Tag Archives: Coding Education

Coding Education

Tips for Teaching Robotics and Coding to Kids with Special Needs

Robotics and coding are excellent skills for any child to learn but this is especially true of kids with special needs. At CodeREV Kids, we’ve taught kids all age ranges how to get involved with coding and robotics. Here are some tips we came across on how to get special needs kids involved.

Start with short activities

Begin each lesson with basic actions to show them what robots are capable of. Use a single, simple behavior at first and give kids a small challenge to go along with it. One example is to teach a child who to make a robot turn left and then challenge them to make it turn around six times. You can introduce other behaviors similarly.

Use step-by-step prompts

One fun way to teach any kid robotics is to encourage them to use their own bodies to plan their programs. For example, they can get down to the robot’s perspective and act out the behaviors of the robot. They can then use step-by-step prompts to make the robot do what they want.

Take advantage of the think aloud model

The think aloud model is very useful when teaching kids to code. Essentially, you explain your thought process as you show the kids how to solve a challenge. Then let them talk out loud as they solve it themselves. This allows you to see how their mind works when solving challenges and gives you an easy way to step in and correct them at the exact moment they need help.

Set tasks for specific kids

One of the most important things is to design and modify tasks for specific kids. For example, you can use redundant text for kids who need additional help, can provide background information specific to each task so they’ll better understand it, add organization, or begin with very easy tasks and then very slowly add on until they can handle the difficult tasks.

If you want your kid to learn coding then CodeREV Kids is the company you want to work with. We offer a huge variety of classes, including flex-course classes that allow your kids to work at their own pace, as well as more structured classes. Do you need information on how your child could best start the process? Contact us today and let us help you understand the ways we’re here to teach your kids.

Coding Education

You May Be Surprised by the Ways Coding Can Help Your Children Excel

If you’re like many parents, you may think of coding as a technical skill. While it certainly is a technical skill, it’s also a lot more. It helps kids interact with the digital world in a different way and encourages them to become makers instead of doers. Studies have shown that coding improves computational thinking skills, which can give incredible advantages you may not have thought.

Coding is a great way for your children to practice math in the real world

People used to say that if a person is interested in programming then they should get good at math. Now it looks like the opposite may be true. Parents and educators alike agree that when kids learn how to code, their math skills are naturally improved – and they claim that math is more fun. Indeed, it certainly ends that age-old question kids typically have of math: When are we even going to use this?

Coding can help improve writing skills

Above all else, coding is creative. It allows children to combine their love of technology with a (sometimes) newfound love of art. Kids can tell interactive stories, they can create their own storytelling parties, and they can learn new skills that will improve their writing – all while having the time of their lives.

If you want to boost creativity then coding is a great place to start

There’s plenty of research out there that creativity isn’t just something we’re born with – it’s a skill that can be taught and that can be developed. When kids learn coding, they cultivate three qualities that can all improve creativity:

  1. Whole-brain thinking
  2. A desire to become a creator
  3. The mindset of an experimenter

Confidence is important and coding can help increase it

Don’t get stuck thinking that the only reason you’d want your kid to learn how to code is because you want them to grow up and become a programmer. While it’s true that it may open up doors in the future – in a variety of fields – it’s also true that psychologists agree that the way to boost confidence in kids is to boost independence and problem-solving. Coding can do all that and more.

Are you ready to learn more? CodeREV Kids is here to teach your kids the fundamentals of this exciting, invigorating, and creative field.

Coding Education

Top 4 Reasons to Give Your Daughter Coding Lessons

At CodeREV Kids we believe that every child can benefit from learning to code. Unfortunately, we live in a world where boys are often encouraged to go into STEM fields more than girls are. We urge the parents of girls to get them involved too! Here are just four of the many reasons it’s a great move.

1. Coding is a lot of fun!

Once your daughter learns how to code, she’ll be able to express herself in totally new ways. She can design games, build her own apps, and turn almost any idea into a virtual reality that’s within her reach. It can be used for all sorts of school work from art projects to math problems. Teaching girls to code gives them a feeling of ownership and a sense of pride in what they’ve created.

2. Coding teaches critical thinking skills

When a kid learns to code, they’re learning more than just how to copy and paste. They’re actually developing logic and analytical reasoning intuitively. This can help your daughter excel in any area she’d like to explore in the future. She can transfer these skills from the computer to the real world. And that’s a win-win.

