Coding and robotics are becoming increasingly more important in today's world, and many parents are starting to wonder when the best time is to introduce their children to these skills. The truth is, there is no right or wrong age to start learning coding and robotics.
Children as young as three or four years old can start learning basic coding concepts through fun games and activities that teach them logic and problem-solving skills. As they grow older, they can progress to more complex coding languages and concepts.
For example, preschool children love building puzzles or playing board games. This is already the first step to coding as it is a simple way of solving problems or completing the bigger picture. In the board game they will start off with a small problem such as needing to collect all of the mushrooms, they will then use the pieces given to create a step-by-step code to solve the problem.
Preschoolers can also start with easy games on tablets or iPads, such as Crayola Create & Play. The older kids follow on software like ScratchJr, Scratch 3.0 and MakeCode; putting all the coding pieces together to make a complete game, website, or program. (Check our upcoming blog about kinaesthetic coding).
Similarly, robotics can be introduced to children at a young age through educational toys and games that teach them the basics of engineering and programming. As they get older, they can start building and programming their own robots using kits and online resources.
Building with LEGO is a great way to start your robotics journey. Building and designing in a 3D environment can be an easy way to learn how the mechanical aspects of machines are put together so that in the end children can build robots that pick things up or move things around. When they add programming to their machines it gets really interesting to see their robots in action! (Check our upcoming blog about some real robots in action in Japan soon!)
Ultimately, the best age to start with coding and robotics will depend on the child's interest and readiness to learn. Some children may take to it at a very young age, while others may not be interested until they are older. It's important to encourage children to explore these skills at their own pace and in their own way, and to provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
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