Teaching Coding to Children: A Methodology for Kids 5+

Abstract

As new education models gain traction, discussions about how to incorporate programming skills and the “maker mindset” throughout the curriculum intensified. A growing realization among educators that teaching coding to children will, not only make it easier for them to understand how the information technology works, but give them a skill for life. In 2013, England wanted to be the first country in the world to make computer programming a compulsory school subject at all levels. In the US, administration was a strong proponent of expansion of programming teaching, President Obama stated “everybody’s got to learn how to code early.” Many different programming language tools exist for teaching children how to code, but none of them are based on comprehensive methodologies so that, fundamentals of coding can be easily understood by minors. Tools like Scratch Jr. and Tynker provide intuitive suite of visual-programming language for children ages 5 and above and they are more game oriented. This paper argues that there are seven aspects of coding that are fundamental in teaching coding to children, and three out of this seven is a must at any level. A new open source platform called CiK is also introduced.