How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?
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Not too long ago, it would have been unthinkable to imagine young children having anything to do with computers, let alone creating apps, games, and even websites. Nowadays, kids can learn to code provided they are in the right environment and have the right tools and training.
But at what age should a child start coding, and how long does it take to learn coding? Is it reasonable to let young children dabble into programming, or is just another activity to add to a busy schedule?
In this post, we’ll talk about what coding is, how long it takes to learn coding, and give you some pointers to begin helping your child learn to code.
What is Coding for Kids?
Coding, or programming, is the creative process of telling a computer how to perform a task. For young children, this does not involve creating data processing algorithms or any complex instructions. Instead, programming for kids is focused on the use of gaming and fun to engage and teach young minds.
Getting kids interested in coding is not usually difficult. However, keeping them engaged is a different ball game and can be a challenging one. It requires the right environment and teaching techniques to keep kids happy and engaged.
For kids learning to code, the focus should be on using fun and easy-to-learn resources in the form of games that help kids enjoy their learning. While this may seem like a way to drag out the process of learning to code, we believe it’s fundamental to the process. If kids get too bored or frustrated, they are more likely to give up when things get challenging (and the always do). This ensures they’ll never improve their coding skills. However, if they are having fun and learning as they go, they are more likely to stick with it, even when it’s difficult.
Here at CoderKids, the emphasis is on teaching kids to code using simple and kid-friendly programming languages. We provide students with the right tools and learning environment in order to stimulate their creativity.
Our kids’ curriculum includes after-school classes and coding camps that focus on teaching children how to create simple animations, basic apps, and interactive games using elementary programming languages, such as Scratch or ScratchJr for younger kids.
Older children can enroll in online classes or gaming camps where more advanced coding languages are taught. They are introduced to programs such as Python, Game Maker Studio, and Minecraft with Java.
At more advanced stages, students can even learn web development and other advanced programming skill and languages, like C++, and Game Design in Unity.
What Age is Appropriate to Learn Coding?
It is not surprising to find kids age two and up showing keen interest in smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices. Thanks to the abundance of technology in our everyday life, young minds are more than capable of grasping some of the programming basics.
Of course, complex coding is off the table when it comes to programming for kids, but as early as 4 – 7-year-olds, children can begin to grasp beginner coding concepts. Typically, this involves the use of visual block interfaces to create simple projects.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Coding?
Introducing kids early to coding has lots of benefits, including giving your child a head start building a successful career in any modern industry. Parents considering letting their children take on the challenges of programming might want to know realistically how long it takes before tangible results start to show.
It is important to understand that every child is unique and will learn at their own pace. There is no universally acceptable period within which every child must get a full grasp of programming concepts. However, you can expect to see appreciable results in a few weeks, precisely because programming classes for kids are geared towards having fun and mastering the basics.
For young adults studying in colleges, it generally takes an average of four years to earn a degree in a computer science program. Surprisingly, kids often can pick up coding basics faster than adults. That’s mostly because children don’t know that coding is supposed to be “difficult.”
Where Do You Begin?
First off, you want children to enjoy coding if they’re going get the most from it. That means taking it one tiny step at a time.
Trying to cover a lot of grounds in a short amount of time can cause the entire learning process to go south. Kids may end up frustrated or overwhelmed. It is okay to ask the question, “How long does it take to learn coding?” But don’t let the quest for quick results determine the learning pace or frustrate you and your child.
Remember that this is not the usual K-12th grade schooling program, so take things slow. Here are a few practical steps for introducing coding to your school-age kid in a way that won’t be overwhelming.
1. Introduce the basics
Kids learn better and faster when they can engage interactively. Lecturing to your 4-year-old about computer programming is probably not the best way to get them to learn about coding. But letting them use ScratchJr, watch YouTube videos or read simple books that cover the basic concepts of coding is a great way to go.
2. Let them talk about coding
As soon as kids understand the overall idea of programming, encourage them to chat with friends and classmates about their new-found knowledge. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily have to be any serious talk about programming language. Instead, it can be about a new video game they love to play and how the game was created using codes.
If they can’t find peers that share their interest, consider signing them up in an after-school coding club where they can freely talk about the subject. There is also a great community on Scratch where kids can share their projects, ask questions and learn from each other.
3. Try out small projects
When it comes time to actually start coding, encourage your kids to try their hands on something small. Their first few projects as a computer programmer shouldn’t be an attempt to design a battle bot they saw in a movie or video game.
Starting small will give them a feel of what coding language is before they progress into something a bit more advanced. There are a lot of great beginner projects out there. Check out our favorites for Scratch and ScratchJr.
Conclusion
Exactly how long does it take to learn coding, particularly for kids? The answer depends on the child in question and the type of learning tools and techniques used in teaching. The wrong environment and teaching method will not only make the learning process unnecessarily long, but it will quickly discourage children from learning.
If you don’t have a lot of experience or background in computer programming, you can still give your child a competitive advantage in the digital world by providing the right coding tools. We invite you to check out the CoderKids registration page to discover the most age-appropriate coding class for your child. You can also checkout the Coder Kids Resource page to find more helpful games, apps, and toys to help you child on their coding journey.
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