With COVID-19, Computer science education has become more important than ever. The pandemic has highlighted our need for computing use and its power to help us all innovate and adapt. From small businesses to families, companies, and education, we all relied on the advantages of technology to survive unprecedented times. Yet, at the same time, it has shown the disparities, especially, in schools to provide students with computer education.
Today, computing-related jobs are the number one source of new wages in the U.S. economy. In fact, there are currently 400,000 open computing jobs across the United States. Yet, the problem is that the education system as a whole still isn’t actually providing the needed access to this crucial subject.
Every child should have the opportunity to access high quality computer science lessons that will eventually help them develop foundational 21st-century skills for their future. Sometimes, the best way to get this is by learning from experts in the field, like the people who may teach after school enrichment and camps. Check our After-School Classes where your child will find coding, design, animation, math and many other computational skills to explore in a safe environment guided by our industry expert mentors.
Tech has become inevitably present in our everyday lives and will become even more so a few years from now. In consequence, tech or XXI century skills have passed from novelty to an actual necessity. Learning how to code has quickly become a must in every school, rather than just an elective. Coding enables children to express their creativity through another language, the language of the future.
You may be wondering if a child of any age can learn how to code…. well, believe it or not, the answer is yes. Even kids who can’t read and write yet can do it. Yes, as surprising as it might sound, it’s true. This is possible because there are 2 types of coding languages: block-based and text-based (line) code. Let’s explore a little bit more about the coding languages that your child can start with.
Block-based coding
About 20 years ago the MIT Media Lab introduced the concept of block-based code with a language named Scratch. The objective was to create a way to program computers by simply dragging and dropping puzzle blocks that represented complex programming commands. This new method opened the doors for kids to create through programming without having to write a single line of code. With block-based code, teaching and learning the basics of computer science became accessible to young learners.
But how does block-based code work? Block-based code, or visual coding, uses colorful drag and drop shapes in a workspace to simulate the coding. Children can create sequences of actions according to the color-coded categories they choose. There are movement blocks, control or events blocks, blocks for adding loops, variables, and functions.
Block-based code is the simplest and most fun way for kids to start learning the logic of coding. The best thing about this is that despite being a simplified form of code, your children will be able to create and run games, apps and animations. Besides, block-based code will give them a solid basis to understand text-based code later.
Scratch is one of the most popular block-based coding languages out there. We actually use Scratch in some of our Micro Coding Classes because it favors pattern recognition, enhancing the understanding of the structure and logic behind programming. Additionally, block-based coding is a great first step for kids to go from the basics of programming to a more advanced level with text-based line code used by professionals.
Text-based coding
On the other hand, we have text-based line coding. This type of coding language is basically typing instructions while following syntax. Syntax, just like in spoken languages, is the grammar and spelling rules of a coding language. It can easily be introduced to kids after they understand block-based coding or if they are at an appropriate developmental age.
Learning the syntax of text-based coding languages is easier when kids recognize that each section of text-based code corresponds to the blocks they learned with block-based code. This is where kids will start understanding text-based coding languages and applying real computer science knowledge.
In simple terms, text-based programming languages are typed using a keyboard and stored as text files rather than the drag and drop style that block-based code uses. Some of the most popular text-based programming languages are Python, Java (used in Minecraft), and JavaScript.
With text-based coding, kids, and even expert coders, can tackle some typical problems while starting coding. Some of the most common ones are Syntax Errors, Code Styling, and Readability. These are small and very common errors that learning how to face can help kids better understand the languages and processes they are learning.
The question about when we should start teaching our kids text-based coding often arises. And the answer is, there’s no specific age to start with. To use text-based code, kids should know how to write and read, but other than that there’s not a specific age when to start. Actually, just like in any other spoken language, the earlier a child is exposed to it, the easier it is for them to catch it.
Conclusion
Learning to code at a young age is a fundamental skill that will grow in children as they enter into adulthood. It enables children to understand the technology that surrounds them, becoming not just users, but developers and creators of their own reality.
