Let\u2019s kick things off with the obvious. Not all of us are computer programmers, but all of us have contact with computers. Some of us (most of us) spend hours on a computer every day, not to mention the time we spend on smartphones, smart watches, smart washing machines, smart televisions. Smart everything, really. Technology is everywhere we look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When elementary students learn to code, they also learn to feel more confident with computers and technology in general. It\u2019s like learning to swim \u2014 as soon as you\u2019ve mastered the basic skills, a pool of water will feel a lot less scary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the modern world, technological literacy<\/a> is all but essential. Some people say it\u2019s as important as learning to read and write. And just like learning to read and write, it\u2019s never too soon to start. That\u2019s why elementary students should learn to code. It\u2019s not the only reason, but it\u2019s a good one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0420\u0435\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0431\u043b\u0435\u043c<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLife is never straightforward. Problems come up, and it\u2019s important to know how to solve them. The same is true of code. After spending the day working hard on a piece of computer programming, it rarely runs in the way it\u2019s supposed to. Not the first time, anyway. Not until you\u2019ve ironed out the kinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coders call it debugging: finding a problem in a section of code, and working out how to fix it. It takes care, and patience, and attention to detail, and gets easier and easier with practice. Coders soon learn that anger and frustration just make things harder. Instead, they take a deep breath, and calmly solve the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children who code will carry this approach into the rest of their daily lives. Whether the problem at hand is huge or tiny, long-term or short, it\u2019s always best to remain calm and methodical. That\u2019s what coding shows us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0423\u0441\u0442\u043e\u0439\u0447\u0438\u0432\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis definitely ties in with \u0440\u0435\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0431\u043b\u0435\u043c<\/a>, but it\u2019s something slightly different: the ability to bounce back after failure. As we\u2019ve already mentioned, coding never works first try. It\u2019s part of the process \u2014 you fail, then try again, you fail, then try again, over and over until everything clicks into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"coding](\"https:\/\/d3sujgifhk94se.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/05175055\/teacher-coding-elementary.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConfidence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCoding is also a wonderful way to build a child\u2019s confidence. Younger children (and adults too) are often scared of making mistakes in public. That\u2019s where a lot of shyness and social anxiety comes from. We\u2019re terrified of something going wrong, and the rest of the world judging us for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But let\u2019s repeat it again: coding makes children more resilient in the face of failure. They learn that mistakes aren\u2019t the end of the world \u2014 and with that knowledge comes increased confidence. Does it matter if we make a mistake in public? No. Not really. No more than it matters when we make a mistake in a line of code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That thrill of accomplishment, when the code starts to work, is also great for a child\u2019s feeling of self-worth. We all want to feel successful, and skillful, and useful. When our code starts to run in the way we intended, we feel all of these things and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u041a\u0440\u0435\u0430\u0442\u0438\u0432\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe have a tendency to think about computer programming as something dry and mathematical, but that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. It\u2019s an extremely creative process, and that\u2019s another good reason why kids should start as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve already talked about problem-solving. That\u2019s a type of creativity \u2014 when you push yourself to think outside the box. And coding also encourages other forms of creativity. In programs like \u0426\u0430\u0440\u0430\u043f\u0430\u0442\u044c<\/a>, kids use code to make games and movies. At higher levels, apps and websites require plenty of creativity too. It\u2019s all very visual and artistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u041a\u043e\u043c\u043c\u0443\u043d\u0438\u043a\u0430\u0446\u0438\u044f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnother common misconception about computer coding is the idea that it\u2019s a solitary pursuit. When we imagine a computer programmer, we usually picture them sitting alone at their computer screen, with nobody else in sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s certainly true that you can code alone, but you definitely don\u2019t have to. Coding also lends itself well to a team environment, and most professional coders actively prefer to work in groups, where they can bounce ideas back and forth and work together to solve problems. There\u2019s even a term for it: pair programming. When it comes to coding, two heads are better than one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elementary students who code collaboratively will pick up important interpersonal skills, like speaking clearly, expressing their opinions, and listening to the thoughts of others. For children who don\u2019t like sports, it\u2019s another way to become part of a cohesive team. A student can pair program with a friend from school. They can try it with a sibling or cousin. They can even do it with a parent \u2014 are you willing to give it a try?