Coding: The New Literacy
“
Mitchel Resnick, MIT Media Lab
Coding is the new literacy. To thrive in tomorrow's society, young people must learn to design, create, and express themselves with digital technologies.
What is Coding?
​
In simple terms, coding is the process of instructing a computer to perform specific tasks by providing it with a set of commands written in a programming language. These commands are like the building blocks of software, guiding computers to execute various functions, from simple calculations to running complex applications.
Even today, it is difficult to find a field in the world
that is not connected to technology, and in the future, every job will be part of the technology field.
Kristi Salum, Leader of the Estonian ProgeTiger program
“
The Power of Coding
In today's rapidly advancing digital world, coding has become a fundamental skill that transcends industries and disciplines. As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for the future, and one of the most valuable tools we can provide them with is the ability to code.
When Should a Child Start Coding?
​
One common question that parents often ask is, "What age should a child start to code?" The answer to this question varies depending on the child's individual readiness and interests.
​
For younger children, typically in the 6 to 9 year-old range, visual programming languages like Scratch are an excellent starting point. These platforms offer a playful and intuitive introduction to coding concepts, allowing children to learn while having fun.
​
Older children, around 10 to 14 years old, are often ready to transition to text-based languages like Python, which provide a deeper understanding of coding principles and prepare them for more advanced programming languages.
​
Ultimately, the key is to introduce coding when your child shows an interest and readiness, and to provide age-appropriate resources and guidance to nurture their curiosity.
Why is it Important for Children to Learn Coding?
​
Coding is an essential life skill for the 21st century. Therefore, children should learn to code alongside skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. In the process of learning to code, children get better at the following critical skills to prepare them for the future.​
​
-
Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Coding challenges children to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. It encourages them to think logically and strategically, fostering problem-solving skills that are invaluable in all areas of life.
-
Foster Creativity: Coding is a creative outlet that allows children to express themselves. They can design their own games, websites, or digital art, giving them a platform to showcase their imagination.
-
Cultivate Digital Literacy: Learning to code helps children understand the technology that surrounds them. It demystifies the digital world and empowers them to be responsible and informed users of technology.
-
Prepare for the Future: In an increasingly technology-driven world, coding is a highly sought-after skill. Learning it at a young age equips children with a competitive advantage in the job market, where digital literacy is a must.
-
Develop Computational Thinking: Coding promotes computational thinking, which involves breaking down complex problems and devising efficient solutions. This mental framework is transferable to various disciplines, including mathematics and science.
-
Build Confidence: Successfully coding a program or project gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem. They learn that they can overcome challenges with perseverance and determination.
-
Cultivate Persistence: Coding often involves trial and error. Children learn that failure is a part of the learning process and that perseverance is key to success. This resilience can be applied to other areas of life as well.
​
Teaching children to code is an investment in their future. It enhances their problem-solving skills, fosters creativity, encourages persistence, and prepares them for the digital world. Scratch and Python offer age-appropriate platforms to introduce children to coding and build a strong foundation.
Walnut Coding
The No. 1 Brand for Coding Education in China, trusted by happy students from 149 countries!
What Coding Languages Should Children Learn?
In learning to code, it's essential to choose age-appropriate programming languages and platforms. Our courses are designed to cater to the unique needs and abilities of different age groups.
We have teamed up with Walnut Coding, Singapore and their parent company in China, Hetao 101, to bring you two of the most popular coding languages for children: Scratch and Python.
​
Online Scratch Coding for Children Ages 6-9
Kick-start your child's coding journey for a better future
​
Scratch is a visual programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that is specifically designed for children. It features a user-friendly interface that uses colourful blocks to represent codes, making it easy for children to understand and experiment with programming concepts.
Why Scratch is Ideal for Young Learners:
-
Visual Programming: Scratch uses a block-based interface, eliminating the need for typing code, which can be challenging for young children.
-
Creativity and Fun: Scratch allows children to create interactive stories, animations, games, and more, sparking their creativity and making learning enjoyable.
-
Problem-Solving: Through Scratch, children learn fundamental coding concepts such as sequences, loops, and conditionals while solving puzzles and challenges.
-
Collaboration: Scratch encourages collaboration, as children can share their projects with friends and even work on them together.
-
Safety: Scratch's online community is closely monitored, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children to share and learn.
​
Scratch Course Structure
Schedule: 1 lesson per week
No. of Lessons: 49 + 7 Bonus lessons
Lesson Duration: 1 hour
​
Online Python Coding for Children Ages 10-14
Empower your child to create real-world applications
​
Python is a versatile and widely used programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It is an excellent choice for older children who are ready to take their coding skills to the next level.
Why Python is Ideal for Older Children:
-
Real-World Relevance: Python is a widely used language in industry, making it a valuable skill for the future.
-
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Python introduces more advanced coding concepts, challenging children to think critically and solve complex problems.
-
Versatility: Python can be used for web development, data analysis, scientific research, and even artificial intelligence projects, allowing children to explore a wide range of applications.
-
Preparing for Advanced Learning: Learning Python can pave the way for future studies in computer science and programming, providing a solid foundation for higher education.
​
Python Course Structure
Schedule: 1 lesson per week
No. of Lessons: 49 + 7 Bonus lessons
Lesson Duration: 1 hour
Walnut Coding has quickly grown to be a leading online educational coding platform with
over 7 million students, powered by 6,000 employees.
Why Walnut Coding?
As the educational landscape evolves, it's essential to choose the right partner in your child's coding journey. We take pride in offering specialised coding classes tailored to the unique needs and developmental stages of children. Here's why Walnut Coding stands out as the ideal choice for your child's coding education:
​
-
Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed with the age and abilities of children in mind. We offer Scratch coding classes for ages 6 to 9 and Python coding classes for ages 10 to 14, ensuring that your child receives instruction that is suitable for their developmental stage.
-
Experienced Instructors: Our team of experienced instructors are not only experts in coding but also skilled educators who understand how to make learning fun and engaging for children. They provide personalised guidance to help each child succeed.
-
Interactive Learning: We believe in hands-on, interactive learning. Our classes are designed to be engaging and enjoyable, allowing children to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills while developing coding proficiency.
-
Small Class Sizes: To ensure that each child receives individualised attention, we maintain small class sizes. This enables instructors to provide timely feedback and support to every student.
-
Safe and Supportive Environment: We prioritise the safety and well-being of our students. Our online platform is closely monitored to create a safe and supportive space for children to learn, share their projects, and collaborate with peers.
-
Progress Tracking: Parents can monitor their child's progress through our regular progress reports. This transparency allows you to stay informed about your child's coding journey and achievements.
-
Affordable Pricing: We believe that quality coding education should be accessible to all. Our classes are competitively priced, making it easier for families to invest in their child's future.
​
Conclusion
In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, coding is no longer just a skill for adults. It's a crucial tool for children to navigate and excel in the digital age. We recognise the significance of introducing coding to children at an early age and offer specialised classes in Scratch and Python to empower young minds.
Through coding, children enhance their problem-solving skills, foster creativity, and prepare for the future. Scratch coding is an ideal starting point for ages 6 to 9, offering a playful and creative introduction to programming. For ages 10 to 14, Python provides a versatile and relevant coding experience that prepares them for advanced learning and real-world applications.
When you choose Walnut Coding, you're not just enrolling your child in a coding class; you're investing in their future. Our age-appropriate curriculum, experienced instructors, interactive learning environment, and commitment to safety make us the ideal partner in your child's coding journey.
Join us in unlocking your child's potential in the digital world.