Most mothers today understand that we live in a digital world, even if they don’t have coding skills themselves. Technology today is at the frontlines of entertainment and culture while also being a pillar of the economy.
One of the surest ways to ready kids for this world is to give them a foundation of programming skills. When looking for the right class for your child, here are the signs to bear in mind.
1. Fun First
Kids need to have more than anything. Even in the context of preparing them for the workforce or later grades, nothing is a higher priority than giving children a fun and exciting time.
Leading computer coding programs revolve around showing kids how to program and design their own video games, which they can show off to friends and family. When kids have such a compelling goal to pursue, you won’t have to push them to the finish line.
Moms need to look for coding classes that embed gamification concepts into the lessons so kids find their weekly coding program just as exciting and engaging as playing video games.
2. In-Demand Coding Languages
Sometimes people talk about “computer coding” as if there’s merely one thing called “coding.” Yes, there is a general approach programmers take when using any language, but each coding language has its own rules and syntax, and some are more popular than others.
Knowing how to write code in the languages powering today’s most popular video games, apps, and websites is a huge leg up in later grades or at work. Look for a program that teaches kids coding languages like:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- C++
Kids that can write the code powering Netflix and Minecraft will be ready for tech’s future.
3. Small, Supportive Classes
Kids can slip through the educational cracks when there are too many students per session. Their voice can get lost if they’re not comfortable speaking up, and kids shouldn’t have to fight to be heard by their teachers.
Look for a coding program that limits class size to four, so there are at most three other students in your group. Ideally, there’s no mandatory minimum, so the session is guaranteed to run when you sign up, even if your child is the only student.
4. Young Teachers
Finally, the best coding programs tend to hire teachers who skew on the young side because they, like the students, grew up playing video games. They can pass on their love of gaming because they know what it’s like to be a kid obsessed with games.
True, today’s video games are more sophisticated and advanced than those from the 90s and 2000s, but video game nostalgia elevates a teacher from very good to excellent.
Remember the above recommendations before signing your child up for online coding classes. Also, some programs offer free trial lessons, so you and your child can get a sense of what to expect before committing long-term.