Changes in technology are happening faster than ever before. Parents and teachers are looking for new and engaging ways to give kids future-ready skills. There are options for coding camps for kids, online classes, games, apps, and more that will introduce your child to coding.
But, when is the right time? There is no age limit when it comes to learning how to code. Young kids can start to get familiar with coding concepts like patterns and decision making. As kids move into elementary school, around ages 8-10, they can start to explore block coding and even text-based coding.
Instead of playing online games and apps, elementary students can build their own when they learn how to code. Here are some fun activities for elementary students, ages 8-10, that will keep them engaged and having fun while building serious coding skills.
Why is Elementary School A Good Time For Kids To Learn Coding?
Learning to code has a lot of benefits, like helping in college admissions and a myriad of job opportunities. However, that’s not as important for younger kids.
Elementary school is the time for kids to start building soft skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity. Coding also teaches kids to become computer literate and practice their typing skills. Learning to code offers a distinct advantage because these skills are practiced in a methodical way. Kids learn a structured way to tackle problems, which builds their confidence and perseverance.
In addition, coding can improve cognitive development during these key years. Learning programming improves a unique set of skills that support emotional health, learning abilities, social skills, and executive functioning.
Tips for Learning to Code in Elementary School
- Start with block programming languages like Scratch and Blocky
- Focus on creative thinking and problem-solving
- Use real-life examples to explain coding concepts
- Try different tools like classes, games, mobile apps, and websites
Coding Activities for Elementary Students
Code a Game in Scratch
Scratch is one of the best coding languages for kids ages 6-10. Block coding in Scratch is as simple as dragging and dropping blocks to create a program. Coding a game may seem like a hard task, but with Scratch any kid can code their own game.
Kids can create a game by remixing an existing game (copying it and making theirown additions) or creating a new project. There are also simple tutorials from Hour of Code and CodeWizardsHQ to follow step by step. Every part of the design can be customized using Scratch’s backgrounds and images or kids can even draw or upload their own images. Similar to game development in the real-world, kids can use Scratch to ideate their own game and make it come to life.
Read Also: Tynker for Parents: How to Support Your Child’s Coding Journey
Program a Robot with a Robotics Kit
Robotics kits are a fun way for kids interested in engineering to learn about coding. According to Research from Tuft University’s Department of Child Development, the right age to start learning robotics is 7 to 8. Robotics is a great form of tactile learning, kids can see their code live in action instead of just on a screen.
Robotics combines code with mechanics and electronics. Even simple robots needs to be programmed, so robotics is a great choice to study coding too. Learning how to program a robot helps exercise their critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational thinking abilities.
Lego and MakeBlock are popular brands that have robotics kits for various ages. They typically include all of the materials needed to build a robot and write the accompanying code.
Make an Obby in Roblox Studio
If your kid loves playing games in Roblox, take their interest to next level by coding their own Roblox game. Roblox users can create their own games to share with other players. Those games can be easily developed right in Roblox using Roblox Studio.
Roblox Studio is a free set of tools, or an integrated development environment, that includes 3D-modeling software, Lua scripting interfaces, and tools for testing, debugging, and publishing experiences. This makes creating a game so easy, kids can create a game like an obstacle course (or “obby”) in just 15 minutes. When kids want to add customized featured, they will need to learn a scripting language called Lua.
Draw a Picture Using Code
Many kids enjoy drawing and art, but that may not seem like it would be part of coding. However, there are many creative and artistic aspects to coding like web design, game design, user interfaces, 3D modeling, and more!
Kids who want to express themselves artistically can try drawing using code. In HTML and CSS, kids can add images, shapes, and colors. With JavaScript, it’s possible to program functions that draw shapes and create animations. Code Guppy has an online coding platform based on JavaScript and p5.js (with extensions) that allows kids to get started with drawing with code in no time.
Screen-free Coding Activities
If you want to get away from the computer and focus on the principles, screen-free coding activities are also ideal for this age group. You can play coding games and complete coding worksheets for kids that can teach concepts without ever looking at a screen.
For example, as your child to write down the steps to making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. A recipe is similar to an algorithm and requires computational thinking to decipher each step. Without a screen, kids can practice decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern abstraction, and algorithmic design. Kids at this age also do best with play and experiential learning, so sitting in front of a computer may be difficult for some younger students. You can find unplugged and printable coding activities at Code.org.
Coding Camps & Classes for Elementary School
Elementary school is a perfect time to introduce your kids to coding. You can try one of these fun activities to spark their interest, but the best way to be successful is a structured coding curriculum like CodeWizardsHQ. Check out the kids coding camps and classes for elementary school students, enrolling now!