3. It’s the language of the 21st Century

Did you know that some schools are starting to allow kids to take coding classes and counting them toward their foreign language credits? That may seem crazy to someone who hasn’t ever learned to code but the truth is that coding makes it easier to learn other languages and it promotes some of the other elements that are considered advantages of learning another language. It helps kids learn roots, structures, and critical thinking – all of which are part of learning another language.

4. It shouldn’t be thought of as a “boys field”

Today there are tons of organizations that exist just to encourage girls to code. Why coding? Because it boosts self-esteem. Because it encourages both independent thinking and group-working. Because it’s a way for kids to not just use technology but interact with it.

At CodeREV, we think these are all worthwhile reasons for anyone to learn coding but we feel it’s especially important for girls to know that they’re welcome and encouraged to be a part of this field. Are you interested in getting your son or daughter involved in coding? CodeREV’s classes are designed to do just that!

Coding Education

Where Do You Stand? Should Coding Be Counted as a Foreign Language?

There’s a movement by some parents and a group of lawmakers to get computer coding classes counted as foreign language credits in schools across the country. While it did hit a snag recently, those who feel strongly that they should be counted as school credits aren’t giving up. Then again, neither is the side that thinks they shouldn’t be counted. Where do you fall?

The current hubbub is going in Florida, where a former executive at Yahoo has proposed a bill that would have allowed high schools to provide coding classes and to have them counted as foreign language credits. Supporters say there are a lot of reasons to do this, including the fact that more kids would sign up for coding and they’d gain essential skills for the workplace. The bill actually passed the state Senate but wasn’t able to pass in the Florida house. Other states are considering it too, including Georgia and Washington.

In Texas, high school students have been able to count computer science classes as foreign language credits for several years – but the student must have already taken a foreign language class and not done well in it. Supporters of that type of bill state that it’s a great choice for kids who don’t have an easy time with foreign languages.

Those who support proposals to allow any student to use a coding class in place of a foreign language have some solid points to make. First, they point out that most students don’t take enough foreign language classes to become fluent and most don’t ever use what they’ve learned again in their life. They also say that coding is a language – and that it can be useful for kids for the rest of their lives.

Of course, those who don’t support the measures have their own strong points too. For example, they say that exchanging a skill isn’t the same thing as learning a foreign language. They also say that learning a language isn’t the only reason for foreign language classes. They’re also designed to teach students about different cultures and different ways of communicating.

Where do you stand? At CodeREV Kids, we’re on the record as supporting the idea that kids need to learn coding. In fact, we have a convenient description of exactly why coding is important. We’re also here to help your kids learn, whether your public schools offer options or not.

Coding Education

How Important is it to Teach Children to Code?

Coders are highly paid, in high demand, and have opportunities at some of the biggest companies in the world. You’d think this would be enough for schools to start teaching coding but it’s not the case in countries like Australia – or in many parts of the U.S. Though a recent article in PC World, We must teach kids coding: The keys to a digital future focuses on Australian children, it’s just as applicable here in the states.

Kids are especially suitable to get into coding

Today’s children grow up with technology, for better or worse. They are essentially natives of the digital age and are especially poised to take on the challenges of today’s coding jobs. That said, the article points out that this experience could actually be part of the problem. Kids of yesteryear were passionate about finding ways to improve technology but today’s advances are so impressive that they’re no longer wondering how to do so.

There are many reasons it’s a good idea to get kids involved in coding

The article lists a number of reasons that it’s to everyone’s advantage to get kids involved in coding. First, the author discusses how it’s a great way to get kids inspired. There’s no question that the great advances of the past were a result of curious, inspired individuals. When kids get involved in coding, they’re engaging not just with the power of it, but with how it can help to both control and change the world.

It’s also a great way to help kids get ready for a future that will surely be full of interconnection at every turn. For example, when kids learn coding they’re not just being creative but are actually experiencing that creativity. They learn that that computer programming is fun. Whether they’re building robots, learning Minecraft, or something entirely different they’ll be challenged by technology like never before – and more in tune with the different processes that work together to create their favorite games.

There’s an easy way to get your kids involved

The good news is that you don’t have to wait for your local school to get on board with coding. Instead, turn to CodeREV Kids and let us inspire and teach your children. We have classes designed for kids of virtually every age and we also offer summer camps to get kids immersed in technology. Are you ready to learn more? Give us a call today!

Coding Curriculum

Book Recommendations for Kid Coders

More and more kids are getting interesting in coding and that interest is spilling out in other areas of their lives. One of the things we get so excited about at CodeREV Kids is that kids don’t just learn to code but they learn to think critically, solve problems, and work independently within a team. We’re excited to see how many books are being released that deal with kid coders. Here are a few that have come across our radar recently.

