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What is coding? -

Coding allows humans to communicate with devices such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets that require code to work. Coding is basically a translator that converts human input into numerical sequences that a computer will then understand.

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Why should kids learn to code? - Kids should start learning to code from an early age for numerous reasons. In the following slides, we will list over two dozen reasons why.

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Coding teaches problem-solving skills - If your child is coding a game, for example, then they are challenged to break a large problem into smaller, more approachable pieces. They will need to do things like add text, images, positioning, and more. As they practice, they will develop a solid problem-solving mindset.

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Develop logical reasoning skills -

Within the problem-solving framework, children also need logical reasoning skills so that they can not only find a solution but also explain how they arrived at the answer and why it was completed that way.

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Coding teaches attention to detail - Details are so important in programming, as one misplaced semicolon or space can lead to hours spent debugging a program. Correctly writing code takes a sharp eye and teaches kids to pay attention to even the smallest of details.

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Having coding skills can lead to a high paying job -

Code.org calculated that those who graduate with a degree in computer science earn 40% more in lifetime earnings when compared to other college-level graduates.

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Coding will help college applicants stand out - Getting into college can be an extremely competitive and challenging process. One way to really stand out is for kids to study coding and build a portfolio of coding projects. This will show the admissions teams that they have dedicated time and effort to something challenging and have tangible evidence of success.

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Learning to code makes high school easier - In high school, many schools offer classes like AP Computer Science which can lead to college credit and prepare your child for different college majors. It’s important to have your child start coding before high school so that when the time comes for this course, they have some experience with it.

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Summer jobs and internships value the skills learned while coding - Kids who have learned coding, now have in-demand skills that make them excellent candidates for more prestigious internships. They might even be able to land a paid internship and save money away for the future.

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Coding teaches critical thinking -

When coding, kids have to make decisions every step of the way in order to reach a desired solution. It takes critical thinking to decide which path is the best one. This type of thinking helps form judgments on reason and logic.

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Coding demands concentration -

Kids today live in a world filled with distractions and it takes a mentally challenging activity to allow them to practice and develop their ability to focus. Coding can be perfect for this. It can take hours to accomplish even one task in a program and kids will need mental focus to complete it.

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Kids who code develop self-confidence -

Becoming more component at something, or even becoming an expert, helps to boost a child's self-confidence. Coding involves the child meeting small milestones that add up to large accomplishments.

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Coding teaches communication skills -

Kids who learn to code will also have the opportunity to work in teams where communicating well verbally and in writing is key. In later years, they might even be working in a job where they need to communicate cross-functionally with a marketing department or otherwise.

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Kids who code become lifelong learners - In coding, the languages are constantly evolving and so must the programmer! Those committed to writing excellent code are also motivated to stay up to date on the latest technologies and standards.

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Coding teaches abstract thinking - With abstract thinking, children start understanding more than just what's literally in front of their faces. Kids begin to learn that they can create something out of nothing!

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Kids will learn algorithmic thinking -

Algorithmic means that a formula or procedure is applied to solve a problem or produce a result. Kids who code learn that a series of steps can be programmed so a computer can do it and leave the high-order tasks for them to do. Additionally, learning algorithms shows kids how technology truly impacts our daily lives.

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Coding teaches entrepreneurship skills -

Kids learn from an early age that products can be built from nothing but an idea and a lot of hard work. Whether their program is big or small, it translates into a higher level of thinking which can help them one day if they decide to start a company of their own. 

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Kids who code develop perseverance - In coding, the solution isn’t always simple or straightforward, and oftentimes the first fix won’t be the final solution. Therefore, kids must learn to repeat or amend the debugging process needed to get the code correct and functioning. This perseverance will take kids far in life.

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Coding gives kids a way to express their creativity - Though to some, coding might seem very structured and rigid, it’s actually a great place for kids to express their creativity. Many guidelines do exist but ultimately, it's the programmer who must think creatively to solve problems and design features that are unique and that work.

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Kids will learn to take risks when coding - Coding is a world where safe learning can happen and thus risk-taking is inherently encouraged. If one code or path doesn’t work, your child is encouraged to think of and take, another.

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Coding teaches strategic thinking - Strategic thinking makes it possible to see multiple parts and how they’re connected, as well as to understand the bigger picture. Kids will start to see how changing one part affects another. This teaches them to be strategic in order to efficiently and effectively reach their end goals and final products or programs.

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Coding teaches computational thinking - Computational thinking addresses the question of what is computable. Coding teaches kids that each stage or component of the programming has to be considered from a computational perspective or in other words, how the computer will understand and translate it.

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Improves cognitive development - Cognitive development is about how children process information and their understanding of concepts as well as their ability to learn expressive and receptive language and their perception skills. 

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Coders transform from consumers to tech creators - In today’s tech world, new and better ideas, products, and content are in high demand. When kids learn to code, they go from being passive consumers of technology to active creators of it. Kids learn that they have a choice, and more importantly, a voice in the world around them.

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Learning to code prepares kids for academic success -

Coding focuses on subjects like math, science, and reading. Children who code can have better academic success and are even more prepared for eventual college education in fields like statistics, biology, or music.

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Learning to code is fun -

A certain joy can come from creating something new. Kids are engaged and can get instant gratification as they see their ideas take shape. They are interacting, learning, and sharing their mind with the world!

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Kids learn the decision making process - Coders are constantly practicing decision-making. From deciding which projects call for certain code to evaluating different options that will impact their programs, kids who code learn to make clear decisions and can explain why they took a certain course of action.

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FAQ: My kids already have computer classes at school, do they need extra classes for coding? -

The short answer is yes, they do. Unfortunately, schools are often understaffed and unable to offer sophisticated, tailored, and 1:1 coding so they learn correctly the first time. Extra courses outside formal schooling are often beneficial.

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FAQ: Which programming languages are ideal for children? -

It’s advised for parents to start their children off with a block-based coding language like Tynker or Scratch. Then, upon mastering the fundamentals, children can continue on to languages like Python and JavaScript.

Sources: (CodeWizardsHQ) (Medium) (ComputerScience.org)

See also: Tech gadgets for busy parents

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