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0412\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou might not have heard of \u0432\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/a>. It\u2019s the idea of thinking less like a person, and more like a computer. A strange idea? Maybe. But really, really useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nElementary students are far too young to be planning their future careers. That\u2019s why we decided to put this one towards the bottom of the list. But whatever they end up doing in the future, there\u2019s no harm in getting a small head start by learning some coding skills now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer programmers are in high demand, and by the time our children enter the workplace, this trend will be more pronounced. The demand for coders is expected to grow<\/a> by 25% in the next ten years, significantly higher than the average rate for careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is the last point on our list, but that doesn\u2019t make it the least important. Far from it, in fact. Here at CodeMonkey, we firmly believe in the power of fun. Especially where elementary students are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children enjoy the chance to be creative. Children enjoy the chance to solve problems. Children enjoy the thrill of success when their coding projects come to life. That\u2019s the best part about coding: picking up all these wonderful skills while having fun along the way. It doesn\u2019t feel like learning. It feels like having fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the most effective online coding tools have the look and feel of a video game. Others are narrative-driven \u2014 interactive stories that teach children the basic principles. Then there are toys, and board games, and programmable robots, and so many other amazing tools. Coding isn\u2019t dry, or dull, or boring. It\u2019s genuinely enjoyable. Stealth learning at its absolute best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final words<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHopefully, after reading all that, you\u2019ll understand why the United Kingdom made coding compulsory for elementary students in 2014. The benefits are hard to ignore. Creativity, confidence, communication, resilience, and so much else as well. A child doesn\u2019t need to grow up to be a computer programmer. Whichever path they take in life, these skills will put them in a strong position to excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of all this, it should come as no surprise that other countries have started to follow the United Kingdom\u2019s lead. In the last few years, coding has been introduced to elementary curriculums in countries as far-flung as the Philippines, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Qatar. And even if you live in a country where coding isn\u2019t compulsory yet, there\u2019s nothing stopping your kid from learning to code at home. There are so many wonderful resources<\/a> out there. Load one of them up, and watch your child shine.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This definitely ties in with \u0440\u0435\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0431\u043b\u0435\u043c<\/a>, but it\u2019s something slightly different: the ability to bounce back after failure. As we\u2019ve already mentioned, coding never works first try. It\u2019s part of the process \u2014 you fail, then try again, you fail, then try again, over and over until everything clicks into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConfidence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCoding is also a wonderful way to build a child\u2019s confidence. Younger children (and adults too) are often scared of making mistakes in public. That\u2019s where a lot of shyness and social anxiety comes from. We\u2019re terrified of something going wrong, and the rest of the world judging us for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But let\u2019s repeat it again: coding makes children more resilient in the face of failure. They learn that mistakes aren\u2019t the end of the world \u2014 and with that knowledge comes increased confidence. Does it matter if we make a mistake in public? No. Not really. No more than it matters when we make a mistake in a line of code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That thrill of accomplishment, when the code starts to work, is also great for a child\u2019s feeling of self-worth. We all want to feel successful, and skillful, and useful. When our code starts to run in the way we intended, we feel all of these things and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u041a\u0440\u0435\u0430\u0442\u0438\u0432\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe have a tendency to think about computer programming as something dry and mathematical, but that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. It\u2019s an extremely creative process, and that\u2019s another good reason why kids should start as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve already talked about problem-solving. That\u2019s a type of creativity \u2014 when you push yourself to think outside the box. And coding also encourages other forms of creativity. In programs like \u0426\u0430\u0440\u0430\u043f\u0430\u0442\u044c<\/a>, kids use code to make games and movies. At higher levels, apps and websites require plenty of creativity too. It\u2019s all very visual and artistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u041a\u043e\u043c\u043c\u0443\u043d\u0438\u043a\u0430\u0446\u0438\u044f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnother common misconception about computer coding is the idea that it\u2019s a solitary pursuit. When we imagine a computer programmer, we usually picture them sitting alone at their computer screen, with nobody else in sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s certainly true that you can code alone, but you definitely don\u2019t have to. Coding also lends itself well to a team environment, and most professional coders actively prefer to work in groups, where they can bounce ideas back and forth and work together to solve problems. There\u2019s even a term for it: pair programming. When it comes to coding, two heads are better than one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elementary students who code collaboratively will pick up important interpersonal skills, like speaking clearly, expressing their opinions, and listening to the thoughts of others. For children who don\u2019t like sports, it\u2019s another way to become part of a cohesive team. A student can pair program with a friend from school. They can try it with a sibling or cousin. They can even do it with a parent \u2014 are you willing to give it a try?