5 Tips for Helping Kids Learn About Coding and Robotics

The current health scare has prompted many parents to rethink their children’s learning habits and after-school activities.

Although most schools continue to operate normally, many parents have put a temporary halt to some of their kids’ usual activities in an effort to keep them safe and healthy. These include after-school sports clubs and learning programs.

As a result, children are now spending all their free time in their homes.

Making changes in your children’s studying methods and after-school activities, though, does not mean that they experience a learning slide and spend their free time doing nothing productive. You can help them become interested in exciting fields and concepts and uncover new talents even when they are at home.

Coding and Robotics

If there are a couple of scientific subjects that you should give a thought to introducing to your kids while they are still not too busy or if they are asking you for something they can do to spend their time, it has to be coding and robotics.

Coding and robotics are already popular fields today that will continue to evolve in the future. With AI already integrated into various technologies and more applications set to follow and yet to be discovered, kids will do well to have a working knowledge of these two concepts.

Kids who learn robotics will be introduced to the exciting world of designing, creating, and operating robots. They will know how to make their creations move and do various things through coding.

How to Help Kids Learn About Coding and Robotics

If you want to introduce coding and robotics to your little ones while they are spending their free time at home, here are some helpful tips you can follow:

1.    Look for online courses

Structured learning programs offer several benefits to children who have no background in coding and robotics. If you want your little ones to have a great foundation in this field, enrolling them in an online course would be an excellent idea.

Search for learning centers that offer online coding and robotics courses. Once you have found a few, visit their websites to check their programs. Read the topics the program covers.

Take note of other key details as well, such as the program duration, fees, and information about the trainer or facilitator.

Once you have all the information you need about the possible courses for your kids, discuss these with them. Involve them in the final decision regarding which program to take and the provider to sign up with.

2.    Give your kids robotics kits

Some children may find the concepts of robotics and programming challenging and overwhelming. If your little ones are having mixed feelings about learning these concepts, you can help them overcome these emotions by giving them beginner robotics kits suitable for their ages.

The right robotics kit allows children to build their own robots. The young ones will have plenty of fun as they piece parts together to come up with their models.

Moreover, your children will feel a sense of accomplishment once they have finished building their robots, which will give them the confidence and push they need to learn more about robotics.

There are various entry-level robotics kits you can choose from. The best ones are designed to be easy for anyone to work with regardless of the builder’s age.

Most kits already come with a platform and other tools needed for loading the program and commanding the robot to perform some standard moves. Because of this, your kids will also get an introduction to coding at the same time.

3.    Find online and app-based coding games

Coding is another term that may initially seem complex to kids, especially the younger ones. Introducing this concept to your children in a fun way will fuel their interest and even encourage them to learn more.

Some websites offer game-like coding tutorials designed to help kids learn about this process. Since they are designed as games, your little ones will find it easier to study and master the different steps.

Coding apps also offer the same learning experiences. Your kids will learn how to code while playing games. Because of this, they will avoid perceiving this process as something that is difficult for children to master.

Coding apps are best played on tablets. These devices are also more suitable for kids due to their screen size. If you don’t have this gadget yet, consider getting a refurbished tablet that your children can use.

4.    Give them projects to complete at home

Once your kids have started their online course or are already familiar with the basics of coding and robotics, look for projects that they can do at home.

Look for robotics kits that suit your children’s proficiency levels. Give them a timeline for building the robot, including the coding part.

Additionally, you can download coding templates with parts of the code already written and give them to your older kids. Ask them to add the right code to make the desired result.

This is an excellent way to help your children to learn and remember codes.

Consider offering prizes to your kids so that they can be motivated to complete their projects and assignments. However, make sure you don’t let the competition get out of hand. Give all your children rewards, especially the younger ones, so that they won’t feel left out.

Moreover, always be ready to give your little ones a hand if they need help with certain steps or completing the project.

5.    Encourage them to join an online makerspace workshop

Lastly, makerspaces or hacklabs are community-oriented workspaces where individuals who are interested in building things can gather, socialize, and collaborate.

Although these communities are often found in libraries and other learning centers, many are also popping up online. As such, try to look for some on the Internet. Make sure the workshops you look for are kid-specific.

Once you’ve found one suitable for your children, encourage them to join the online workshop so that they can speak and collaborate with other kids who are also interested in coding and robotics.

You can also ask your kids’ online course provider if they can set up a group learning workshop or class so that your little ones can collaborate with their fellow learners.

Whether your kids join an online makerspace or group class, make sure you keep an eye on them during the sessions.

Undeniably, robotics and coding will be part of the future. While your kids are spending a lot of time at home, boost their interest in this field, and help them become prepared for an exciting and lucrative career they can look into.

AUTHOR BIO

MaloyBurman is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Premier Genie FZ LLC. He is responsible for driving Premier Genie into a leadership position in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education space in Asia, Middle East and Africa and building solid brand value. Premier Genie is currently running 5 centers in Dubai and 5 centers in India with a goal to multiply that over the next 5 years.