There are several coding courses for kids – both online and offline. They teach them different programming languages. However, the way they teach is more important. There are puzzles and card games through which learning coding becomes easier. There are blocks through which kids can develop basic coding skills.

In this article, we will focus on why kids should learn coding. We will emphasize the different points that highlight why coding is important at an initial stage. It will also help you to understand that your kids are not too young to code. In fact, they should start learning coding as early as possible to ensure their growth and development of multiple skills.

Why coding is important for kids?

Coding provides a solid scientific foundation to your kids. Today, most of the world is moving towards computer science – a field that requires a high amount of coding. Apart from job opportunities and joining the modern world, coding has several benefits that make it important for your kids. Here is why coding is essential to learn – 

1. Improves problem-solving

The software involves a lot of problems. Coding teaches your kids problem-solving by allowing them to look at problems from a different perspective. As your children become excellent problem-solvers, they can achieve success in different aspects of their life. Kids can get stuck in coding problems, allowing them to understand problems in a completely different manner.

2. Develops critical thinking

Coding is a challenging task. It isn’t just about learning how to code – it teaches them how to think differently. They need to use logical and critical thinking skills for writing code to build different programs. Coding classes for kids enable them to leverage coding for learning computational and critical thinking – a skill that will lead to success in their life.

How to Engage Your Kids in Learning to Code?

3. Build creativity

An essential aspect of growing is building creativity and maintaining it throughout. Since coding courses for kids encourage them to think differently and find solutions that are not traditional, it improves their creativity. When they can easily solve problems with creative thinking, they develop a lot of confidence in their abilities. It also motivates them to create more stuff with code.

4. Increase resilience

Coding often inspires kids to try one more time. It develops a lot of resilience that they would need in life. Resilience, patience, and persistence are important skills – skills that can help children build a better career. When obstacles arise during coding, children need to work on the problem more carefully to understand it and finally reach a solution.

5. Develops mindset

Another benefit of coding classes for kids is that they develop a mindset of success in kids. Since the early stages, it is important for kids to build an attitude that can lead them to success. Developing a success-oriented mindset is important to succeed in coding. It ensures that your children are prepared to accomplish their life goals when they grow up.

6. Future-ready

Coding is the future of work and organizations. Every company would need excellent coders who can build world-class solutions. Coding courses for kids teach children the basics and advanced modules. It prepares them for the future where coding would become a necessity for all kinds of computer-related jobs. It makes them ready to tackle the challenges in the future job market and gets them on the path to explore better opportunities.

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Coding courses for kids teach the fundamentals in a proper way. However, if kids are whimsical and do not pay attention to anything in particular. They learn to play and engage with things that are interesting to them. While coding may seem boring or difficult at first, they can learn properly if the methods are right. Coding classes for kids can adapt a variety of techniques to engage kids in coding.

In this article, we will look at some of the significant tips & techniques that you can use to engage kids in learning to code. While coding courses can teach your kids the concepts and ideas, you can make it fun for them. Let’s look at these techniques in detail.

How to engage kids in coding

Coding doesn’t have to be challenging. While your children may not develop an application, coding can teach them various soft skills helpful in life. Here are a few ways through which you can engage your kids in learning to code –

• • Make connections

The first thing you need to do is start making connections. Coding courses for kids also follow the same technique of relating codes to real-life problems and situations. Children ask a lot of “why” and “how” questions. You can explain coding concepts through everyday situations of problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and more. You can also use real-life things to explain the application of code.

• • Teach the basics

It is advisable to start teaching MIT’s Scratch to younger kids. Python is a fun and easy language to learn, but should be restricted to kids above 13 years of age. Coding classes for kids must start by teaching Scratch as it has a graphical interface that simplifies the learning process. Multiple pieces of code can fit together, essentially making it difficult to make any kind of mistakes.

• • Be practical

Teaching concepts is essential. They are the building blocks for all coding. You should describe the code as they write it. Coding classes teach practically, and you should too. You might sit with them and explain about objects, variables, loops, and more. Explain to them what every line does and so they can understand the application of each piece of program they are writing.

