In this article, we will be looking at the top 7 myths about coding for kids debunked
As the world continues to tilt toward technological advancements and the tech space keeps gaining acceptance daily, there is a need to decentralize this exposure amongst the young of the youngest.
Those people who keyed into the greatness that comes with technology in early 2000 are the wealthiest in the world today, some of them have gone as far as becoming angel investors and Venture capitalists.
The industrial revolution still has those who choose not to leverage technology stuck. If we must correct the mistakes made over two decades ago, we must expose our kids to the now and future tech. Myths about coding for kids have to be debunked, else our kids who are the future will fall behind in this technological revolution era.
Tech giant companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google recognize the importance of kids’ inclusion in the tech space, hence their kids’ coding initiative. It is a beauty to behold, seeing STEM educators such as Imagine Academy helping kids gain clarity in the tech space. Presently equipped kids are the only guarantee for a tech-driven future. 71% of new STEM jobs will be in computer science.
OUR TOP 7 MYTHS ABOUT CODING FOR KIDS – DEBUNKED
#MYTH 1: CODING IS FOR KIDS FROM WEALTHY HOME
Oftentimes, there is this misconception about coding being a rich kid thing, Nah! Every kid, rich or not so rich can learn to code. But I can’t afford a computer for my kid? Thanks to startups like Imagine Academy, every kid can now learn to code for almost free. Some years ago the assertion that rich kids are the ones who can learn to code might be true but Imagine Academy is challenging and changing that anomaly by helping kids learn to code regardless of their background, race, or wealth. You can enroll your kid in the Imagine Kids coding academy here.
#MYTH 2: YOU MUST BE INTELLIGENT TO LEARN CODING
There is no such thing as a non-intelligent kid. This is one of the top 7 myths about coding for kids debunked. Every kid’s learning pace differs, and with a great teacher. Every kid can learn to code. Do recall that Thomas Edison’s teacher called him a failure, and he was dismissed from school. He had a great teacher who homeschooled him –his mother. Thomas Edison later went on in life to invent the light bulb. Teachers who can break down coding concepts to the level of understanding are what we need to learn to code.
#MYTH 3: YOU MUST BE A MATH GENIUS TO LEARN CODING
Mathematics and Computer Science might go hand in hand due to their similar approach to solving logical and analytical problems. However, having a strong background is not a basis for learning to code. Most programmers have no background in Mathematics or Computer Science. Some didn’t even have a formal education. The fundamentals are very important when it comes to coding. Coding concepts broken down into chunks helps learners understand better how it works. Telling kids A for Apple isn’t enough, educators should be able to tell kids the meaning of Apple, what it does and Why A is for Apple. Simplified lessons help kids understand better, regardless of each kid’s mathematical prowess.
#MYTH 4: LACK OF HUMAN INTERACTION IN CODING
Coding doesn’t make your kids a nerd, coding teaches collaboration, teamwork, effective communication, and interaction. That is why you see lots of Co-founders in the tech startup space because coders know the importance of partnership and networking. At Imaging Academy our learners are given tasks to work on both individually and in a team. No community thrives more than the tech communities because of the culture of knowledge sharing and that is why it is easy for a techy to work in an office space and remotely. The flexibility and social interaction help them grow faster than in other fields.
#MYTH 5: KIDS ARE TOO YOUNG TO LEARN CODING
In the tech space, there are no age barriers, whether you are 4 years old or 80 years old. Emmanuella Mayaki is a 10-year-old coding and programming prodigy who recently received her first job at the Southfield Primary School in Coventry, England, as the after-school coding club teacher. According to Face 2 Face Africa, she will be responsible for teaching other kids her age about the basics of coding including HTML and CSS. The school selected her for the job because of her extraordinary skill and knowledge in the area.
Emmanuella’s passion for coding started at the age of 7. Kids can learn to code effectively at a very tender age and do extremely well. Children are always inhibited, open-minded, and very creative. Imagine Academy offers coding lessons to kids between the age of 4 – 17. Kids are limitless and Imagine Academy helps them tap into their innate abilities to be all and more.
#MYTH 6: CODING ISN’T FOR FEMALE CHILDREN
Some parents believe that coding is a man’s job and girls shouldn’t learn to code. That shouldn’t happen, girls can learn to code and do so effectively. The story I shared in myth 5 is of a girl child and she is thriving in that field at a tender age. Girl child can do as well as a boy child and they should afford the liberty to learn to code.
#MYTH 7: CODING IS BORING TO KIDS
It is the entire opposite, kids are usually happy to learn to code and they are fascinated by the process and the knowledge that comes with it. Kids only get bored if they are being taught as though they are adults, but when the process is broken down to their level of understanding, they enjoy every bit of it and are proud of themselves.
Kids are limitless and they can learn anything. Do you remember when you were a kid? You felt like you could do anything and get away with it, you were very creative, innovative, and ambitious. But what happened to the exceptional you? Fear happened, negativity happened, people made you feel you can’t do something and you believed them. Slowly your creativity started to fade and your ambition was crushed. That is what happens when we give in to certain myths and allow them to manifest in our lives, now is time to correct those myths and allow our kids to be creative, innovative, and ambitious. We make greatness common at Imagine Academy, your kids Imagine it, and we help them realize it.
Looking to help your kids start learning to code? Join other kids at the weekend code session today.
