An early education in STEM is invaluable for kids growing up today. The recent announcement that Ontario schools will begin teaching students coding as early as the first grade is a recognition that programming is as essential to a child’s education today as algebra and spelling. Coding is going to become an essential skill.
But public school boards will struggle with the same issues they’ve always faced: a potentially limited curriculum and large class sizes. If you want your child to really excel at coding, the best advantage you can give them is signing them up for coding camp for kids.
When you’re looking for either a coding summer camp or weekly coding classes for the school year, these are the qualities you want to find.
#1 Small Class Sizes
Real Programming 4 Kids offers online coding courses for kids. What differentiates coding classes for kids by Real Programming is that they have a maximum class size of four. Smaller class sizes have a number of benefits for students.
- They give kids more one-on-one time with instructors, meaning instructors can make sure they understand the material.
- Students can’t “hide” behind all the other students. They’re more likely to participate in a smaller environment.
- Instructors can identify where students need more practice sooner because they’re dealing with a smaller number of students.
Smaller class sizes are identifiably better learning environments for students.
#2 Real Programming Languages Used by Pros
Coding camps should teach the real programming languages used by professionals in programming today. There are many different enterprises that use programming, including video games, software, robotics, automotive, science, finance, and more. While there are thousands of programming languages, the most widely used languages include Python, C#, C++, Java, and JavaScript.
When you’re looking for coding courses, make sure they teach real programming languages, not just drag-and-drop code programs. Learning a real programming language will help your kid grasp the real nuts and bolts of technology.
#3 Enthusiastic Teachers
Do the instructors have an enthusiasm for both teaching and coding? Do they know about the contemporary coding industry? Students can learn a lot from instructors who are earning computer science degrees. They know what skills and languages future programmers need to excel, as well as the ins and outs of an industry that they’re preparing to enter themselves.
Why Coding Skills Matter
A strong education in STEM, including coding, prepares future generations to be innovators, problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and creative minds. Technology skills give kids the tools they need to come up with new and unique ideas.
While traditional education is slowly catching up to a technology-rich world, you’re not limited to what’s offered at school. Coding courses are a fun extra-curricular that will put your children miles ahead of others, preparing them with real programming languages, advanced math concepts, and a deeper understanding of how the software on their computers and smartphones actually works.