The digital world that we live in is built on lines of code and binary numbers. Programming languages dictate everything right from your mobile phone to the rockets launched into outer space.
However, there’s still a lack of awareness about how to teach coding and the right way to introduce kids to the world of programming languages and software design.
In fact, even a large number of schools and colleges tend to either partially introduce coding for kids at a young age or simply teach them programming languages and tools they’re not ready for.
Kids are typically very smart and wiser than we give them credit for. But there’s a learning path that every child must follow to understand and excel at coding regardless of the career path they choose. Moreover, it is important that we tell kids, coding is fun!
What Is Coding For Kids?
Coding is the art of communicating with computers using programming languages, tools, and platforms. Coding is a form of art because it allows you to explore your creativity.
More importantly, it requires you to think and use logic to solve problems. Coding for kids thus becomes very useful because it allows them to broadly become:
- Creators
- Logical thinkers
- Problem solvers
A child that learns any new language is introduced to it in a step by step manner. First, they learn the alphabet, then use it to make words, and finally put all the words together to make sentences and paragraphs.
Similarly, coding for kids involves starting off small, usually with block-based coding that is fun and interactive. At the same time, it helps kids visualize problems and encourages them to find appropriate solutions.
Block-based coding for kids involves a simple drag and drop mechanism. It’s easier than text-based coding which might be dense for kids in Grades 1-2.
Coding for kids is spread across tall and wide in domains like:
- Game development
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mobile app development
- 3D coding & VR games
The projects are structured around captivating concepts like building simple games, creating stories with automated speech, and developing a virtual world in Minecraft or Roblox.
But that’s not all - coding is also fun! Well, it may not be elsewhere, but at Camp K12, we make coding for kids interesting by emphasizing learning and saying that it is okay to take your time and create modern coding art.
Summary: Coding for kids allows them to become thinkers and problem solvers with the help of block-based or text-based coding languages and visual projects on game development and AI.
Who Is ‘Programming For Kids’ For? (include age, required skills if any etc)
Programming is suitable for every kid starting from Grade 1! There’s no age limit to learn to code for kids as programming involves learning how to solve problems by being creative.
This can be achieved by teaching coding for kids using simple programming languages like MITScratch and easy to use platforms like HatchXR.
As kids become more proficient with these beginner-level programming languages and tools, they can gradually move on to more complex text-based coding using Python or JavaScript.
Stories and games remain the same in principle but the projects used to express both may change as kids become older and wiser.
For example, kids from Grade 1 may find it more interesting to tell stories through simple cartoon-like animations compared to a kid in Grade 12.
At the same time, kids in Grade 12 may find it more interesting to build self-driving cars and detect traffic signals using AI.
Thus, coding for kids across different ages makes use of different projects in terms of complexity and design to suit every age group.
Summary: Kids as young as 5 years old can learn how to code, however, it is important to give the child access to a structured and tolerable learning path with the help of interesting projects varying in the degree of complexity.
What Coding Languages Or Programs Will My Kid Learn?
Camp K12 teaches kids how to use a range of coding languages, tools, libraries, and platforms.
Coding Languages Your Kid Will Learn At Camp K12
Coding Tools & Libraries Your Kid Will Learn At Camp K12
- OpenCV
- TensorFlow
- Google Teachable Machine
Coding Platforms Your Kid Will Learn At Camp K12
- MIT Scratch
- HatchXR
- MIT App Inventor
Each specific coding language, tool, library, and the platform is introduced progressively based on the Grade your child is in. But there’s more to it than that.
A coding language tells the computer what to do but not how to do it. This is what kids need to explore in order to become better thinkers and innovators.
A coding problem may have infinite solutions that can be discovered through exploration, trial & error, but most importantly, by thinking in the 3D space.
Coding for kids can help children develop a keen mind that solves problems in the 3D space. A block-based coding language, for example, can help kids see in front of their eyes the problem that needs to be solved.