Coding is an incredibly useful skill for almost everyone. It helps you understand how things work, solve problems, find innovative solutions, attention to detail, and plenty more. Learning to code at a young age can really improve the development of these fundamental life skills and open new career and job opportunities for the future. But, deciphering all the different coding languages available for teenagers can seem intimidating, especially if they are just getting started!
Since coding is an essential 21st-century skill, there are numerous coding languages designed to teach youngsters how to start coding. Choosing the right coding language for your child’s age can open a window into the world of programming. The better your child understands one of these languages (including its syntax and grammar), the more likely they’ll be able to create, design and code whatever they want. But, before finding out the best coding languages for teenagers you might want to know “what’s a coding language?”
What is a coding language?
A coding language is a language we use to give instructions that a computer can follow. Those instructions allow us to develop software programs, scripts, or other sets of instructions for computers to execute. Like in spoken languages, such as Spanish or Italian, coding languages can share similarities, but each one has its own rules. In coding languages, these rules are called syntax. And unlike spoken languages, if there’s a slight error in your syntax, the computer won’t be able to understand what you want. That’s why coding requires so much dedication and attention to detail.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there for every skill and experience level. Usually, block-based code is used to introduce kids to code since it’s less intimidating because it involves dragging “blocks” of code with the instructions you want to give to the computer. But, more advanced coders can start exploring text-based code with coding languages designed especially for them.
Below, we’ll break down the characteristics, advantages, and level of challenge of the coding language we think are best for teens to engage with code. Java, Lua, and C# are among the most popular, so let’s take a closer look at each one!
Java:
Java is the coding language used in Minecraft and one of the most widely used coding languages in the world. This makes it a great option for kids that love playing Minecraft as they will be more motivated to stick with it since they can use it to actually modify the game of Minecraft. It is also the perfect approach to get a better understanding of coding and keep growing in the matter in the future.
Java works on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc.), and is also easy to learn and simple to use. Besides its versatility, Java is secure, fast and powerful, allowing its users to make game engines, Android mobile apps, large backend environments, and much more!
Recommended for:
Teens who play Minecraft and want to level up their game experience
Teens who want to explore programming concepts
Teens who already have a background in coding and want to strengthen their skills
Lua is a powerful and fast coding language that is easy to learn and use. That’s why it is probably the perfect language to start learning with. Lua is lightweight and designed essentially for embedded use in applications. One of the most popular examples is Roblox. Roblox uses Lua to develop actions in the game such as conditionals, loops, variables and more.
Lua is a multi-paradigm language, which means that it has a set of features that can be applied to many issues. The popularity of Lua comes from its multiple applications. You can not just find Lua in Roblox, World of Warcraft, and Angry Birds but also use Lua code.
Recommended for:
Teens who play Roblox and want to improve their game skills
C# is the perfect solution for learning to code while making 3D games. C# is a popular coding language used to develop everything from mobile applications and video games to enterprise software. C# it’s very similar to Java, which makes it easier to learn for someone who already knows this coding language.
C# is a great way to start diving deeper into the world of coding. Because of the multiple applications it has, C# is the fourth most in-demand programming language for jobs. This makes it an amazing option for middle and high-school students who want to pursue a career in STEM fields.
Recommended for:
Teens who are interested in designing video games
Teens who would like to explore developing apps for cellphones and tablets
Teens who already have explored Java with Minecraft
We hope this guide helped you obtain a better understanding of the coding languages that can make your children excited about coding. If you need help to decide which one would be a better fit for your child’s skills and interests, you can reach out through our social media accounts.
STEM-based education teaches children more than math or science concepts, it puts an emphasis on preparing children for the future. The skills that STEM education gives to students extend beyond these fields. In fact, STEM helps children develop valuable skills that enable them to be successful in any industry or field they choose. But what are those valuable skills and how can they use them for a better future?
Before stepping into the skills derived from a STEM-based education, we should understand what STEM really means. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The term STEM has become recurrent in school’s curriculum, education policies and skills needed for employment.
STEM is a method of education where these subjects are taught together and not individually. It shows the bridges between these valuable subjects by putting students at the core of the experience. STEM focuses on hands-on experiences, making children active learners instead of passive listeners.
