Month: November 2020

You’ve probably already heard it—your kids should learn code! But why? What’s the big hype around coding? Does my child really need to learn code if they’re not going to be a software engineer?

Code offers two huge benefits to your child. First, code is inherently useful to students throughout their education (and their career). Second, code teaches kids skills and thinking patterns that serve them in other disciplines and activities.

Below, we’ve broken these two benefits down into some of their most important parts. Here are the seven reasons that IDEA Lab Kids teaches our students to code:

1. Coding is useful in every field, from science to art. Whether your child wants to study medicine or animate movies, they will probably rely on code to get their work done. Code isn’t just about computing and calculating. It’s how you tell a digital tool what you want to do! Code tells computers how to recognize weather patterns based on images, or how to stop a video game character when they run into a wall.

2. Code is a global language. Some of us see the word “code” and start thinking of complicated symbols and numbers. But really, code is just a language spoken by computers—and by the people who use them. Like any language, it has vocabulary, syntax, and semantics. Coding helps kids not only communicate in a computer language, but also helps them learn and understand other new languages. 

3. Coding applies mathematical skills in a “real world” context. Has your child ever complained about trigonometry like this? “But I’ll never even use this in the real world!” Well, here is where your child will use “real world” math. Coding teaches students how to apply math conceptually to achieve goals instead of just crunching numbers like a calculator. This can bring even the most reluctant math students to truly enjoy math, once they understand its utility.

4. Coding teaches creative problem-solving. An empty script field is a blank canvas. Kids use code to solve open-ended problems without prescribed solutions. When coding, students carefully consider the necessary steps and potential pitfalls to solve a problem. Unlike solving an algebraic function or analyzing a poem, there are no rules to follow when devising a solution with code. This mimics real world problem-solving and encourages kids to try new things. Which leads us to our next point…

5. Coding encourages students to experiment and take risks based on logic. Coding requires an “if-then” approach and algorithmic thinking. The coder has to account for a variety of possible inputs, then generate outputs based on those inputs. Sometimes unpredictable scenarios will arise and things won’t work. But by experimenting and discovering new outcomes, your child can become a proficient programmer.

6. Coding builds perseverance, resilience, and patience in the debugging process. In those instances where the code doesn’t work… try, try again! Coding requires “debugging” whether you’re a beginner or a professional. This means that sometimes things don’t work as expected, and you have to make small edits repeatedly until things work the way you want them to. This process can be frustrating, but it fosters patience and resilience for your child. And when the code finally works, the product is all the more rewarding!

7. Coding produces fun, meaningful results that build confidence. With options more limited this year than ever, coding offers a creative outlet that can be accomplished entirely on your child’s computer. A short game or program can be designed, built, and shared with friends all online. Your child’s agency and power are uninhibited by coding, and they will be proud to show off the results of their hard work.

Coding is an empowering skill, and it will open up new opportunities for your child both academically and professionally. If nothing else, coding can be a fun hobby that builds vital life skills! If your child is ready to take the next step in their coding journey, check out our coding programs at your nearest IDEA Lab Kids location! 

Are you looking for an extra-curricular activity for your kids? Consider coding or programming classes. It may sound odd to encourage children to take highly technical courses and not arts, swimming, basketball, and other conventional after-school programs. But it could be among the best decisions you can make for your kids. Why? Because coding and programming are now considered “basic” life skills.

Even if your children don’t pursue an IT profession in the future, coding and programming classes will come in handy everywhere. The following points best explain why children should learn coding and programming at an early age.

Coding is the new literacy 

As experts say, coding has become the new literacy. It is a fundamental knowledge building block, and everyone should develop it. It has become as important as reading and writing. The only difference is that instead of allowing you to communicate with others, you can communicate with computers.

Develop other essential skills 

Learning how to code at a young age will not only set your kids off to potentially lucrative careers in the future—it can also enhance essential skills that your kids need today. Through coding, your kids will become smarter, think critically and logically, solve problems, build things, become more creative, etc. When your kids learn to program early in life, they will gain a deeper and more complete understanding of coding and programming principles. This will give them a competitive edge over others.

Coding and programming have now become the new interactive playground for children. Many schools and academic institutions offer such classes to hone young minds and set them up for the future. Their classes are age-specific, fun, and engaging. Activities range from developing applications, designing websites, crafting video games to creating 3D animated objects. Kids look like they are just playing when, in fact, they are developing several future-ready skills.

Educational membership programs and after-school activities offer long-lasting benefits for kids, keeping them productive, active, entertained, and engaged in a safe environment. It lets children discover interests, learn essential life skills, and form new friendships outside school, which is ultimately helpful in their overall development.

Finding an after-school activity for your children isn’t as easy as it sounds, though. You want to make sure that it will be interesting and fun—something that your kids will feel excited about. Otherwise, it may seem like you’re just given them extra tasks that may make them feel overwhelmed.

One way to choose the right membership programs fitting for your children is to consider their learning style. You must understand that each child has different learning preferences. Some kids follow instructions by simply listening, while others will need visual aids to comprehend the lessons. Others learn best by moving or doing. Find out your children’s learning preferences so you can select the right membership program for them. In case you need help, here are some recommendations for you:

The solitary learner

These types of learners prefer to do things on their own. They are independent and self-aware, able to do self-study without a problem. They often prefer being away from the crowd. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that they won’t need membership programs. It’s a good thing to enroll them in the basic membership, which offers one pre-scheduled class every week. This way, solitary learners can still interact with other kids and learn essential social skills.

The social, interpersonal learner 

These kids thrive in group activities. They love working and collaborating with other people. As social, interpersonal learners can adapt easily to any environment, they do well in the intermediate or unlimited membership program. Having two or more after-school classes where they try various things and meet different people will keep them productive and further their strengths in communication, collaboration, and creativity.

The kinesthetic learner 

One of the kinesthetic learners’ best characteristics is that they never get bored of learning, especially when it involves activities. Unlimited membership programs that offer up to five pre-scheduled STEAM education classes will be great for them because they will stimulate their brain through a fun game or hands-on experience. They will enjoy experimenting, applying what they have learned, innovating, and developing new ideas.

About IDEA Lab Kids

IDEA Lab Kids uses the inquiry-based STEAM approach where the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are combined with arts. Therefore, it introduces creativity to encourage and build critical thinking skills through hands-on and fun birthday experiences, workshops, preschool enrichment, after-school classes, and much more. We’re inviting you to join our growing family of franchisees. An education background is not required! In fact, many of our franchisees are small business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives. Get in touch with us to learn more.