With the demands of technology ever-increasing, it’s vital that the industry can attract employees with the right skillsets to work within the sector, both now and in the future. A huge part of the tech industry is focused around computer coding and programming. With the digital world advancing and accelerating at such speed, these skills are going to become invaluable.
To build expertise in this area, developers have created ways to teach children the basics of coding. Although computer systems can be complex and difficult to understand, there are fun ways in which children (and adults) can learn and develop coding skills.
Combine coding with other hobbies and interests
By combining learning with a child’s interest, they won’t even realise they’re developing new skills along the way. It will keep their attention for longer and make coding fun and exciting for them. Raspberry Pi kits are great devices for learning code and can be combined with many hobbies.
If your child enjoys drawing, the Raspberry Pi can be used to create digital artwork. Likewise, if they love video games, they can use code to develop their own and get creative along the way. By using interactive tools, challenges and building projects, children can become immersed in the world of code.
Make it a social activity
Involve friends and siblings and make learning to code a social event. Children can create projects together, developing team-work and other skills as well as computer programming knowledge. To interest those with a competitive streak, challenge them to build the best robot or complete a project in the quickest time.
Find a mentor
If your child shows a real interest in coding or wishes to develop their skills further, you could always find them a coding mentor. There are many online programming tutors who specialise in teaching children, with many having had experience in schools. Many mentors will give you the option of in-person or online tutoring to fit with your needs.
There’s always the option of online courses too, which you could take part in along with your child and complete at your own pace.
Keep it fun and engaging
When your child completes a challenge or solves a problem, give them a reward. Or set up a sticker system that allows them to choose a treat once they’ve built up a certain amount. By keeping coding fun and engaging, it will encourage children to focus and continue learning.
Teaching children to code is an investment in their future as more businesses look for employees with tech skills. Make it inclusive, interactive and exciting and perhaps your child will become the next big computer game developer!