Skills Derived from STEM-based education
The focus on hands-on learning that STEM education encompasses, added to real-world applications, helps children to develop fundamental skills for their future. These so-called 21st-century skills include media and technology literacy, initiative, flexibility, productivity and communication. Perhaps even more importantly, STEM-associated skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, decision making, and acceptance of failure are inherent to this learning style.
Regardless of the interests, passions, or future career paths considered by children, these skills are preparing them to be successful and innovative wherever they go.
Problem-solving
One of the skills that really makes the difference in any life situation your child could face is problem-solving. One can think of all of life as a series of problems of different complexities, in addition to the problem-solving nature of school, university, or in careers: society requires more problem-solving skills than it ever has before. STEM develops problem-solving skills like no other subject because it encourages kids to experiment, make mistakes and learn from their own experiences to find or create solutions.
Creativity
The ability to think creatively and change standards are the basis of innovation. Creativity isn’t as simple as it sounds, but it is not a skill you are simply born with either; you can train creativity. Learning how to think outside of the box can change the way you approach different situations on a daily basis. STEM-based education teaches how to look at a problem from a different perspective while fostering creativity.
Flexibility
In a world where advances in technology, inventions and knowledge change by the day, flexibility is definitively a much-needed skill. Since technology and science change so quickly, flexibility is also integral in success in STEM-related education since they’re always updating themselves. The ability to be flexible will prove incredibly valuable to keep updated in the ever-changing environment around us. Last, learning to adapt quickly will help your student to adapt to a fast-paced career and job market.
In addition to these life-changing skills, there are also solid numbers related to the increase in STEM-related job opportunities as shown below.
Projections of STEM-related occupations:
According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 75% of fast-growing occupations require STEM skills.
Employment in STEM occupations grew by 10.5% or 817,260 jobs, between May 2009 and May 2015. Compared with 5.2% net growth in non-STEM occupations.
Computer occupation is showing the highest number of STEM jobs because of the consistent progression in the digital sector.
As a result of the increasing participation of consumers and businesses in the digital economy, computer-related occupations are expected to grow exponentially in the next 10 years.
STEM workers command much higher wages and are also less likely to experience joblessness than their non-STEM counterparts.
(Here you can dive even deeper into the stats surrounding STEM-related occupations)
The data above is solid: needs in the job market are changing. That’s why we place so much emphasis on the importance of learning to code from a young age. Preparing children today to become the innovators, inventors, designers and coders of tomorrow begins with a STEM-based education. From schools, camps, and after-school programs we can create hands-on and real-world experiences to prepare our children for a lifetime of success.
Let us know how you feel about STEM in the comments and if you’re interested in another blogpost about how you can start exploring STEM skills from home!
Summer is here, and you might be struggling to decide whether to join an Online or In-Person Summer Coding Camp. Because of COVID-19, most summer camps have updated their in-person programs or have turned them into virtual or hybrid experiences. Unsure about signing your child up for Online or In-Person Summer Coding Camp? Take a deeper look with us to make the best decision for your child.
Summer is the perfect opportunity for kids —and parents— to change their online school routines. Traditional in-person summer camps can be an incredible experience for kids because of the hands-on and outdoor activities involved as well as the friends kids can make. On the other hand, online summer camps allow kids to interact and learn with their peers from the comfort of their home. Virtual camps also enable you to choose programs that could be based anywhere in the country or even the world.
Rest assured, there is a Summer Coding Camp experience awaiting that’s perfect for your child. So…, let’s take a look together at some of the pros and cons of Online Summer Coding Camp and In-Person Summer Coding Camp!
Online vs. In-Person Summer Coding Camps
Online Summer Coding Camp Pros and Cons:
Due to the pandemic, online education became the main solution to keep delivering education during the past year. Online Summer Coding Camps have increased their popularity since they are interactive, often lower in cost, and typically allow smaller instructor-to-student ratios than school or similar programs. Apart from that, here are some of their main characteristics you can weigh to make an informed decision.