• • Introduce games

One of the best ways to engage kids with coding is introducing games. There are multiple websites online that teach coding through gamification. Coding courses also introduce games by enabling children to make their own games, While most high-end games might require the expertise of architects and developers, kids can build basic games with ease. They can use Python and Scratch to develop easy games, which will eventually make learning fun for them.

• • Simplify coding

And finally, you must debunk all the myths and simplify coding. Children might feel that coders are people who sit in front of the computer 24×7. However, you must explain to them that such is not the case. Clarify all their doubts about coding and ensure that they see coding as an opportunity for growth. Coding courses for kids ease the process of learning with the help of several tools that could teach children the right way. You can also take the help of coding experts who can guide kids in the right direction.

Children have a short attention span. By following the above techniques, you can engage them in a much better way and teach them how to code.

The post How to Engage Your Kids in Learning to Code? appeared first on CoderCookies.

However, finding the right way to learn Python can be a challenge. Should children take Python programming classes online or visit an institute? What are the resources available to learn Python? In this article, we will address all these questions. Since there are a lot of generic resources available, we will discuss the best way to learn Python programming.

Step-by-Step Python learning guide for 2021

For children to learn Python, there need to be proper building blocks. A simple online Python course for kids can provide that. But to understand the right way to learn, we need to address the following points –

1. Objective of learning

The primary step is to identify why your kids want to take Python programming classes online. Figuring out the objective can help children take the right path towards development. There are several goals to achieve, like data science, game development, mobile app development, website development, automation scripts, and more. Knowing what kids are interested in will help them choose the right path and then follow on that.

2. Finding the best course

The next step is to find the right Python coding classes for beginners. You can choose to send kids to an institute. But considering the pandemic, it is best to enroll them in an online Python course for kids. There are multiple courses available online that can teach them the fundamentals of the programming language. Some of the best courses are available on:

• Coder Cookies
• CodeAcademy
• Udemy
• Khan Academy
• Google’s Python Class
• Coursera
• Microsoft’s Python Class, and many more

There are multiple online Python bootcamps that kids can join. Complete Python masterclasses are also available online where children can learn the programming language.

3. Learning the basics

By having a strong foundation, kids can understand how Python works in different ways. The third step is to learn the basic syntax. It isn’t extremely motivating, so kids would spend a little less time on this step. However, it is an important step, as, without the basics, they cannot move ahead in the course.

Learning theory is important because it helps in practical applications. Apart from Python programming classes online, there are multiple books that teach the basic syntax and lessons. Ideally, only a couple of weeks are enough to learn the initial stages of the programming language.

4. Building projects

The most significant step is to finally let children build different projects. Structured projects at Python coding classes for beginners help children apply the knowledge. Kids can experiment and learn multiple things by creating projects on their own.

There are pre-programmed projects available that children can find online. The gamification keeps kids engaged and helps them build beautiful projects. Any software theta they develop will add to their confidence, and they will be more secure in taking up new development activities.

Must read: Know About Block Coding for Kids

Any success in Python programming is directly related to the number of hours spent practicing. There are a million other things that children can build using the language. Consistent practice and experimentation are key, apart from joining an online Python course for kids. By working on projects, children can come up with better ideas and get more comfortable in taking risks. While it will take some time and patience, all of it will be worth it after you see the wonderful projects that children can create.

The post How to Learn Python (Step-by-Step) in 2021 appeared first on CoderCookies.

Kids coding programs are increasingly becoming popular as parents want their children to get the upper hand in technical education. Programming is now essential for kids to develop STEM skills. Even though your kids may not want to enter into computer science, computer coding classes for kids equip them with the skills necessary in any modern industry.

But how do you choose the right children’s computer programming classes? You certainly don’t want to compromise on your child’s development by sending him or her to an average class. Professional coding teachers for kids are hard to find.

In this article, we are compiling a few ways to help you find the right children’s computer programming classes. You can then make the decision and start your child’s journey to success.

