I’m about as tech-savvy as a rock—sure, I can navigate my Mac and iPhone, but when something goes awry, I’m dialing for help faster than you can say “tech support.” My formal IT education? One college programming class that was so advanced, I threw in the towel. But hey, if you’ve been paying attention, you know that teaching kids to code is all the rage in education these days. While it may be too late for me to become a coding whiz, it’s certainly not too late for my children (well, at least the 5-year-old; the 2-year-old is still grappling with potty training).
To my surprise, coding for kindergartners is a real thing! My boys can dive into basic programming well before they hit high school or college. As Sarah Jenkins notes in her NPR article, there’s a fresh wave of computer literacy initiatives, programs, and games tailored specifically for children as young as 5. For instance, codeSpark, founded by a dad inspired by his daughter, features software called The Foos, which claims to teach fundamental coding skills to little ones. It’s all about introducing core concepts like sequencing, pattern recognition, and if/then logic—skills that lay the groundwork for future computer literacy.
Grant Wilson, the brain behind codeSpark, makes an interesting point: we invest about 20 years in helping students become proficient in math and reading. We start with fun games and songs in kindergarten and gradually increase the complexity. So why not do the same for coding? Jenkins quotes Wilson, who states, “If we were teaching coding like reading and math, we would break it down into bite-size chunks, make it more fun with songs and stories, and give students two decades to reach mastery.” Instead, many kids are thrown into the deep end in high school or college, and we’re surprised when they struggle.
Dr. Rachel Adams, a professor of child and human development and a co-creator of the app ScratchJr, has conducted research showing that early programming instruction enhances kids’ executive function and sequencing abilities. After engaging in coding activities, children can break down complex tasks more effectively, which also boosts their reading comprehension. So, learning to code might just help our kids think more clearly, no matter what field they pursue.
But wait—what about all that screen time? I already worry about my 5-year-old’s obsession with cartoons. Do I really want to encourage even more computer use? Dr. Adams gets it and has designed a robot that kids can program by moving physical blocks. I just ordered a fun board game called Robot Turtles, which teaches kids programming basics without a screen in sight.
Will coding become as essential as the three Rs for the next generation? Who knows! But I’m willing to give it a try as long as my son shows interest. After all, when I’m older and need tech help, I’ll be calling on him!
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Summary:
Teaching coding to kindergartners is gaining traction, with programs like codeSpark’s The Foos helping young children learn essential skills like sequencing and logic. Experts believe this early exposure can enhance problem-solving abilities and even improve reading skills. While screen time is a concern, innovative tools like block programming and board games offer hands-on learning experiences. As we consider the future of education, coding may soon become as fundamental as reading and math.