How to Educate a Child about Key Programming Principles | 98thPercentile

Imagine trying to explain the nature of a rainbow to a wide-eyed five-year-old. You may find yourself getting into refraction and water droplets - maybe you'll pull out a prism and let them see the magic for themselves. It's the same with teaching kids about coding principles: make abstract concepts into colorful, tangible experiences they can touch, see, and feel!

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it," says computer scientist Alan Kay. 

And with coding being as second nature as reading and arithmetic, instilling your child with programming fundamentals in early childhood could be the best thing you can give to them.

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But how do you translate abstractions like algorithms and variables into language that opens up children's minds instead of shutting them down? Let's break the decoder ring that turns computer talk into kid talk!

1. Algorithms: Recipes for Computers

Kid-Friendly Definition: "An algorithm is similar to a recipe for baking your favorite cookies. You perform steps in the right order - mix ingredients first, shape dough second, then bake - to achieve the desired result. Computers perform recipe-steps as well!"

Try This: Ask your child to write out precise directions for making a peanut butter sandwich. Then, follow their directions TO THE LETTER (even if they don't include the words "open the bread bag"). The resulting giggling when you try to spread peanut butter on a closed bag is a lesson about giving clear directions that will never be forgotten.

Vocabulary Bridge: Recipe — Instructions — Algorithm

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2. Variables: Computer Memory Boxes

Kid-Friendly Explanation: "Variables are like labeled boxes where computers store information. If we have a labeled box 'score', we can put the number 5 in it. Then we can update it to 10 when you earn more points!"

Try This: Use real small boxes or  containers with different names like "playerName" or "lives." Put objects (a stuffed toy, five pennies) in them and move them around in a mock game to show how variables are altered.

3. Loops: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Kid-Friendly Definition: "A loop is when you get the computer to do something over and over. It's doing the 'jump 10 times' rather than doing the 'jump' ten times in a row."

Try This: Create a "dance loop" in which your child performs a sequence of movements some quantity of times. "Clap hands 3 times, spin around 2 times, repeat this entire dance 4 times." Count with them when they repeat the sequence repeatedly.

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4. Conditionals: Computer Decision-Making

Kid-Friendly Explanation: "Conditionals are 'if-then' statements, like 'IF it is raining, THEN take an umbrella.' Computers use them to figure out what is happening."

Try This: Create a basic board game in which landing on spaces of different colors elicits different responses. "IF you land on blue, THEN move 2 spaces. IF you land on red, THEN lose a turn."

Parent Tip: Use daily decisions to support conditionals. "IF you finish your homework, THEN you can have screen time" helps children connect coding logic to real life!

5. Functions: Special Jobs for Code

Kid-Friendly Explanation: "A function is like a magic power button that does something different every time you press it. Instead of reminding you how to do each step each time, you just press the button!"

Try This: Make a "clean-up function" button (use an actual cardboard button, such as phone button). Pressing it is a special key sequence: "pick up toys, put books on shelf, push in chairs." This reinforces how functions break up multiple pieces of instruction into one simple directive.

How 98thPercentile Makes Coding Concepts Click

At 98thPercentile, we think children learn best by learning about the world around them through play. Our experienced instructors distill complex coding concepts into enjoyable lessons that ignite children's imagination. Through our innovative curriculum, we teach programming concepts using:

1. Interactive narratives that connect coding to kids' passions
2. Visual block-based coding before reverting to text
3. Actual-world projects with real-world outputs
4. Smaller class sizes that offer individualized attention

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Interesting Facts About Kids and Coding

1. Children who are taught coding concepts before the age of 10 possess stronger pattern recognition skills that enhance their math scores.
2. MIT scientists found that instructing code concepts with body movements (e.g., showing loops) enhanced memory by 40%.
3. The human mind learns visual programming blocks 60% quicker than text code, and therefore block coding is the optimum beginning for children.

FAQs

Ans: Not at all! It is possible to teach many coding concepts unplugged without screens by using movement, craft, and games that are relevant to early elementary students.

Ans: You don't need to know how to program! Start with the simple analogies and practices in this article, or enroll your child in 98thPercentile's introductory courses instructed by professionals.

Ans: Have your child repeat the concept in his own words. If he can say it to a stuffed animal, little brother, or sister, he's gotten it.

Ans: Research suggests girls and boys learn coding and each other, but they may be interested in other things first. Use your child's own interests when instructing.

Ans: Short, frequent repetition beats infrequent, long sessions. Try to find one coding concept explanation per week to fit into daily routines.

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