How to choose the right computer coding classes for kids

There are hundreds of classes out there that teach coding to kids. But you need to find the right one for your code. Not every kid is the same, and you have to keep that in mind before making the final decision. Here’s how you can find the best kids coding programs –

1. Consider your kid’s age

There are computer coding classes for kids of different ages. However, children as young as 5 years old can learn to code because it can be gamified. There are separate classes for older kids aged 8 to 15 and younger ones. Choose the course where you feel your kid can appropriately settle with similarly aged peers. It will allow him or her to learn in a better way.

2. Look at your child’s interest

There are a plethora of programming languages that you can learn from. Computer coding classes for kids offer different courses on programming languages. Once you figure that out, you can send them specialized kids coding programs that teach only that specific language. Developing your child’s interest is an essential step, and a technical class can assist with that.

Also Read: Scratch Programming for Kids & Teens

3. Check the teacher’s experience

The next step is to look at the teacher’s experience. Teaching programming to kids requires knowledge of engineering and programming languages. It will help your kid if the teacher himself or herself is a coder. He or she will better know the code and can teach in a way that children can understand. You should also find their experience of teaching children. It would help if you looked for children’s computer programming classes where teachers have high-experience in managing and handling young ones.

4. Online vs. offline

Now, you should consider whether your kid should join an offline class or take an online course. If you are a fan of homeschooling, online courses come in handy. There are multiple websites that teach coding to kids, including Khan Academy, Code Monkey, Bitsbox, amongst many others. They have specific courses designed for kids that take the complexity out of the program and yet keep it effective. On the other hand, you can find an excellent offline coding class for kids by doing a little research or asking your references.

Is Python the Best Programming Language? Why?

5. Visual learning class

The best way to teach coding is to find kids coding programs that focus on visual learning rather than typing algorithms. Kids are visual learners and actively participate in activities that involve building blocks. You should find a class that teaches real coding while keeping it fun and entertaining, so it retains the kid’s interest.

Coding is a crucial skill for children to succeed in today’s world. Therefore, the right children’s computer programming classes are essential for their development. They will not only teach coding but also develop soft skills like confidence, creativity, problem-solving, and much more.

The post A Guide to Choosing the Right Computer Coding Classes for Kids appeared first on CoderCookies.

All of a sudden, Python seems to be the much-acclaimed programming language around making a lot of positive noise. You may or may not know, but it has been around since 1991 as a production-based language meant for enterprises.

Why Learn Python?

Python is a utilitarian general-purpose language designed to be simple to read and write. It can be used to build anything and therefore is very versatile. Developers love Python because it is easy-to-use and offers a range of features that make coding simpler and fun.

It is undoubtedly the best programming language right now. But what makes it the best? Let’s take a look –

1. Beginner Friendly

Python was designed to be fun and easy to understand. Due to this, several python coding classes for beginners are attracting learners.

2. Python and Big Data

It is the second most used language after R in the big data cloud computing companies. Working professionals interested in big data are opting in python programming classes online.

3. Python Is Reliable and Efficient

Expert programmers, who have used the language, call it – reliable, speedy, and efficient. It can be used for web development, mobile applications, hardware, and more.

4. Python Is Accessible

It’s a high-level language that reads like English. This makes it accessible and appealing even for kids. The growing number of online python course for kids support this fact.

5. Large Community

It has a large developer’s community, which ensures more likelihood of receiving help and more useful tools by programmers to ease the process of development.

6. Python has Google

Google adopted Python in 2006 for developing an application on various platforms. To train future developers, it has designed many guides and tutorials on Python. It has helped to boost confidence in Python.

Growth of Python Programming Courses

Python is amongst the top most demanded skills in the market with a high average salary prospect. This makes it an appealing career option. Therefore several newcomers and experts are looking for Python programming classes online.

Interest in learning Python grew by 22% in 2015. Since it has high relevance and a sharp future, Python coding classes for beginners are gaining a lot of attraction.

