Computer science isn’t just the future for our children; it’s the present.
Physical textbooks, DVDs, and CDs are becoming obsolete as our society becomes less patient and more technologically advanced. Why take the time to grab a DVD and mess with a DVD player when you can pull Netflix up with the push of a button?
When Covid-19 shook our world, it opened our eyes to how much time and money we can save by ditching in-person work and physical supplies and replacing them with remote work and digital supplies. Computer science and literacy are as necessary for this day as anything.
Applying computer science-related practices to early childhood education helps educators to extend what they are doing in the classroom. It supports play-based pedagogy, which is well-suited for early childhood education. Computer science is a great way to guide young learners in noticing, naming, and recognizing how computing shapes their world. Computer science is well-designed for early childhood education and offers an environment where children combine knowledge and playing, making learning an enjoyable experience for them. Here are five advantages of teaching computer science to young learners.
1. Children Excel Through Social-Emotional Learning
Aristotle said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Believe it or not, social-emotional learning and computer science are interconnected. Social-emotional learning (SEL) represents how children develop vital self-awareness, self-control, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence. The result of SEL is empathetic and self-aware children who can build positive relationships and be successful in school, work, and daily life.
Kids immersed in computer science, robotics, and other STEM projects work on their computational thinking. This level of thinking cultivates the necessary skills for recognizing patterns and finding solutions to coding issues. It also aids in navigating social and emotional situations.
Computer science also requires teamwork in which different team members can share and listen to one another’s ideas to create the best product. This type of learning sets a solid foundation for social and emotional skills vital for daily and professional success.
2. Children Get Exposure to our Global Landscape
Thanks to the pandemic, our world is more digitized than ever. It was fascinating how schools, businesses, and everything else transitioned to online platforms. Those who were not as tech savvy were scrambling to learn the computer skills needed to stay afloat. On the other hand, Millennials and Gen Zs with above-par computer literacy didn’t skip a beat.
The pivot toward tech showed us all how vital computer science is for our children if they hope to navigate this ever-changing world. We learned that even the youngest of kids could master tech skills. If we can capitalize on this aptitude, we can give kids an edge for when they enter the workforce.
Computer science is a part of our global landscape whether we like it or not. Our society lives and breathes technology, and while there are concerns about kids misusing technology, we can set healthy boundaries while giving kids the tools they need to use computers in positive, productive ways.
3. Children Develop Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving is one of the most important skills a child will gain through computer science. Computer science encourages children to find solutions to their problems independently. When learning programming and computational thinking, their minds practice thinking logically, breaking down a problem, and then tackling it piece by piece. This pattern can be applied to other aspects of life.
In addition, children who may otherwise have anxiety under pressure learn how to think on their feet and visualize a solution. These are vital skills for those who may go into high-pressure jobs.
4. Children Learn Self-Awareness and Self-Management
Self-aware children can effectively process their thoughts and emotions, which shows maturity. Self-aware people are efficient at determining their strengths, weaknesses, and personal interests.
Computer science helps students to develop self-awareness. Coding requires trial and error and lots of debugging. We can encourage children to develop self-awareness by reinforcing a problem-solving mindset that continually strives for growth.
Computer-related tasks give way to reflection and emotion identification as kids decide what went well and what didn’t and figure out how to stay calm and try again. They become resilient, independent thinkers who are not afraid to face problems head-on.
And if kids think coding isn’t for them, you can find all kinds of ways to intertwine it with their hobbies and interests to make it relevant. Whether your child loves dinosaurs or fast cars or cooking, there’s a coding project for that!
5. Children Learn the Importance of Sequencing
Sequencing shows up in all aspects of life. It allows us to organize our homes and triage work in the office. It helps us become better at math as we learn to process different sequences of numbers. It helps us excel in English, as we learn to organize our thoughts for compelling communications.
Sequencing is at the heart of computer science and prepares students to master this important skill. As children learn to program computers, they must use sequencing to convey precise and complex instructions. This sequencing mentality will carry over to other arenas of life.
Whether your child is enrolled in an online virtual school or an in-person private school in Atlanta, computer science classes will equip them for their future and give them the necessary skills for this digital and ever-changing world.
Parents who keep their children away from technology may unintentionally do them a big disservice. Computer science will only get more and more complex and more and more necessary. Your child is going to cross paths with technology one way or another; why not get them started early on to help them excel?
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Computer science is more important than ever. Early school educators can expand their lessons by incorporating computer science-related practices. It promotes play-based teaching, ideal for early childhood education. There is a connection between computer science and socio-emotional development. Children have a competitive advantage of this aptitude as they grow older.
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