Coding in pre-primary: Why it Is the need of the hour
Did you know that 100-plus jobs will go extinct by 2030? I have gone through plenty of articles and online videos that talk on this subject.
A significant reason is the infectious growth of technologies like artificial intelligence. So, what does it tell you about the job market in the future? The learners need to invest in data analytics, robotics, 3D printing, and other such latest technologies to thrive professionally. And, the journey begins at a tender of 4-5 years.
Surprised?
?
Let me explain this in detail.
We are all aware of the fact that children absorb information like a sponge when they are young. The entire world around them is like a 24/7 school. During this period, teaching them skills like coding can be fruitful for life.
Don’t think that coding means they have to write long, scary codes on the screen. It merely means controlling a colourful robot by giving a set of instructions.
It’s the mindset of a programmer we are talking about. As a kid grows a little older, he/she automatically gravitates towards serious programming. This is conducive to creating something phenomenal. Take the examples of renowned programmers, and you will realize that their love for coding was germinated at an early age (Bill Gates is one of them).
The next phase in coding is visual programming. It involves the use of a visual environment consisting of pre-programmed blocks to create a code. The focus is on helping them understand the concepts like loops, something inevitable in every form of coding.
When a student learns to code in such a sequential manner, the learning programming language doesn’t look like a tough nut to crack. He/she will start considering something that gives happiness. And this is how passions are formed.
Scope of practice
Another reason why coding at such an early age is crucial is, it gives the scope of much practice. One needs to practice for around 10,000 hours to become a whiz of a particular skill. This is what Malcolm Gladwell has mentioned in his bestseller Outliers. He gave examples of Bill Gates and the Beatles to explain this rule. Imagine if your child starts coding at 3 or 4 years of age, he/she will get ample time to practice. By the time he crosses 20, the chances of becoming successful will be magnified. Of course, he/she must possess the right set of educational resources to do so. This highlights the importance of choosing appropriate coding toys for your kid.
This led to the inception of Our STEM Box
After realizing the role of coding at an early age, our team at Robotech started researching products that teach this skill to the kids. The research included interaction with top brands globally. This was one of the drivers that led to the launch of our portal, Our STEM Box. The parents and students can now choose multiple coding bots and kits from an array of options. We keep on adding new kits and resources that precisely match the needs of young learners. We always welcome suggestions from educators and parents on how we can make the portal more efficient.