Python programming for Kids

These days it’s common for parents to look for the best online coding classes for kids. Learning coding at an early age helps in the development of problem-solving ability and logic seeking approach in kids.

Python is the perfect first programming language for kids above 8 years of age.

Due to the basic syntax, it is the easiest programming language for the kids. It is beginners friendly and reduces the risk of frustration amongst kids.

It can help youngsters to give shape to their ideas with the help of some resources.

For example, an online python course for kids like codercookies.com indulges kids in a fun and creative game and animation development projects. They also organize days for kids to display their demo.

Whether you are looking for the best online coding classes for kids or want to leap forward to the future, codercookies.com is waiting for you.

The post Is Python the Best Programming Language? Why? appeared first on CoderCookies.

With the whole world being driven by technology, teaching coding to kids is becoming a necessity. Today, coding is an essential part of the curriculum for students all over the world. It is believed that teaching coding at an early age can help children develop critical thinking skills. Therefore, multiple online coding courses for kids have emerged to teach them about writing programs.

Python is the third most popular programming language in the world. It is increasingly becoming the most preferred language and is used by companies like Facebook, Google, YouTube, Spotify, and more. Coder Cookies online Python classes for kids and teens is an excellent step to introduce them to the world of this dynamic language.

Kids who want to learn Python but don’t have the necessary resources at school will benefit dramatically from online coding for kids Python has to offer. They can develop important life skills like problem-solving, decision-making, logical-reasoning and more.

4 Best Python Online Coding Courses for Kids

There are multiple options available that teach Python to Kids. Online coding for kids enables them to learn Python from the comfort of their homes. However, selecting the best online Python classes for kids can be a challenge. Here are the top courses that teach Python programming to kids;

1. Scratch

The MIT media lab developed Scratch as a way of teaching Python to kids with the help of interactive, visual learning tools. With its drag-and-drop interface, kids can easily build programs by arranging code blocks and characters. It is one of the best online codings for kids Python program as they have fun while learning how to code. Through its design and colorful outlook, scratch keeps kids engaged throughout the course.

2. Blockly

Developed on similar lines as Scratch by Google, Blockly is another interesting course that offers online coding for kids. The coding concepts in Blockly are represented as interlocking blocks that children can arrange to write programs in Python. It has an app editor interface that gives kids the feeling that they are coding while keeping the environment engaging through colorful blocks.

3. EdX

EdX is a complete online learning programming that offers interesting online Python classes for kids. It assists children to become familiar with programming concepts and how to think like a developer. There are courses that offer kids the opportunity to learn programming in Python through Lego blocks. It focuses on developing basic skills and equipping children with programming knowledge that helps them in the future.

4. Tynker

Designed specifically for online coding for kids, Tynker teaches children above the age of 12 about the concepts of Python programming. It teaches them about the Python programming fundamentals, including loops, variables, objects, and more. They can develop interesting graphics and build games as they progress in the course.

Many kids are interested in software engineering, but they don’t have the right resources to learn. With online Python classes for kids, they can develop a strong programming foundation at an early age and learn all the skills necessary to excel as a software engineer.

The post What Are the Best Python Programming Online Courses for Kids appeared first on CoderCookies.

It was so important for us to “loop in” the kids every coding class. Without their interest and engagement in each class, there is really no sense and satisfaction in delivering anything. It is true for any class for that matter. However, coding for kids’ classes is a different matter altogether, since we are trying to deliver and teach some complex and abstract concepts in very simple ways, thathelp register the concepts and also help students solve problems in their own “creatively best” ways. It is indeed as subjective as it sounds J.

Keeping things informal has helped us a lot here. We quickly learned that to encourage imagination and creativity we needed to encourage risk-taking and to encourage risk-taking we needed to operate informally with the young minds. It we operate formally and in a very structured manner, we are really “boxing them in” and not “looping them in”.