Offers Greater Flexibility
Taking an Online Camp gives you a kind of adaptability that isn’t accessible with conventional in-person strategies. Usually, the only requirement for an online coding camp is a computer with internet, audio, and video. You can join from anywhere, access recorded classes and choose a wider range of times than in an in-person camp.
Gives Greater Variety
During the last year, the offer of online programs has increased notably. In the virtual field, you can find literally all kinds of classes from sports to arts and music to technology. A summer coding camp works very well in a virtual format, as it often has smaller instructor-to-student ratios, allowing more online one-on-one time between campers and teachers.
Is Often Less Expensive
In general terms, online education tends to be less expensive than in-person learning. In an Online Summer Coding Camp you don’t just save on transportation costs, but also save on the cost of the camp itself. Usually virtual camps are cheaper because paying for facilities costs and maintaining staff for on-site camp is more expensive than offering an online program.
Although there are many pros related to e-learning, there are some things to consider before signing up for an online camp. One of the most common cons is that kids, and especially parents, may not want more screen time right now. Also, some kids are tired of being at home and want to get away from the house.
The experience of an In-Person Summer Camp after a year of online learning can be thrilling for your children. Being able to interact with instructors and other kids face-to-face, to touch, make and create with their own hands has been proven to have several benefits in kids’ overall experience and learning process.
Facilitates Connections
Despite the options we have to interact through online tools, they can’t always be compared with the experience of being on a campus. The buzz of camp surrounding kids, or a group game can be unique to being at an in-person camp. In an In-Person Summer Coding Camp, students can connect in real-time to strengthen their social skills such as through teamwork. While this is also possible in virtual camps, for some children, it isn’t quite the same as being there with peers. In-person training provides greater opportunities for group activities and interactive projects if your child’s learning style suits an in-person format better.
Allows For a Change In Environment
Both children and parents have had a long year of working, learning and studying from home. An In-Person Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity for kids to change their everyday online school routine. Going to a new place and enjoying outdoor activities with kids their same age can be refreshing and exciting. This isn’t just a perfect getaway for kids, but also for parents who could use a full-time summer camp in order to focus on work….and on themselves!
While In-Person learning has multiple benefits both for parents and children, it’s important to recognize your child’s learning style. Some kids find speaking out in public or meeting new people intimidating, limiting the possibility of enjoying the in-person format. There are also always greater Covid risks, though you should check the camp’s Covid precautions taken, when joining an in-person camp right now.
In conclusion, there are benefits and drawbacks to both in-person and online summer coding camps, though both are net positive. Before making your decision, it’s important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each camp format. But most importantly, choose the option that best fits your child’s learning style and preferences to give them an amazing summer camp experience.
Investing in education is one of the most powerful things we can do for our child’s well-being from all points of view. When you invest in education you are helping your child develop their full potential and ensure a better future. Whether it’s taking art classes or signing up for an after-school online class, every cent you spend on new educational experiences for your child will be worth it.
Over the years, we have learned how education can have a lasting effect in children’s lives. Investing in education can put kids on a path towards wellbeing, employment and success. Actually, education is not only useful for our own children and us as parents, it’s also useful at a macro level.
“Evidence shows that, on average, each additional year of education boosts a person’s income by 10 per cent and increases a country’s GDP by 18 per cent. Some researchers estimate that if every child learned to read, around 170 million fewer people would live in poverty.” (Yoka Brandt, Unicef)
Invest in education for the Future
As parents we will always want the best for our children. Education is a life-long process that can include simple habits that can improve our child’s life from a young age. Certainly, this isn’t just in the academic area, but in almost every aspect of their life. Most importantly, a solid education can help children adapting to situations they will face in the future in a effective way.
Let’s check out three reasons why invest in education is the best gift you could ever give to your child!
1. Education Enriches Their Vision of Life
Education is an excellent method to try different things with your child’s hobbies, interests, inclinations, abilities, and desires. By giving your child the opportunity to face new circumstances and activities, their mind goes into power mode. Whether it’s getting familiar with sports, art, technology or science, they can start enriching their vision of life.
2. Education Boosts Creativity and Innovation
Learning and exploring different topics that catch your child’s attention enriches their knowledge. Also education can give them innovative ways to connect the information they have to create new solutions. Education can really extend their vision into the world, adding new data and broadening their viewpoint in any event.