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0412\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou might not have heard of \u0432\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/a>. It\u2019s the idea of thinking less like a person, and more like a computer. A strange idea? Maybe. But really, really useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nElementary students are far too young to be planning their future careers. That\u2019s why we decided to put this one towards the bottom of the list. But whatever they end up doing in the future, there\u2019s no harm in getting a small head start by learning some coding skills now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer programmers are in high demand, and by the time our children enter the workplace, this trend will be more pronounced. The demand for coders is expected to grow<\/a> by 25% in the next ten years, significantly higher than the average rate for careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is the last point on our list, but that doesn\u2019t make it the least important. Far from it, in fact. Here at CodeMonkey, we firmly believe in the power of fun. Especially where elementary students are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children enjoy the chance to be creative. Children enjoy the chance to solve problems. Children enjoy the thrill of success when their coding projects come to life. That\u2019s the best part about coding: picking up all these wonderful skills while having fun along the way. It doesn\u2019t feel like learning. It feels like having fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the most effective online coding tools have the look and feel of a video game. Others are narrative-driven \u2014 interactive stories that teach children the basic principles. Then there are toys, and board games, and programmable robots, and so many other amazing tools. Coding isn\u2019t dry, or dull, or boring. It\u2019s genuinely enjoyable. Stealth learning at its absolute best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final words<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHopefully, after reading all that, you\u2019ll understand why the United Kingdom made coding compulsory for elementary students in 2014. The benefits are hard to ignore. Creativity, confidence, communication, resilience, and so much else as well. A child doesn\u2019t need to grow up to be a computer programmer. Whichever path they take in life, these skills will put them in a strong position to excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of all this, it should come as no surprise that other countries have started to follow the United Kingdom\u2019s lead. In the last few years, coding has been introduced to elementary curriculums in countries as far-flung as the Philippines, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Qatar. And even if you live in a country where coding isn\u2019t compulsory yet, there\u2019s nothing stopping your kid from learning to code at home. There are so many wonderful resources<\/a> out there. Load one of them up, and watch your child shine.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We have a tendency to think about computer programming as something dry and mathematical, but that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. It\u2019s an extremely creative process, and that\u2019s another good reason why kids should start as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve already talked about problem-solving. That\u2019s a type of creativity \u2014 when you push yourself to think outside the box. And coding also encourages other forms of creativity. In programs like \u0426\u0430\u0440\u0430\u043f\u0430\u0442\u044c<\/a>, kids use code to make games and movies. At higher levels, apps and websites require plenty of creativity too. It\u2019s all very visual and artistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u041a\u043e\u043c\u043c\u0443\u043d\u0438\u043a\u0430\u0446\u0438\u044f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnother common misconception about computer coding is the idea that it\u2019s a solitary pursuit. When we imagine a computer programmer, we usually picture them sitting alone at their computer screen, with nobody else in sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s certainly true that you can code alone, but you definitely don\u2019t have to. Coding also lends itself well to a team environment, and most professional coders actively prefer to work in groups, where they can bounce ideas back and forth and work together to solve problems. There\u2019s even a term for it: pair programming. When it comes to coding, two heads are better than one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elementary students who code collaboratively will pick up important interpersonal skills, like speaking clearly, expressing their opinions, and listening to the thoughts of others. For children who don\u2019t like sports, it\u2019s another way to become part of a cohesive team. A student can pair program with a friend from school. They can try it with a sibling or cousin. They can even do it with a parent \u2014 are you willing to give it a try?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0412\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou might not have heard of \u0432\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/a>. It\u2019s the idea of thinking less like a person, and more like a computer. A strange idea? Maybe. But really, really useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nElementary students are far too young to be planning their future careers. That\u2019s why we decided to put this one towards the bottom of the list. But whatever they end up doing in the future, there\u2019s no harm in getting a small head start by learning some coding skills now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer programmers are in high demand, and by the time our children enter the workplace, this trend will be more pronounced. The demand for coders is expected to grow<\/a> by 25% in the next ten years, significantly higher than the average rate for careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is