Coding has become a crucial skill for kids and teens. From technology to science and business, learning to code can enhance college and job prospects as well as earning capabilities. As a result, coding education for children has transitioned from a novel elective to an indispensable skill.
For homeschooling parents, the decision to incorporate coding into their curriculum isn’t about “if” but “when.” With or without formal training or experience in the subject, parents may find the idea of teaching coding intimidating. Fortunately, there are countless options today for integrating this vital skill into your curriculum, and this step-by-step guide is designed to help you make informed choices to confidently add coding skills to your homeschool at any age. Let’s get started!
Foundational Skills for Preschoolers
Like any other subject, parents can begin laying the groundwork for their child’s coding education as early as preschool. Skill-building activities help promote those important critical thinking skills, and as a bonus, your child is sure to love them.
Skill-Building
- Beginning logic
- Problem-solving
- Pattern recognition
The foundation for coding starts with learning how to apply logic, problem-solve, and recognize patterns. If-then or conditional statements integral to programming are part of everyday life and preschoolers are already on their coding journey when parents incorporate statements like, “If you clean your room, you may have ice cream.” Children as young as three can be introduced to programmatic thinking through simple activities, games, and toys.
Activity Ideas
- Old-school games like tic-tac-toe, mother-may-I, and Go Fish
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Interact with open-ended questions
- Asking children to predict outcomes and make comparisons
- Group and pretend play
- Teaching cause and effect
Coding toys are fun additions to your toolbox and are especially beneficial because kids are learning coding skills by doing something with their hands. Hands-on learning is recognized to increase attention span and fine motor skills. These toys can be introduced as early as age 3 and increase in skill level through the teen years and beyond.
Coding Skills for Early Elementary
With some basic logic and critical thinking developed, older children can start to master al