Ruby Wizardry: An Introduction to Programming for Kids by Erin Weinstein

In this lovely book, the author includes lesson on programming as well as an introduction to it by introducing Ruby, a free, open-source platform. Initially the lessons are pretty basic but they get more challenging as the book continues. As a result, it’s a good choice for both beginning and advanced coders.

So, You Want to Be a Coder? by Jane (J.M.) Bedell

Do you have a kid who’s interested in coding but has a lot of questions about what a job in the industry would really look like? Then this is a great choice for them. It includes short interviews with people currently working in the industry – including a few teenagers who have started businesses of their own. There are also quizzes to help kids decide if coding is a good choice for them, along with ideas for future education and coding camps to increase experience.

Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas

Part picture book and part activity book, this work follows Ruby as she goes through her world and solves problems she encounters. The story itself doesn’t actually teach coding – it reinforces the skills and ideas that are so important in the coding world. For example, Ruby looks for patterns, breaks large problems into smaller, solvable ones, makes plans, and adapts when plans don’t come together as expected. In the second half, there are activities that kids can use to practice the skills Ruby showed in the story. These are thinking, problem-solving activities that don’t require a computer.

Books are great but there’s no substitute for hands-on experience

At CodeREV Kids, we love the idea that books can spark an interest but we believe there’s no substitute for real, hands-on experience. That’s why we offer a number of online classes for kids to code. Contact us to get more information about your options.

Coding Education

Coding for Kids – Which Side of the Argument Are You On?

At CodeREV Kids, we’re huge proponents of teaching kids coding. We believe there are many advantages and that it helps not only prepare kids for their future careers – in virtually any field – but increase their problem-solving skills as well. While we strongly hold this opinion, we keep up on those who say that coding for kids has its drawbacks.

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Younger kids learn to code — but is it too early? raises some interesting questions. The article discusses the decision of San Francisco to teach computer science starting in preschool and in every year through a student’s senior year. There are a number of programs that help kids learning computer science, and many of these programs involve coding.

Programs have introduced kids as young as three and four to programming robots with apps. Preschoolers who started learning to code a few years ago are reported to love it, and parents have loved it too. A school principal who has a similar program says that it improves her students’ vocabularies and encourages them to think in computational ways.

Not everyone is on board, though. Detractors say that encouraging kids to spend more time in front of computers is a mistake. There’s no question that children’s brains are more sensitive than the brains of adults. They worry that if a child is exposed too much to screen time, that their stress hormones will be affected or their natural clocks will be out of sync – even when they’re using computers for educational reasons.

However, Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician, disagrees. She believes that teaching coding to children as young as three-years-old is appropriate, assuming parents have rules about how much time they spend in front of screens. She even says that her own son was involved in a coding class when he was seven. The key was that she created guidelines to ensure the kids weren’t always on computers.

At CodeREV Kids we understand these arguments but the truth is that the future is in technology. Kids are already spending hours a day in front of some form of technology, whether it’s TV or a game on their tablet. We know from experience that getting kids involved in creating – not just consuming – this technology is fun for everyone involved. Do you want to learn more about our programs? Reach out to us today and let us share our passion with you and your family.

Coding Education

5 Reasons it Makes Sense to Teach Kids to Code

All over the country, camps and classes are springing up to teach kids to code. But does it really make a difference? Is it really worthy of being taught to our children? At CodeREV Kids we say yes! Here are five reasons it makes sense to teach kids to code.

1. Coding programs are a great way to empower kids

For kids, the ability to communicate with machines is akin to a superpower. They can learn how to control robots and machines, teach a computer to solve complicated problems, turn the ideas in their mind into interactive realities, and make their ideas accessible to millions of people.

2. Learning a language is always easier when kids are young

You may have heard that it’s much easier for young kids to learn a foreign language when they’re young, as opposed to teaching them when they’re a teenager. The same is true of coding – it is a language, after all. In fact, believe it or not, kids can actually be taught to code before they know how to speak. Games can teach them logic and problem solving and they’ll learn to code along the way.

3. The perfect age to teach kids logic-based information is 5 – 6

When kids are five to six years old, they’re in what’s known as the “psycho-social development stage.” This means they’re starting to take everything around them and make logical connections to them. It’s the perfect time to introduce coding. Still think it’s too young? Consider that in Estonia, every 1st grader learns to code.

4. The earlier kids get fluent in technology the better

In this day and age, all kids interact with technology from a young age. But interacting and creating are two different things. When kids code, they can express themselves and they can truly create some unique things.

