How to Choose the Best Online Coding Activities for Kids

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Now more than ever, parents are looking for coding activities for kids to help them develop and enhance STEM skills. If this is an area of interest for your kids, adding coding classes to your homeschool or extracurricular options might especially be a priority.

Not only will many kids enjoy coding activities, but the right online coding classes will equip them with numerous valuable skills they will need throughout their lives, no matter what industry they enter someday.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right coding activities for kids? Let's take a look at what you need to consider when making your decision, and how to know which coding program you might want to start with for your child's interests and needs.

Why Should Kids Take Coding Classes?

No, not every kid will go into a computer programming career field when they grow up. But there are many reasons why kids should learn to code anyway.

Coding is not going anywhere anytime soon, and computers are a huge part of our lives today. At the very least, having a basic understanding of computer programming will be beneficial as our kids grow up, interact, and solve problems in this tech-driven, digital world.

In a coding class, your child will develop a broad range of skills that span beyond just coding. Although not taught directly, these types of classes are a great way to help your kids build creative and critical thinking skills, learn to collaborate and solve problems, and so much more.

The right environment of the coding class you choose can make a big difference, which is why it's important that you make a wise decision.

When Should I Introduce Coding Activities?

There are a variety of coding activities for kids of all ages and levels of difficulty, so even young children can begin learning how to code or take a programming class.

A big part of homeschooling is being able to recognize the abilities, interests, and strengths of our kids, and help them grow. There are many qualities kids who code tend to share; and while these are not absolutes, they can point to the fact that your child might be good at coding.

You might have a coder if:

• They enjoy STEM activities. This may sound like a no-brainer answer, but if your kids love computers and gaming, learning to code will help them to interact more with the technology they enjoy.
• They want to know how things work. Kids that ask a lot of questions wanting to understand technology (not just passively use it) typically enjoy learning coding skills.
• They enjoy solving problems. Coding is all about problem solving! If you have a child that is a logical, rational thinker who likes puzzles, strategy and board games, and seeing tasks to completion, it might be a hint they will thrive at coding.
• They like to learn new things. If your child is self-motivated to teach themselves a new important skill, they might do well in a coding class.
• They are detail-oriented. In coding, there can be a lot of small problems to figure out, and one tiny coding change can make a huge difference! Being good at coding involves being able to notice those tiny details.
• They have a growth mindset. Making mistakes is a part of life. If your kids are not discouraged by setbacks, but inspired and empowered to grow from them, these are great qualities to have as a computer programmer.

How Do I Know Which Coding Activity I Should Choose?

With all of the different programming languages out there, choosing the right coding class for your kids can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be! Keep these tips in mind as you begin your search for a coding program.

Elementary Kids

At this stage of the game, you're really building a foundation and getting them interested in the concept of coding. You may be familiar with Scratch (or Scratch Jr.), which is a drag and drop visual programming language younger children really enjoy. Classes in Scratch programming will encourage creativity, logical thought, and collaboration. They are a great introduction before moving on to a text-based coding language like Python.

If your child can think a bit more abstractly and logically, and can understand concepts like cause and effect, they may not need to start with visual basics like scratch and may be ready to learn Python.

Middle School and High School

Many older students who desire to take coding classes might already have an idea they'd like to pursue a career in this field. The goal during these years is to give your kids a solid foundation in programming concepts (such as variables, functions, logic, and data types and structure) so they can eventually jump into the next level of coding opportunities (think building mobile apps, computer or console games, business websites, and corporate software).

The good news is that there are many programming classes available that they can jump into without any prior coding experience.

Python is a very popular programming language and is a great option for middle and high school students to begin with. Classes in JavaScript, HTML and CSS will also give them the tools they need to begin fun projects like creating games, apps, and building interactive websites.

As students move into high school, coding classes should start to include User Interface Development, modern CSS framework, and object oriented languages. There are also great opportunities for high school internship programs that will give your kids valuable hands-on experience (and a boost to their resume!).

CodeWizardsHQ is a highly recommended company that has a variety of curriculum paths to choose from depending on your kids' interests and skill levels, and a wide range of coding languages to fit your needs.

Qualities of a Great Computer Coding School

Your kids are potentially going to spend a lot of time in their coding class, so it's important to do your homework and find the best environment that will help them thrive. Here are the things you should look for in an online computer coding school.

1. Convenience

As a homeschooling family, you may have a more flexible schedule than most, but you want to find classes that easily fit into your schedule. Will you need daytime, evening, or weekend options? Look for an online school that has flexible class times that can be custom-scheduled.

2. Student-Centered

In homeschooling, our kids' interests often drive their education and learning experiences. Do the teachers take into consideration the learning needs and interests of the students in their class? Are the class sizes small enough that kids will get individualized attention? Is project-based-learning integrated and facilitated?

3. Scaffolded Classes

Does the coding program offer classes that are age appropriate and progress in difficulty as kids get older? Is there a gradual decrease in support as students take more ownership in their learning?

Look for coding curriculum that is not only comprehensive, but developmental and fun. Another big benefit to look for is if the school has a placement test to help determine the best place for your kids to first begin.

4. Quality Teachers

Are the teachers fully qualified to teach coding, and passionate about what they do?

5. Safe Community

Are the classes held in a safe, closed-group online? Online coding classes can be a fun way for kids to form friendships and collaborate with others in a safe space. Some programs even allow you to schedule classes with friends and homeschool co-ops.

6. Positive Reviews

Aside from word of mouth or social media reviews, how reputable is the coding school? Look for one that has positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, which is a great resource that can help you make an informed decision on how to invest in coding classes for your kids.

Homeschool Coding Activities for Kids

There are many coding programs that hit some of the marks above, but CodeWizardsHQ is a high-quality education choice for kids and teens that hits them all. They were one of the very first online coding schools for kids and offer a highly structured, comprehensive curriculum that is a perfect fit for homeschooling families.

CodeWizardsHQ's homeschool program is award-winning, and their live online classes have a 93% success rate (which is much higher compared to a 5% rate for self-paced coding classes!). They truly work to support homeschoolers, with a dedicated and thriving Facebook page, special group pricing, and scheduling opportunities for homeschool groups. 

CLICK HERE to find the best CodeWizardsHQ class for your homeschooler. You can even save $25 on your first month's tuition with the coupon code TECHIEMOM.

Making coding activities for kids a part of your homeschool is worth considering, and a good coding education is worth the investment in today's digital world. I'd love to hear from you: do you have a child that loves to code? What are some of your favorite coding activities for kids? Drop a comment below!

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