Parents everywhere are eager to enroll their children in coding classes because they want them to understand the technology that powers the world. But childhood is the time for fun, and kids need some fun right now more than ever.
That’s why it’s crucial for any online coding class kids take to be both fun and instructive. Let’s check out what some of the leaders in online coding classes offer to ensure kids get the best of both worlds.
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Video Games at the Centre
If you think kids love playing video games, watch how much they like designing and programming them! When you sign your child up for classes teaching coding for kids in Toronto and the GTA, they’ll learn to build their own video game.
Having such an attractive concrete goal motivates kids to learn, but that’s not the only way to harness video games as a pedagogical tool. The classes themselves use gamification concepts to motivate and engage students.
Video games are an amazing teaching tool because they’re fun. Indeed, kids will enjoy the sessions so much they won’t even realize they’re learning mathematical concepts like vectors, integers, and even trigonometry.
Small Groups
No child enjoys learning when they can’t get a second of their teacher’s time in a bustling, hectic environment. The best online coding courses have small groups of students, some with a maximum of only four.
Whether classes are in-person or online, large sessions lead to chaos. Make sure the program you sign up for has small groups. There should be a maximum number of students per class, but no minimum, so parents know right when they sign up that the class will, in fact, run, even if their child is the only student there.
Young Teachers
Kids need to have relatable teachers who can make the course material relevant and exciting. When teaching kids how to create video games, it’s best if the teacher also grew up playing games when they were young.
Shared experiences help teachers and students to bond. Video games are nostalgic for kids, and they’ll grow up with fond memories of what exploring video games were like. It’s better for a child to learn from a computer science undergrad with a passion and long history of playing video games than the world’s best coder who doesn’t know video games.
Plus, younger teachers can answer practical questions about what coding in school and beyond is like, how to apply for jobs, and what type of work is available for people with deep coding knowledge.
Childhood is a time for innocent play, where kids get to explore and learn in a safe and fun atmosphere. Kids also need structure and mentorship, especially when learning skills that can help them down the road when they eventually enter the workforce. Keep the above tips in mind when looking for an online coding class that’s fun and engaging, and your child will enjoy learning crucial skills.