Therefore, investing into education is to stretch the boundaries of their reality and their capacity to innovate further away. By stretching those boundaries, they develop their abilities to think creative thoughts that can make them stand out from the rest.
3. It Will Last Forever
Something amazing about learning is that literally nobody can take it away. Consequently, education it’s an everlasting gift that you can give your child to build their future. Material things can easily disappear, yet nobody could take away something that you’ve learned and experienced.
The time and money you invest in education for your child to develop skills, abilities, hobbies and knowledge will never be wasted. Knowledge will stick with them one way or another forever. In short, investing in your child’s education isn’t just filling them with knowledge. Investing in your child’s future is giving them tools to successfully face any situation that comes their way.
It’s a reality, some kids tend to find learning math difficult and, as it turns out, most kids are affected by two common factors:
The myth that it is a challenging and hard subject to comprehend
Old methods of teaching math don’t always make it easy for kids to personally connect to it.
Fortunately for kids, and for parents, these days we have multiple ways of getting kids excited about learning math!
Math is often one of the most unloved subjects in school; students don’t get amped up for numbers and recipes the way in which they get excited for different subjects. Because math is more complex and harder to associate with real-life examples, it can be less interesting if not taught properly.
Luckily, nowadays virtual learning has opened numerous entryways for kids and parents to have an exciting approach to mathematics. New methods like gamification, simulation, design thinking, live-online classes, online games and even YouTube videos, can get kids excited about learning math, regardless of having affinity or being good in the subject or not.
Learning math, but make it fun!
For little youngsters, and for adults too, dominating a new or difficult skill requires lots of practice. In order to avoid practicing math becoming a constant struggle, finding options to make learning math fun, relatable and interactive is key.
Gamified learning has had a huge impact on teaching in the last 5 years as it involves using game-based elements like point scoring, competition, team work or score tables to increase engagement when learning new information. That means kids learn best when they are also having fun!
The gamification of learning allows children to see real-life applications and benefits of the subject matter in a highly engaging format. This also helps develop some other important skills for life like confidence, creativity, commitment, teamwork and problem solving. These are skills they can apply not only in the classroom, but in almost every aspect of their life.
Here are 5 fun ways that we find useful to make kids excited about learning math!
Eureka Math
Eureka Math is a free, open-education resource for parents and teachers of kids from pre-K to high school. You can get worksheets, teacher guides and tips for parents.
Khan Institute Recordings
Khan Institute offers a great amount of math preparation content. From essential classes to optional school learning, there is something for everybody. For example, there is a sub-channel called Khan Institute Early Math. It covers points like checking and calculation.
Learning Math with Minecraft
Yes, Minecraft isn’t just one of the most popular online games for kids in the world, it is also a great tool to engage kids with math and STEM concepts. We designed a one-of-a-kind, amazing MathCraft program where both parents and students truly win as parents get to watch their students thrilled to do math!
UNO Flip
Another simple way for the family to practice math in a fun way, Uno Flip game creates simple math problems your child will need to solve! You could easily do this for addiction, subtraction, multiplication, or even division. Check how to play it with your family here.
Food fractions!
Food fractions are a great and delicious way to learn math! Cut up your lunch sandwiches, tortillas or pies and learn with your child about fractions, addition and subtraction while you enjoy a family picnic!
Being the new kid in school can be scary and many kids simply aren’t sure how to handle it. As a parent, you may wish that you could tag along with them to make sure they make friends. Unfortunately, that’s not a realistic option – but it is realistic to following these three tips that can help you prepare your child for their first day as the new kid.
1.Encourage your child to be open to new ideas
At your child’s previous school, they likely got used to the way things worked. They may be resistant to doing things in a different way, and they may end up continuously telling their new teachers and classmates, “That’s now how we did it at my other school.” Explain to them that this can come across as though they’re being combative and encourage them to be open to doing things differently. When they’re the new kid, there’s nothing wrong with smiling, even if they don’t feel like it. In short, explain the advantages of acting better than they feel.