Being informal with kids and operating almost like friends has another benefit: they start liking the teachers and do not hesitate to express – After all creativity is imagination and expression of the imagination. I have been informal to the point that some younger kids call me Mr. Bean or call me with names of their favorite Cartoon charters J. Whatever they call me, does not matter, but what this does is provide me more and more opportune moments to deliver and register the concepts into the young minds. Isn’t that our intention after-all?

The post Kids Coding:Loop them in, never box them in! appeared first on CoderCookies.

Its been a year since we started CoderCookies (www.CoderCookies.com) Journey. We must say “what a journey it has been”, in the most non-clichéd sense of the statement though J. It has helped us learn, grow class after class and created a sense of satisfaction, that’s incomparable.

How it all started?

Its been a year since we started CoderCookies (www.CoderCookies.com), Journey. We must say “what a journey it has been”, in the most non-clichéd sense of the statement though J. It has helped us learn, grow class after class and created a sense of satisfaction, that’s incomparable. After several years in the software industry when we were just debating about how we can teach and introduce coding to our kids and weighing the costs versus value adds etc., an article written last year by a journalist in a prominent Canadian media calling Kids Coding “a silly fad”, just triggered us into action. A kind of negative article triggering us into positive action! The question was how can we dis-prove (or prove) this? What better way than to try and teach our own kids and see if it is building any value into them. Simple! So, we started- with our own kids. We started to see some very useful thought concepts and skills being incorporated and registered into them, for life. So we started talking about these and our friend’s kids joined-we put together our first batch. Our friends talked about it with their friends and we added another one….and here we are trying to influence and teach several batches of young minds and, more importantly, learning from them and their experiences, so we can get even better.

I will not delve too much into the benefits of teaching Coding skills and concepts from a young age, too much has been written and discussed (a quick google search will tell you all!), However, thought it was important, at this first-year milestone, to look back and share our experiences and learnings.

After several years in the software industry when we were just debating about how we can teach and introduce coding to our kids and weighing the costs versus value adds etc., an article written last year by a journalist in a prominent Canadian media calling Kids Coding “a silly fad”, just triggered us into action. A kind of negative article triggering us into positive action! The question was how can we dis-prove (or prove) this? What better way than to try and teach our own kids and see if it is building any value into them. Simple! So, we started- with our own kids. We started to see some very useful thought concepts and skills being incorporated and registered into them, for life. So we started talking about these and our friend’s kids joined-we put together our first batch. Our friends talked about it with their friends and we added another one….and here we are trying to influence and teach several batches of young minds and, more importantly, learning from them and their experiences, so we can get even better.

I will not delve too much into the benefits of teaching Coding skills and concepts from a young age, too much has been written and discussed (a quick google search will tell you all!), However, thought it was important, at this first-year milestone, to look back and share our experiences and learnings.

Teach the concepts, not the tool.

There are several tools and open source solutions out there. We set out with the mindset that we want to build into our kids programming skills and concepts and not build experts in certain tools. We think that has been paying off, quite well, so far.

Loop them in, never box them in!

It was so important for us to “loop in” the kids every class. Without their interest and engagement in each class, there is really no sense and satisfaction in delivering anything. It is true for any class for that matter. However, coding for kids’ classes are a different matter altogether, since we are trying to deliver and teach some complex and abstract concepts in very simple ways, that help register the concepts and also help students solve problems in their own “creatively best” ways. It is indeed as subjective as it sounds J.

Keeping things informal has helped us a lot here. We quickly learned that to encourage imagination and creativity we needed to encourage risk-taking and to encourage risk-taking we needed to operate informally with the young minds. It we operate formally and in a very structured manner, we are really “boxing them in” and not “looping them in”.

Being informal with kids and operating almost like friends has another benefit: they start liking the teachers and do not hesitate to express – After all creativity is imagination and expression of the imagination. I have been informal to the point that some younger kids call me Mr. Bean or call me with names of their favorite Cartoon charters J. Whatever they call me, does not matter, but what this does is provide me more and more opportune moments to deliver and register the concepts into the young minds. Isn’t that our intention after-all?

Heart Over Brain!

