As we stand today, it’s undoubtedly more important than ever to be able to navigate and explore the use of technology with ease. It’s undeniable that technology is continuously growing, and we are evolving into a digital age.

With this in mind, in this blog post we will explore the significance of teaching children programming, why it’s becoming essential to grow computing skills, as well as the benefits of starting from a young age.

What is Programming?

In the most simplest of terms, computer programming is the process where a programmer gives a computer specific instruction to perform a task. The instructions are made of code which is the language computers can interpret and use to create a specific action. 

“Computer programming is a process where programmers provide digital instructions, or code, for computers to complete various tasks. Using different programming languages, programmers can write a script to create an image, webpage, piece of software or function.” – Indeed

Why Should Children Learn Programming?

Although programming is far from a “traditional” school subject such as maths and English, there are many benefits to teaching children computer programming or coding from a young age. Here are just a few reasons:

1. Problem-solving and critical thinking:  When children learn to code, they naturally adapt to using a problem-solving approach and analytical thinking. These skills are transferable and beneficial to many different areas of life and other academic subjects. These skills evolve from exploring problems, breaking them down into smaller steps, developing algorithms and becoming aware of patterns.
2. Helps brain development: As the early years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development, learning programming can help stimulate memory enhancement, attention, cognitive functions and more.
3. Creative skills: Whilst programming may not seem like a creative skill, coding can be considered a form of creative expression. Programming empowers children to turn their ideas into reality. Creative projects can include building a website, an app or a computer-based game. Programming nurtures creativity and allows children to explore their imagination on a digital platform.
4. Preparing for the future: As technology continues to grow and expand, understanding programming languages and how computers work is hugely beneficial. Knowledge of the computing world opens a world of opportunities and prepares children for future careers in a digital workforce.

How Do I Get My Child Into Programming?

1. Explore games: If you want to start introducing your child to programming and the realm of computing, introducing your child to some fun coding games can be a great starting point and help learning feel fun and interactive. This article from We Are Teachers has some great suggestions.
2. Enrol in computing courses: Dedicated computing courses will provide a wealth of knowledge. If your child’s educational setting doesn’t provide the course you are looking for, consider online courses that can fit around your schedule. 

Ultimately, introducing children to programming at an early age is a huge benefit for not only their early years, but also their future. If you are considering introducing computing and programming to your child, take a look at our upcoming IGCSE Computer Science, and Programming for Beginners with Python courses that launch early 2024!