expose them to complex ones.
- HELP THEM LEARN TEXT BASED CODING: Through computational skills, a child has a lot of potentials to learn. So don't overestimate them, and don't underestimate them. Text-based coding has turned out to be extremely appreciated by the kids as they become more fond of it. It helps them in thinking and creating to a much higher extent.
- DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS BASED ON THEIR ABILITIES: Even if a child is performing well, don't make assumptions about their potential. Every child has the same caliber because the textbooks of that particular age have been made by treating every kid's mind equally. In case the child doesn't perform well, find different measures to make it interesting for them and if that doesn't work, instead of scolding or pressuring the kid, try to find the cause of such behavior.
- MAKE SURE TO CELEBRATE THEIR VICTORY: Whatever they do, big or small. Never forget to congratulate them. This keeps them going and provides a sense of encouragement in the kids.
Coding and programming is the core of technology undoubtedly. You could go all the way from writing mere scripts to creating versatile applications if you know how to. And from that, I think everybody should learn the skill which I'm sure most of us have started to. Not only will it boost your careers in the later stages, but those who are a part of the fraternity even if they are kids have many advantages for them.
Now coming to learning the computational skills, I think it’s great to have a beginning in that way itself. So getting the involvement of kids since the beginning will not just shape their lives better but prove as a gem in their growing age.
THE DO’S
- DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN ELEMENT: The best way to develop an interest in anything is to make it fun. If you treat it as a load or something mandatory then you'll never be able to explore the beauty of it. Even when it comes to studying irrespective of the subject, it should be intellectual but fun at the same time as well.
- VISUAL BLOCK LANGUAGES: Kids tend to lose interest if they don't find pictures or eye-catchy things while learning. So to incorporate that element, making use of visual block languages so that they have pictures and hence keep the kids satisfied and involved. Scratch and Blockly are the most commonly used ones.
- LET THE KIDS TAKE CHARGE: So for them to learn the best way and faster, is to let them operate. If they take control of the system, they can discover many things while exploring which we might skip on. Also, this increases their practical knowledge of the computer and at the same time boosts their thinking skills.
- TOUCH OF CREATIVITY: Children already have studies to stick to and most kids don’t like studying irrespective of their grades; we’ve been there too! So this should not add up as a burden on them but rather prove to be a stress reliever. They could do whatever they want to and bring out the creative genius inside them.
- MAKE IT INTERACTIVE: When dealing with kids, interaction becomes a major concern as most parents or mentors feel that the kid is too shy or silent while some turn out to be a complete chatterbox. Interaction is something that is very important between two people be it kids, youth or whatever. Children shouldn't shy away or feel nervous to express how they will or about what they want to do and for that a good interaction is necessary.
- NEED FOR CONSISTENT ENVIRONMENT: For some extracurricular skill especially at a young age, consistency is necessary for it to become a habit or a daily ritual sort of. To achieve that, the surroundings should be appropriate.
THE DONT’S
- NO ROOM FOR PRESSURE: Under any situation, no matter how grave or mere, never ever pressurize the kids. It is always better to motivate and encourage them.
- DON’T USE PROGRAMS MEANT FOR ADULTS: Eliminate complex programs that are meant for adult use. Take it easy on the kids. Let them get a grip on the basics and the simpler programs first and then expose them to complex ones.
- HELP THEM LEARN TEXT BASED CODING: Through computational skills, a child has a lot of potentials to learn. So don't overestimate them, and don't underestimate them. Text-based coding has turned out to be extremely appreciated by the kids as they become more fond of it. It helps them in thinking and creating to a much higher extent.
- DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS BASED ON THEIR ABILITIES: Even if a child is performing well, don't make assumptions about their potential. Every child has the same caliber because the textbooks of that particular age have been made by treating every kid's mind equally. In case the child doesn't perform well, find different measures to make it interesting for them and if that doesn't work, instead of scolding or pressuring the kid, try to find the cause of such behavior.
- MAKE SURE TO CELEBRATE THEIR VICTORY: Whatever they do, big or small. Never forget to congratulate them. This keeps them going and provides a sense of encouragement in the kids.