Matt Richards
In today’s digital age, coding has become an essential skill for young students. It not only prepares them for a future where technology plays a crucial role but also helps in developing a range of cognitive and creative abilities. Here’s a deeper dive into why I believe coding is so important for young learners.
1. Logical Reasoning
Coding encourages the use of logical reasoning. There is a systematic approach to making something work. When tackling a new challenge, students need to call upon skills to employ a logical approach to find a solution. It’s about breaking down complex issues, recognising patterns, and developing step-by-step solutions. Through coding, we teach and encourage students to think critically, apply effective reasoning, and solve problems across various contexts, enhancing their analytical skills. It’s beneficial in everyday life, promoting structured thinking and problem-solving across a multitude of contexts now—and into the future.
2. Fostering existing creativity
It is widely accepted that creativity is seen as a natural trait in early childhood – often expressed through imaginative play. That said, there are links showing that the rigidity of educational frameworks can lead to a decline in creative thinking. Coding fosters creativity. It trains the brain to think deeply, identify troubles, break things up, and then put the pieces together with a solution. Students can use their creativity to provide tailored solutions to issues. Coding encourages out-of-the-box thinking and empowers students to bring their ideas to life in a tangible way. In a way, the rigidity and exactness of code can be seen as a means to ‘unlock’ creative thinking.
3. How do you think learning to code at a young age can influence a student’s future career opportunities?
Learning to code helps students accomplish innovative projects and makes them valuable assets to any business. Besides being a generally worthwhile skill in most jobs, it also demonstrates that they’re hardworking, dynamic, and self-starters. Coding proficiency can open doors to a variety of career paths, from software development to data science, and even roles we can’t yet imagine in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.

4. Can you share any personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight the impact of coding on young learners?
Coding encourages students to experiment and take risks. It provides avenues to integrate all subject areas. I’ve seen students feel enormous achievement when they experience success in a largely complex field. When students see connections in code, they understand how it works. I have witnessed students feel challenged but soon find the joy in making their design work. For example, a student of mine once created a simple game that not only boosted his confidence but also sparked a newfound passion for technology and innovation.
5. What advice would you give to educators and parents who want to introduce coding to their students or children but don’t know where to start?
If you see your children or students identifying solutions to problems, they likely enjoy working with code. Providing opportunities for them could be wise. Free platforms like Swift Playgrounds on iPad or Mac are fantastic tools to start the coding journey. Additionally, there are numerous online resources, coding boot camps, and community programmes that can provide structured learning paths. Encouraging a problem-solving mindset and offering support and resources can set students on a path to success in coding.
By equipping young students with coding skills, we are not only preparing them for the future job market but also fostering essential life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. Coding is more than just a technical skill; it’s a gateway to a world of possibilities and innovation.
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