the last point on our list, but that doesn\u2019t make it the least important. Far from it, in fact. Here at CodeMonkey, we firmly believe in the power of fun. Especially where elementary students are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children enjoy the chance to be creative. Children enjoy the chance to solve problems. Children enjoy the thrill of success when their coding projects come to life. That\u2019s the best part about coding: picking up all these wonderful skills while having fun along the way. It doesn\u2019t feel like learning. It feels like having fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the most effective online coding tools have the look and feel of a video game. Others are narrative-driven \u2014 interactive stories that teach children the basic principles. Then there are toys, and board games, and programmable robots, and so many other amazing tools. Coding isn\u2019t dry, or dull, or boring. It\u2019s genuinely enjoyable. Stealth learning at its absolute best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final words<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHopefully, after reading all that, you\u2019ll understand why the United Kingdom made coding compulsory for elementary students in 2014. The benefits are hard to ignore. Creativity, confidence, communication, resilience, and so much else as well. A child doesn\u2019t need to grow up to be a computer programmer. Whichever path they take in life, these skills will put them in a strong position to excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of all this, it should come as no surprise that other countries have started to follow the United Kingdom\u2019s lead. In the last few years, coding has been introduced to elementary curriculums in countries as far-flung as the Philippines, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Qatar. And even if you live in a country where coding isn\u2019t compulsory yet, there\u2019s nothing stopping your kid from learning to code at home. There are so many wonderful resources<\/a> out there. Load one of them up, and watch your child shine.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
You might not have heard of \u0432\u044b\u0447\u0438\u0441\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u043c\u044b\u0448\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/a>. It\u2019s the idea of thinking less like a person, and more like a computer. A strange idea? Maybe. But really, really useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nElementary students are far too young to be planning their future careers. That\u2019s why we decided to put this one towards the bottom of the list. But whatever they end up doing in the future, there\u2019s no harm in getting a small head start by learning some coding skills now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer programmers are in high demand, and by the time our children enter the workplace, this trend will be more pronounced. The demand for coders is expected to grow<\/a> by 25% in the next ten years, significantly higher than the average rate for careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is the last point on our list, but that doesn\u2019t make it the least important. Far from it, in fact. Here at CodeMonkey, we firmly believe in the power of fun. Especially where elementary students are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children enjoy the chance to be creative. Children enjoy the chance to solve problems. Children enjoy the thrill of success when their coding projects come to life. That\u2019s the best part about coding: picking up all these wonderful skills while having fun along the way. It doesn\u2019t feel like learning. It feels like having fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the most effective online coding tools have the look and feel of a video game. Others are narrative-driven \u2014 interactive stories that teach children the basic principles. Then there are toys, and board games, and programmable robots, and so many other amazing tools. Coding isn\u2019t dry, or dull, or boring. It\u2019s genuinely enjoyable. Stealth learning at its absolute best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final words<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHopefully, after reading all that, you\u2019ll understand why the United Kingdom made coding compulsory for elementary students in 2014. The benefits are hard to ignore. Creativity, confidence, communication, resilience, and so much else as well. A child doesn\u2019t need to grow up to be a computer programmer. Whichever path they take in life, these skills will put them in a strong position to excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of all this, it should come as no surprise that other countries have started to follow the United Kingdom\u2019s lead. In the last few years, coding has been introduced to elementary curriculums in countries as far-flung as the Philippines, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Qatar. And even if you live in a country where coding isn\u2019t compulsory yet, there\u2019s nothing stopping your kid from learning to code at home. There are so many wonderful resources<\/a> out there. Load one of them up, and watch your child shine.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This is the last point on our list, but that doesn\u2019t make it the least important. Far from it, in fact. Here at CodeMonkey, we firmly believe in the power of fun. Especially where elementary students are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children enjoy the chance to be creative. Children enjoy the chance to solve problems. Children enjoy the thrill of success when their coding projects come to life. That\u2019s the best part about coding: picking up all these wonderful skills while having fun along the way. It doesn\u2019t feel like learning. It feels like having fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the most effective online coding tools have the look and feel of a video game. Others are narrative-driven \u2014 interactive stories that teach children the basic principles. Then there are toys, and board games, and programmable robots, and so many other amazing tools. Coding isn\u2019t dry, or dull, or boring. It\u2019s genuinely enjoyable. Stealth learning at its absolute best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n