Since 2016, schools have been introducing children aged 6 and over to computer programming. Did you know? In our increasingly connected world, coding is becoming as important as reading, writing and arithmetic.
The aim: to interest them in algorithms and data encryption so that they understand more about the world around them.
So, if your 9-year-old niece takes an interest, discover the benefits of this new introduction, as well as several online resources. A chance to share your passion for the web with her.
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Like many countries such as Australia, Finland or England, France brought an introduction to “coding” into primary and middle school 5 years ago already. Called “algorithmics”, “digital fundamentals”, or else “code” or “computing”, this teaching is not intended to “turn all children into future IT specialists (…). As with mathematics, French or languages, where the skills are cross-disciplinary and essential in a great many professions, it has become clear that digital is present in every sector too”.
We have long been aware that learning a foreign language early is easier. The same logic applies to computer code. It has to be said that introducing children to programming brings them many benefits.
The benefits
Benefit #1: Coding is simply another language
Learning a new language allows a child to strengthen their verbal and written skills. Exposing them to different languages from an early age helps them to understand the world around them better. Coding has a language of its own. Teaching them the basics of code from an early age gives them the chance to understand better how new technologies work.
Benefit #2 Coding fosters creativity
Computer programming invites children to experiment, to test, to make mistakes, to start again, and therefore to be creative. Imagine your 12-year-old child in front of a game whose aim is to create a simulation of the Earth’s tides. Faced with this game, he will spend several tens of minutes trying to animate a moon orbiting the Earth through a series of commands. With each iteration and adjustment, he will get closer to his goal until he reaches it. These various tests will help him develop a creative mind.
Benefit #3 Coding helps children “like” maths
By coding, children develop their mathematics skills without even realising it. And all while having fun. They become familiar with addition and subtraction, then with multiplication. They learn to recognise different geometric shapes. And they are introduced to logic through playful exercises.
Benefit #4 And what about soft skills in all this
When a child learns code very early, it helps them develop soft skills that will be useful throughout their life: learning to solve problems, to think as a team, to develop critical thinking.
How can children learn to program?
There are many resources online or in the form of “physical games” to introduce your children. Here are several examples:
Online resources
Scratch
Scratch is the best way to learn logic and the basic principles of coding without any complicated syntax or development tool. It is a purely visual programming language, based on blocks. The user produces code from a toolbox and instruction blocks. Scratch works with any browser. There is no need to install it on your computer. And it has a ScratchJr app for iOS and Android.
To find out more: https://scratch.mit.edu/
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Microsoft MakeCode
Microsoft MakeCode is a free open-source platform for getting started and progressing in the world of programming. Available in French, it helps pupils and students discover the joys of programming, in particular by drawing on micro:bit, a small programmable computer, on Minecraft and with LEGO. Most MakeCode products require nothing more than a computer connected to the Internet. From a block editor (in the manner of Scratch) or a JavaScript editor, you can develop many of the projects presented on the platform and even Arcade games.
To find out more: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/makecode
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Small Basic
Small Basic is designed to bridge the gap between block-based coding languages such as Scratch and typed programming languages such as Python. By teaching the fundamental elements of syntax-based languages in an accessible way, Small Basic gives the skills and the confidence needed to tackle more complex programming languages such as Java and C#. You can also create applications for Kinect, Lego Mindstorm, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Oculus Rift and more using Small Basic.
To find out more: https://smallbasic-publicwebsite.azurewebsites.net/
CodeCombat
Python is frequently chosen as a first “real” programming language because of its simple, easy-to-read syntax. There are many ways to learn Python free of charge, but most are not accessible to the youngest learners. There is, however, a fantastic alternative: CodeCombat. By using the same interfaces and the same atmospheres as hit games on tablet or PC, CodeCombat starts by plunging its pupils into a familiar universe. And that already makes the first steps much easier! Each learning module takes the form of a new world to explore. In it the user plays a character who has to complete missions: through these missions, he becomes familiar, step by step, with syntax, methods, scripting, functions, customisation, html.
To find out more: https://codecombat.com/
Tynker
On the English-language learning platform Tynker, the emphasis is on passing on knowledge. Various paid courses are offered for this purpose and teach children programming with this graphical programming language. The development environment is also inspired by Scratch and can be used quite simply in a browser or as an app on a tablet. The basic features, moreover, are free. Tynker focuses on game development and animation, making it possible for example to create modifications and content for Minecraft.
To find out more: https://www.tynker.com/
“Physical” games / Robots
Cubetto
With Cubetto, little ones aged 3 to 6 effortlessly discover the first basics of robotics. This educational robot for nursery-school pupils has 2 wheels that let it move around on a play mat. A programming board communicates with the robot over Bluetooth: children have to place the right blocks on this board to bring Cubetto safely to its destination. Some blocks make it possible to create particular sequences: these are the “Function” blocks. This robot was inspired by the Montessori method.
To find out more: https://www.robot-advance.com/actualite-cubetto-le-robot-educatif-des-3-ans-144.htm
Osmo
Osmo is a game inspired by Montessori teaching, a learning method that draws on the child’s senses and creativity. Osmo is played on an iPad with physical blocks. Attach the plastic mirror (supplied) to the iPad lens and place your Apple tablet in portrait mode on a base (not supplied); that way your iOS device will “see” everything that is created. The reflective artificial intelligence technology does indeed make it possible to play with real objects while enjoying the power of an iPad. There are 3 other Osmo games; in Osmo Coding Awbie and Osmo coding duo, magnetic blocks have to be slotted together in front of the iPad. These blocks stand for actions (walk, change direction, jump, grab) that can be combined to guide Awbie. Children therefore end up creating more and more complex instructions. And in Coding Jam, they will have to compose pieces of music.
To find out more: https://www.robot-advance.com/art-osmo-numbers-kit-2017.htm
Robomaster S1
With the RoboMaster S1 educational remote-controlled robot, your children learn to code while deepening their knowledge of mathematics and science. Great fun, it looks like a 4×4, and it is fitted with 4 mecanum wheels and a two-axis mechanical gimbal for very precise rotation. It has 6 AI modules and 46 customisable components. Once assembled, RoboMaster S1 is able to recognise the sounds and gestures around it thanks to a suite of 31 on-board sensors and a 1080p HD FPV camera. Most of the features have to be coded manually using the Python and Scratch 3.0 languages. This is a tactile learning experience, which provides instant real-time feedback.
To find out more: https://www.dji.com/fr/robomaster-s1
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LittleBits Droid Kit
With the littleBits Droid kit, children and teenagers build their own Droid, personalise it and control it from a smartphone. They learn code and take their first steps in electronics. In this game, electronic blocks have to be dragged and dropped, their colours each representing an action. The purpose of this is to make programming the Droid easier. Beyond the code, the software includes detailed instructions for making it turn its head, record top-secret messages and even guide it with a wave of the hand.
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Bill Gates once said: “Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains”
“Learning to write programs stretches your mind and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things which, in my view, is useful in every domain”.
Admittedly, teaching children to code will not necessarily turn them into software developers, or into billionaires like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and plenty of others. That said, introducing them to computer languages will give them skills that are indispensable in our more and more hyperconnected world!
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