What to Know about Block Coding for Kids | 98thPercentile

When 7-year-old Maya dragged a glinting purple puzzle piece with the word "move forward" on it onto her screen and clicked "Run," her eyes went wide with wonder as the cartoon character responded to her instruction. "I just got it to move!" she shrieked, not even realizing she'd just experienced what professional programmers spend their whole career striving for: the magic moment when your code becomes action.

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Block coding is the rainbow bridge between the child's imagination and the world of computers - a secret language in which puzzle pieces are power, and children get to learn how to bend technology to their will. Unlike the usual coding that may look like an unreadable wall of words, block coding breaks programming down into colorful, click-together pieces that snap together just like their favorite building toys.

In this article, we're going to explore how these blocks of the digital age can bring your child from passive technology consumer to active digital creator - and why this could be the most important play date your child will ever have this year.

Block Coding: The Building Blocks of Digital Literacy

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." - Alan Kay

Block programming sites like Scratch, Blockly, and Code.org make complex programming concepts easy and break them down into colorful, drag-and-drop building blocks kids can interact with without ever having to write a single line of code. Each block is a command or a procedure which, when strung together with other blocks, is a collection of commands - a program.

Why Block Coding is Perfect for Kids

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5 Superpowers Your Child Acquires through Block Coding

1. Computational Thinking

Block coding teaches children to break down large problems into steps they can understand - a skill transferred to homework planning, to project creation.

2. Algorithmic Reasoning

By building block sequences, kids learn to reason logically and see how steps relate to produce outcomes - the basis for algorithmic thinking.

3. Creative Problem-Solving

When a program breaks, they learn to debug - examining what went wrong and trying repairs in a low-stakes environment.

4. Digital Confidence

Instead of just using technology, kids who learn how to code gain the confidence to create with technology, transforming their relationship with the digital universe.

5. Growth Mindset

Coding inherently reminds children that errors are a learning process, and through this, they learn to be resilient and persistent.

Block Coding by Age: Finding the Proper Point of Entry

Ages 4-6: Pre-Readers

Applications like Scratch Jr use symbols and minimal text so that pre-readers can create basic sequences and see cause-and-effect.

Ages 7-10: Building Foundations

Scratch and Code.org introduce more sophisticated concepts like loops, conditionals, and variables through interactive exercises and creative projects.

11-14 years: Bridging to Text

Software such as Blockly introduces students to text-based elements gradually, opening the door to full-fledged text-based programming languages later on.

Fast Facts About Block Coding

1. Block coding was developed by MIT scientists to make programming universal
2. Studies indicate that kids who are taught block coding exhibit better math abilities
3. Over 65 million projects have been created using Scratch, the most popular block coding tool
4. Block coding is utilized by senior engineers to develop prototypes before they write complex code
5. NASA uses block-based programming software within certain educational robot programs

How 98thPercentile Makes Block Coding a Reality

At 98thPercentile, we've crafted our block coding curriculum to balance structured learning with creativity. It features:

• Live, on-site classes with instant feedback and guidance
• Project-based learning that relates programming to kids' interests
• Progressive challenges that build skills systematically
• Commemoration of the process and outcome to build intrinsic motivation
• Gradual transition from block-based to text-based coding as children mature

Parent Launchpad: Empowering Your Block Coder

Ask the Right Questions

Instead of "What did you make?", say "What problem did you solve today?" or "Can you explain to me how your code works?"

Watch for Teachable Moments

When computer games or programs don't work, describe how the programmers can fix the "bugs" - connecting everyday technology to code concepts.

Celebrate the Process

Acknowledge debugging and troubleshooting efforts, not just finished projects.

Learn Together

Practice coding yourself! Children who see adults learn know that learning is a lifelong process.

Blocks to Beyond: The Coding Adventure

Block programming is not diluted "real" programming - it's an amazingly powerful learning tool that delivers valid computer science concepts. The majority of professional developers learned using block-based systems before moving to text-based languages as they developed their skills and confidence.

At 98thPercentile, we guide kids through this natural sequence, so they develop solid foundations before progressing to more advanced coding interfaces. We teach an uninterrupted sequence from blocks to text, maintaining high levels of fun while developing technical skills.

Block by colorful block, children aren't just learning to code - they're coding to learn, developing computational thinking that will serve them for the rest of their lives, whether they do become programmers or go on to do much different things.

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FAQs

Ans: Definitely! Block coding instructs actual computer science principles like sequences, loops, conditionals, and events - the same principles utilized in programming in any language.

Ans: Not at all quickly! Most platforms, such as Scratch, support very large projects. The shift occurs naturally when kids hit the block limits, typically 12-14 years old.

Ans: There is quality coding practice involved, artistic screen time - not so much watching television as making art. A lot can be developed through "unplugged" activity off-screen as well.

Ans: Yes! Block coding promotes mathematical ideas, logical thinking, and sequential reasoning. The children also learn creative writing and storytelling skills as a bonus of coding story projects.

Ans: Our curriculum integrates live instruction and scaffolded learning pathways. In contrast to stand-alone platforms, where kids may get stuck, our teachers lead kids through more challenging concepts through sustained interest.

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