5. Programmers are in demand

Over the next decade, programmers are going to be one of the top in-demand occupations. Think it only applies to tech jobs? Consider this: of the 1.4 million programming jobs there will be to fill in the next decade, 67% of them will be outside of the tech sector.

Are you ready to further explore the options to get your kid interested in coding? Contact CodeREV Kids and let us walk you through the process. Your kids – and their future – will thank you!

Coding Education

Cincinnati Kids Are Getting Coding Experience at Their Local Libraries

The public library in Cincinnati is giving kids some unique options this summer. It’s true that teachers across the country have long complained that kids who are out of school for the entire summer end up losing much of the knowledge they learned through the year, and it’s also true that coding teaches kids a host of skills beyond coding, so this seems like a marriage made in heaven.

WCPO Cincinnati put together an article titled Kids are creating, coding, engineering — oh, and reading — at local libraries this summer. The author begins by detailing the ways that summer learning is about more than just reading. That’s why library workers in Cincinnati are looking for unique ways to tackle the issues that revolve around poverty and the “summer slide” for kids and teens. They’ve created a series of hands-on crafts and activities to keep kids interested and learning during the summer.

The city’s theme this summer is, “Read, Make, Create,” and the library has created a MakerSpace that’s the central part of many of their programs. There are 41 locations taking part in the summer activities and three of them have areas for MakerSpace. The main branch includes incredible equipment like a 3D printer, recording booth, vinyl printer, and much more.

They also have brain camps along with black rocket technology. Together these are the two more STEM-orientated programs. They focus on engineering, math, science, and technology by utilizing the tools in the MakerSpace area.

The library’s brain camps are a week long and come in two-hour sessions. Every week, kids who attend are tasked with learning about a unique theme through games, crafts, reading, and science and art experiments. For example, recent topics have included circuitry, electricity, photography, and 2D design.

The age requirements change every week to ensure kids have a camp they can attend sometime in the summer. Most camp sessions focus on helping kids in 1st –5th grades. There are also mini camps, like the computer technology and coding design camp, which was created for teens and pre-teens, lasts four days, and involves designing short films, mobile apps, and 3D video games.

At CodeREV we think these are fantastic programs. We’re proud to offer the best tech camps in Southern California as well as programs throughout the school year. Contact us today to get more information.

Coding Education

Summer STEM Programs Are Helping Kids All Over the Country

There are many ways to get kids excited about STEM programs and a lot of cool programs all over the country that are doing just that. The Kane County Chronicle featured an article titled STEM program at Elburn library helps children learn this summer that details one program.

Chris Walker writes, “Although it’s the middle of summer, some kids haven’t stopped learning. Emily Owen, a fifth grade teacher at Blackberry Creek Elementary School, is leading a science, technology, engineering and mathematics – STEM – program for second- to fifth-graders at Town & Country Public Library in Elburn.

It’s the first time the program has been offered at the library and, with 21 participants, it has been deemed a huge success. It will run through the end of July. “It’s been really well received,” Owen said. “If we were in the classroom there probably would be a little more planning and stuff because we would have more time, but with just an hour [per week], we’re a little bit more on the play and problem-solving focus. … It’s worked out very well.”

Lily Lake resident Abby Drommerhausen has both of her kids, Emma, 7, and Joshua, 5, in the program. Drommerhausen said she has been pleased. “One of my girlfriends has kids in the program so she’s the one who told me about it,” she said. “My kids just love it. My daughter isn’t into princesses – she’d rather do puzzles – and this has been a perfect fit for her.”

Like many parents with school-age children in the area, Drommerhausen knows keeping a kid’s mind challenged throughout the summer months can be difficult. “It gets to a point where reading and doing stuff with Mom gets a little boring for them,” Drommerhausen said of her kids. “This is something that’s great for the kids, plus not all the kids are social, so this kind of forces them to be social.”

One of the major advantages of a STEM-based program is that teachings often can be incorporated into many others thing in life, which is something Owen advocates. “There’s a lot of critical thinking and engineering-type things that go into STEM,” Owen said. “These are the kinds of things that are going to be huge no matter where you end up in life. Being able to diagnose a problem, then come up with an idea and design a solution, is going to go a long way toward helping them regardless of what they do.”

Of course, at CodeREV Kids we believe that STEM skills are essential for your kids. Not only do they build creativity but these are problem-solving kids that can serve them for the rest of their lives. Check out our spring classes or take a moment to learn more about why coding is so important.