2.Teach them the one strategy that can help in almost any situation: Listening
If your child starts to become uncomfortable, tell them to concentrate on listening instead of trying to figure out what they’re supposed to say. The goal is for them to be interested, curious, and patient students. Learning to be a good listener can take some effort so be sure to teach them the basics of active listening.
3.Help them appreciate the adventure of starting a new school
The great thing about starting a new school is that it actually offers your child an opportunity to have an interesting and exciting adventure. Yes, they’ll miss their old friends and they’ll miss knowing where everything is and how it all works. They may feel lonely at first and they may feel less than confident about how to act. Make sure that they know this is normal but that they can use it to their advantage.
If your child is moving during the summer months, why not bring them into CodeREV Kids coding classes? They’ll get some practice talking to kids they don’t know and can start the school year already having some new friends. And of course, they’ll get some great skills by learning to code, how to use Minecraft, and much more. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Has your child settled for being a good student when you know they could be a great student? If you see that your child is performing well, but know that there’s intellectual potential that’s not being used, then you may search for ways to help your student to become the great student you know they can be. The good news is that CodeREV Kids has a few ideas on how you can do that.
Be inspiring, be supportive – but set clear expectations
A good parent knows that praise is important to their child’s success, but don’t let your child assume that the praise you give them means you don’t know they could do better. For example, if your child goes from mostly Cs to mostly Bs, you want to reward their hard work – but you also want to be clear that you know they’re capable of As.
The easiest way to make this change is to tell your children that you believe in their abilities, but make your praise not about their grades but about their potential. Remember that you’re really trying to foster a love of learning. If they get too hung up on earning As then they could end up being discouraged.
Pay attention to what works for your child
Making even the smallest changes in your child’s study habits can help accommodate their personal preferences – and can make a huge difference. For example, what if you’ve always said that your child must complete their homework before playing video games? This may lead to them rushing through their homework just so they can get to their games. Another option is to let them play their video games for a set amount of time first. Letting your child begin with what they want to be doing could help them focus more when it comes time to get the work done.
Remember that your child has more going on than just school
It’s easy as a parent to focus on your child’s grades and how they’re doing in school. However, at CodeREV Kids we encourage you to think beyond school and remember that your child has other interests that should be explored. While you may think of extracurricular activities as competing with school, the truth is that they can supplement it. For example, our spring classes give kids hands-on experience with coding – which can help boost problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and more.
Most parents at this point have heard of STEM but not everyone was taught what it means. It stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’s being promoted as of the utmost importance in part because occupations in STEM fields are growing at about 17% while other occupations are growing at less than 10%.
It’s not a stretch to see that people who work in math, tech, engineering, and science have important roles in the world – and they make more than people in other roles, too. STEM education doesn’t just give kids information either, it actually teaches them to think critically, increases their ability to understand science, and helps to create innovators.
The unfortunate truth is that students in the United States are falling behind other countries in STEM and other fields. That’s one of the reasons that CodeREV Kids created our unique programs to not just give kids STEM skills but to make the learning process fun.
You may be surprised by who can benefit most from STEM
At CodeREV Kids, we have kids of virtually every age and background at our summer camps, after-school classes, and all our programs. However, studies have shown that there are a few demographics who benefit even more than others from learning STEM fields.
Some studies show that there is a serious bridge between the genders and different ethnic groups in schools and the workplace, and this is certainly true in scientific fields. That’s why there have been initiatives all over the country that have helped to increase the roles of minorities and women in these fields.
In order for this to continue, we believe that kids need to get involved as early as possible. The truth is that the ideas that women or minorities don’t belong in these fields is something that children learn. We encourage parents to get their children involved before they ever hear that STEM fields are no place for women or minorities.
Come to CodeREV Kids for all your STEM needs
At CodeREV Kids, we know how important it is for kids to learn STEM from an early age, but we also know that kids aren’t going to learn if they aren’t having fun. We’ve managed to create some programs that are fun, informative, and motivating to kids. We teach them critical thinking skills, teamwork, and a lot more. Reach out to us today for more information on the variety of programs we have available.
