Someone had recently posted a link on Twitter that stated something about not teaching kids to code because it will be obsolete. The theory was that everything would be done by computers so no one would need to know how to code.

While it may not be necessary to teach a child specific coding languages, they should still know the concept of coding.

When students learn to code, they are learning complex mathematical skills and terms at a young age. How many four and five year olds are actively stating that they are creating algorithms when adding? But, if you teach them that term when coding, they most certainly will! The same is true for other concepts and terminology like variables and conditionals. I know because I have seen it happen time and again.

Beyond the math skills and concepts, the scientific process is in play. Kids are hypothesizing, testing, and revising over and over again. Without complaint. They are doing it because they are thoroughly engaged in the process of coding!

Let’s not forget about those all important life skills: perseverance, resilience, grit. Young children who may get easily frustrated and quickly give up with other academic concepts and skills will stick it out with coding. They will ask each other for help. They will try again. I have yet to see a young child quit coding.

I honestly can’t say it better than this man, so I will let him have the last word.