Teaching code, for that matter any subject, we feel is as much a matter of the heart as it is a matter of the brain. If you can’t understand the young minds you are attempting to teach and influence and if you can’t connect with them, then none of the above is going to happen. Kids and young adults are open-minded and not filled up with as much memory and experiences, as adults. So their views are not tarnished and they can see through better than adults. So if you are not making a heart-full effort at teaching with genuine intentions and giving your best, they are not going to engage, let alone giving their best!

All that said, we designed and re-mixed some coding projects and problems in ways, that presented to student’s objective challenges. Challenges that make things happen, but in their own unique creative ways. Coding should be creative, subjective and Fun. But more importantly, it should be applied to meet objectives. Not working through objectives consistently, translated into less retention of concepts. This was one of our key learnings. So almost every class we present clear objectives to our students, we encourage if they want come up with one. But, there must be one!

Going Forward!

Our vision is to inspire every kid and young adult to code and help them move from consumption to creation with computers. We will continue our efforts and learnings and keep at it and continue to become better at it. We have some exciting ideas and things lined up and people coming together to join us in translating our vision to reality. We wish to accelerate in making this vision happen, sooner than later. Please join us, encourage us, teach and learn with us and do bring in your kids so we can help them and enable them on this important futuristic skill. Rest assured, that it is anything but a “silly fad”!

There are several tools and open source solutions out there. We set out with the mindset that we want to build into our kids programming skills and concepts and not build experts in certain tools. We think that has been paying off, quite well, so far.

Loop them in, never box them in!

It was so important for us to “loop in” the kids every class. Without their interest and engagement in each class, there is really no sense and satisfaction in delivering anything. It is true for any class for that matter. However, coding for kids’ classes are a different matter altogether, since we are trying to deliver and teach some complex and abstract concepts in very simple ways, that help register the concepts and also help students solve problems in their own “creatively best” ways. It is indeed as subjective as it sounds J.

Keeping things informal has helped us a lot here. We quickly learnt that to encourage imagination and creativity we needed to encourage risk-taking and to encourage risk-taking we needed to operate informally with the young minds. It we operate formally and in a very structured manner, we are really “boxing them in” and not “looping them in”.

Being informal with kids and operating almost like friends has another benefit: they start liking the teachers and do not hesitate to express – After all creativity is imagination and expression of the imagination. I have been informal to the point that some younger kids call me Mr. Bean or call me with names of their favorite Cartoon charters J. Whatever they call me, does not matter, but what this does is provide me more and more opportune moments to deliver and register the concepts into the young minds. Isn’t that our intention after-all?

Heart Over Brain!

Teaching code, for that matter any subject, we feel is as much a matter of the heart as it is a matter of the brain. If you can’t understand the young minds you are attempting to teach and influence and if you can’t connect with them, then none of the above is going to happen. Kids and young adults are open minded and not filled up with as much memory and experiences, as adults. So their views are not tarnished and they can see through better than adults. So if you are not making a heart-full effort at teaching with genuine intentions and giving your best, they are not going to engage, let alone giving their best!

Creativity without Objectivity, is just “gas without a Car” J

All that said, we designed and re-mixed some coding projects and problems in ways, that presented to student’s objective challenges. Challenges that make things happen, but in their own unique creative ways. Coding should be creative, subjective and Fun. But more importantly, it should be applied to meet objectives. Not working through objectives consistently, translated into less retention of concepts. This was one of our key learnings. So almost every class we present clear objectives to our students, we encourage if they want come up with one. But, there must be one!

Going Forward!

Our vision is to inspire every kid and young adult to code and help them move from consumption to creation with computers. We will continue our efforts and learnings and keep at it and continue to become better at it. We have some exciting ideas and things lined up and people coming together to join us in translating our vision to reality. We wish to accelerate in making this vision happen, sooner than later. Please join us, encourage us, teach and learn with us and do bring in your kids so we can help them and enable them on this important futuristic skill. Rest assured, that it is anything but a “silly fad”!

The post Kids Coding, anything but a “silly fad” ! appeared first on CoderCookies.