Coding from Kindergarten: Why Programming Is Important for Our Children

By 21st Century STEM Academy
“We all depend on technology to communicate, to bank, and none of us know how to read and write code. It’s important for [our] kids, right now… to read and write code. – will.i.am
Without a doubt, programming dictates the world we live in today. Almost everything we use on a daily basis, from our phones to our cars, run off some form of computing. Consequently, the demand for programming skills has never been higher. Yet surprisingly, few workers have developed the skills necessary to fill these demands. According to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, “Computer programmers are in great demand by American businesses, across the tech sector, banking, entertainment, you name it. These are some of the highest-paying jobs, but there are not enough graduates to fill these opportunities.” As difficult as it is to find high salary jobs in today’s market, one would believe that more upcoming graduates would focus on tailoring their skillset to these needs. Why is it that this is not the case?
A major contributor to this problem is the fact that most primary schools still do not teach programming. Most children are not exposed to coding until high school or even college, while subjects such as English, Art, History etc. are introduced in kindergarten- this allows children to explore their interests in these subjects from the beginning of their education, but never gives them this opportunity for programming. Additionally, the earlier a child is introduced to a skill or concept, the easier it is for them to master it. Studies have shown how children are much more likely to retain a foreign language learned in elementary school than high school; the language of coding is no exception.
It is critical we equip our children with the skills they need for success as early as possible. Not only does it better prepare them for high-demand job markets, but also develops problem-solving skills, digital competence, and other skills that are vital to success in any industry. This is why at 21st Century STEM Academy, we incorporate fun, engaging programming activities as early as kindergarten, ranging from robotics, 3D printing, and simulations. Visit our website at www.21stcenturystem.academy to learn more about how we’re preparing children to thrive in the modern economy.