This can prepare them for the future regardless of the job they find themselves in. It can also prepare them for building and innovating solutions for the future using text-heavy programming languages like Python.
In a nutshell, coding for kids can prepare kids to create their very own Facebook, Alexa, or Roblox for the future but along the way, they’ll have plenty of fun learning and solving problems.
Coding for kids at Camp K12 is taught by expert mentors and faculty who have had a career in the largest tech organizations across cities, countries, and continents.
Summary: Coding for kids includes programming languages, tools, libraries, and platforms like Python, JavaScript, OpenCV, Tensorflow, MIT Scratch, MIT App Inventor, etc.
What Is The Course Content/Syllabus Of Coding For Kids?
The course content and the overall syllabus of coding for kids is tailor-made to teach concepts based on the Grade they’re in. Each course is taught by handpicked experts from Google, Microsoft, IIT, and MIT.
Here’s a general breakdown of the coursework of coding for kids based on Grade:
Learning Path: Grade 1 To Grade 2
| Months | Project | Coding Languages/Tools |
|---|
| 1-3 | Game Development | MIT Scratch platform |
| 4-6 | AI & Game Development | Computer Vision |
| 7-6 | Mobile App Development | MIT App Inventor |
| 10-12 | 3D Coding & Virtual Reality Games | Blocks-based coding |
Learning Path: Grade 5 To Grade 8
| Months | Project | Coding Languages/Tools |
|---|
| 1-3 | Mobile App Development | MIT App Inventor + Blocks-based coding |
| 4-6 | AI & Chatbot Development (Siri, Alexa, etc.) | JavaScript + Blocks-based coding |
| 7-6 | 3D Coding & Virtual Reality Games | HatchXR + JavaScript |
| 10-12 | AI with Python (Computer Vision & Self-Driving Cars) | Python + OpenCV + TensorFlow + Google Teachable Machine |
Learning Path: Grade 9 To Grade 12
| Months | Project | Coding Languages/Tools |
|---|
| 1-3 | AI & Chatbot Development (Siri, Alexa, etc.) | JavaScript |
| 4-6 | 3D Coding & Virtual Reality Games | HatchXR + JavaScript |
| 7-6 | Web Development | HTML + CSS + JavaScript |
| 10-12 | AI with Python (Computer Vision & Self-Driving Cars) | Python + OpenCV + TensorFlow + Google Teachable Machine |
As you can see, the syllabus is not as boring or rudimentary as a typical school or even a college course. The projects are centred around 4 of the most important technology pillars for now and the future.
Summary: The course syllabus of coding for kids is spread across 4 important domains and is structured in a simple and straightforward way.
What Is The Schedule Of Coding For Kids Course(s)?
The day to day schedule of a typical coding for kids session is based on the convenience of the parents and the availability of our mentors and faculty members.
The timings are mutually decided on through honest conversation. There’s always room for flexibility and rescheduling as well. We aren’t your typical coaching institute or school - you can enrol with us all day, every day!
Pick up the phone and contact us or reach out to us online whenever you feel like your kid is ready to learn coding in a fun and innovative way.
Do I Need To Purchase Any Software To Take A Course At Camp K12?
No, you need not purchase any software, tool, or library. Coding for kids requires you to have access to a standard laptop and as they say, the rest is magic.
Moreover, most coding languages (blocks-based and text-based), tools, libraries, and platforms that we use are open source, free to access, and easily available online.
What Are The Hardware Requirements For Coding For Kids Courses At Camp K12?
Camp K12 simplifies coding for kids right down to the hardware specifics - you will need access to a basic laptop, that is it! The coding languages, tools, and platforms can be run on all Operating Systems - Windows and macOS!
There’s more! If you do not have a laptop, Camp K12 will provide you with a free laptop when you subscribe to a program that’s 6 months or longer. We stay true to the promise of making coding for kids accessible to all!
Join us at Camp K12 today to ensure that your child gets the best coding education for the future with an emphasis on learning by doing and having fun along the way!
