Coding, or the ability to program, is an important tool to prepare children for the future. It is not just about teaching children how to build apps or games, but helping them develop a series of transversal skills that will make them better prepared to face the world of work and everyday life.
Developing the skills of the future
Developing coding skills from an early age goes well beyond the acquisition of a technical skill. In fact, coding helps build a series of soft skills that are essential in an increasingly complex and technological world. These include logical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration. These are qualities that not only promote personal development, but that will be essential in the future work context, where jobs are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary and digitalized.
According to the World Economic Forum, skills such as complex problem-solving, creativity and collaboration are among the most important for the labor market. In particular, digital literacy and understanding emerging technologies, such as programming, become essential to address the transformations driven by automation and artificial intelligence.
Coding and computational thinking
Coding is a useful tool to promote the development of computational thinking. Computational thinking is a mental process that allows you to solve problems of various kinds by following specific methods and tools chosen based on a planned strategy.
Computational thinking includes four main steps:
- Decomposition, or breaking down a problem into more simple parts;
- Pattern recognition, or identifying similarities and differences between problems;
- Abstraction, which involves ignoring irrelevant details to focus on the fundamental aspects;
- Algorithm design, or creating a sequence of instructions to solve the problem.
Computational thinking also supports learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Children and young people who practice coding learn to think like scientists, following a method that allows them to formulate hypotheses, test solutions and iterate until they reach the desired result. This type of learning develops the ability to think critically and approach problems objectively and rationally.
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Creativity, self-esteem and teamwork
When children learn to code, they gain the ability to create something completely new. Whether it is a game, an application or an animation, programming gives them the tools to express their creativity in innovative ways. Experimenting with coding allows them to give shape to their ideas and develop an attitude of discovery and innovation.
Added to this is one of the most rewarding aspects of coding: problem solving. Children who learn to code are often faced with technical challenges that they must solve. Every small success increases their self-confidence and motivates them to continue exploring, improving and growing. This ability to overcome obstacles will also help them in their personal and school lives.
Again, although it may seem like an individual activity, programming often requires collaboration. Children learn to work in teams, share ideas and communicate effectively to achieve a common goal. Teamwork is one of the most sought-after skills in the professional world, and coding offers a natural environment in which to experiment with it.
Programming at Kinder International School Bologna
Kinder International School Bologna integrates coding into its educational curriculum through workshops and targeted activities from childhood. The school, in an increasingly digital world, aims to make children not only consumers of technology, but also creators, ready to face future challenges with confidence and competence. Kinder’s mission is to create a dynamic learning environment in which children can explore the world of programming in an engaging and stimulating way.
Want to know more? We look forward to seeing you for a guided tour.
