I’m not exactly a tech whiz. I can navigate my Mac and my iPhone, primarily because they’re user-friendly for those who aren’t tech-savvy. But if something goes awry, I’m quick to seek assistance. My education didn’t include IT skills, and a single programming course in college was so overwhelming that I decided to steer clear of coding altogether.
However, it’s hard to ignore the growing movement in education that promotes coding for children. While I may have missed the boat on learning to code, it’s not too late for my kids—especially my 5-year-old (the 2-year-old is still mastering potty training). I was pleasantly surprised to discover that coding lessons for kindergartners are becoming increasingly common. Programs and games are now available for kids as young as 5, proving they don’t have to wait until high school or college to grasp the basics of programming.
As highlighted by journalist Clara Baker for NPR, initiatives like codeSpark, founded by a father eager to teach his child, offer tools such as The Foos, designed to introduce young children to fundamental programming concepts. By focusing on essential skills like sequencing, pattern recognition, and conditional logic, educators aim to equip kids with the foundational tools for future computer literacy. As Baker notes, Grant Hosford, the founder of codeSpark, emphasizes the importance of starting early. Just like we gradually teach math and reading over two decades, coding education should also unfold in manageable increments. “If we treated coding as we do reading and math, we would break it down into fun, bite-sized lessons,” Hosford explains. “Instead, we often throw students into the complex world of coding in high school or college and are surprised when they struggle.”
Additionally, Marina Umaschi Bers, a professor at Tufts University, has researched how programming for young children enhances their executive function and sequencing abilities. Her findings suggest that after engaging in coding activities, children can better dissect complex tasks into manageable steps, which in turn can boost their reading comprehension. Essentially, learning to code fosters organized thinking across various subjects.
Of course, I can’t help but worry about the amount of screen time my 5-year-old already has. Do I want him spending even more time in front of a computer? Dr. Bers recognizes the importance of physical play, so she has developed a robot that children can program by manipulating physical blocks. I’m also excited to try a board game called Robot Turtles, which teaches programming fundamentals without a screen.
While I’m not sure if coding will become as essential as reading, writing, and arithmetic for my children’s generation, I’m willing to explore it as long as he shows interest. After all, when I’m older, I’ll probably be the one asking him for tech support!
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Summary
Teaching coding to kindergartners is gaining traction as educational programs introduce essential programming concepts through engaging activities. Early exposure to coding can enhance children’s cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable addition to their learning experience. Parents can support this development by incorporating both screen-based and physical play, ensuring a balanced approach to learning.