With the development of technology, programming learning is also a global trend, and the craze for programming learning in China is growing. More and more parents are starting to expose their children to programming. In recent years, many parents have signed up their children for children’s programming. Many parents know that learning programming is of great benefit to their children, but they do not know exactly what the specific role of programming is. We know that the future is the era of artificial intelligence, and the emergence of artificial intelligence will replace most occupations in today’s society. The best way not to be replaced is to become the creator of artificial intelligence, and the foundation of artificial intelligence is programming. The Finnish Minister of Education said: "In the future, if your child understands programming, he is the creator of the future world; if he doesn’t, he is just a user." Programming ability is so important. Where exactly does its importance lie? What benefits can it bring to children? Then next, I will share these ten benefits for you:
- Programming improves academic performance
Improves mathematics grades: Many children find learning mathematics difficult and boring. This is because mathematics is a subject that uses symbolic language to study concepts such as quantity, structure, change, and spatial models. It is abstract and tests children’s logical reasoning ability as well as the meticulousness of their thinking. Programming often helps children visualize abstract concepts, allowing them to apply mathematics to the real world and making mathematics interesting and creative.
-
Programming improves writing ability
Improves writing ability: In the process of writing code, flowcharts are essential. Children need to form a process framework in their minds in advance. The process of summarizing complex article content into a clear flowchart greatly exercises children’s abstract summarization ability. Through long-term reading accumulation, children summarize the reading content and sort out the writing framework in advance when writing, thereby improving their writing ability. - Programming improves creativity
Improves creativity: Divergent thinking is the most important thinking for a creator. Divergent thinking is the ability to derive multiple answers through one or several known conditions, also known as unconventional thinking. This ability can be exercised and systematically trained. Through experimental learning, children strengthen their brain’s unconventional thinking when coding, enabling them to embrace their creativity.
-
Programming builds self-confidence
Builds self-confidence: During the programming process, children will constantly encounter problems. When encountering problems, they will solve them by seeking methods and external help. Children not only improve their problem-solving ability in this process but also play a significant role in building self-confidence. -
Programming changes focus and meticulousness
Cultivates focus and meticulousness: When children need to write more complex code, they will naturally increase their attention to prevent errors and omissions. Because even a missing symbol in programming can cause the program to fail to run, children must maintain a high level of focus and carefully check to avoid carelessness causing mistakes. -
Programming enhances teamwork
Enhances teamwork ability: One person’s ability is limited. Only by working together can goals be better achieved. Children collaborate and help each other, enhancing friendship in interaction and learning how to use the power of the team to solve problems. -
Programming improves communication skills
Enhances communication skills: Learning programming is undoubtedly important for children in terms of communication. They need to conduct logical communication through coding and express their thoughts and problems. This process can enhance children’s oral expression ability and writing skills. -
Programming paves the way for the future
Prepares for the college entrance examination in advance: In 2017, programming was officially upgraded to a college entrance examination subject in Zhejiang, Shandong and other places. In 2018, questions covering programming thinking appeared in the Jiangsu college entrance examination papers. In addition, children who are good at programming can enjoy reduced admission scores from key universities or interview qualifications for independent admissions. - Programming masters life skills
Life skills: Can learning English really make one a translator? The answer is no. Learning computers is not to become a typist either. Learning English is only because it is a necessary language to access the world, and learning computer operations is also because it is a necessary skill to master at work. Therefore, learning programming is not to become a programmer but to master one of the most basic life skills in the future.