Coding For Kids
Coding for Kids
Coding, once an abstract concept, is now today’s most practical skill.
Computer code acts as a translator between humans and machines. In our digital world, the need for workers who can write reliable, error-free code has never been greater.
Learning to code for kids, though, can be intimidating. That’s because so much of it looks like gibberish; an odd mix of words, numbers, symbols, and parentheses!
Yet, behind the weird syntax, exists a cool logic. Computers respond to conditional statements (“if this, then that”). The statements must be written using binary numbers (0,1). Using two digits to express the full range of text possibilities makes for long, bulky strings of code. Humans, even the smartest ones, find reading and writing in binary… exhausting.
That’s why higher-level programming languages were created; to make it easier for coders to work building and maintaining software programs and applications.
And that brings us to the purpose of coding. Coding is about solving problems—real world problems—using logic and syntax. Coding has expanded beyond the traditional IT department. Nowadays many organizations, especially those in STEM, expect their workers to be coding literate.
The good news is that anyone, even kids, can learn to code. If you can think, you can code. (The articles below include non-screen, “precoding” activities for young kids.)
These coding products and coding toys are designed to educate and entertain. Choose one for yourself or give one as a gift. Check back often because there's more coding creations on their way!
Intermediate
These STEM kits teach kids programming skills and concepts. Kit functionality ranges from block coding to using actual languages like Python and JavaScript. Computer programming for kids has never been this sophisticated!
From the HST Learning Center
What is computer coding?
How to learn computer coding?
What programming language should you learn?
Advanced
When teaching kids to code, it’s important that they understand the link between computer hardware and computer software. These STEM kits bring the concept alive! Kids and teenagers can read schematic drawings, build a robot, and program commands in both PBASIC and C (the most common programming language for writing operating systems).
Great bot kit!
The bristle bot was awesome to build. Can't wait to build the art bot.
Lekecha H
Spectacular!
I loved doing this for my project!! It was super fun to do!!! I will keep it forever! Be aware, it is Very powerful!
Lizette H.
Arduino nano awesome!
This kit is quite good and very well rounded but the only problem is that it can get mistaken for a bomb.
Hildred H.