Why kids should code and how you - yes, you, mum & dad! - can learn with them

In today's fast-paced world, it’s never too early for kids to get started on some coding skills. Read on to find out how you can ignite your child’s pursuit in learning digital technology and how to make it easy, fun, and an activity for the whole family!

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We are constantly surrounded by technology wherever we go. Whether we’re on our mobile phones hooked on the latest apps or catching up on news on our tablets while taking the train to work, we can’t do without tech in many facets of our daily lives.

But have you ever thought of not just being a consumer? Did you ever want to take part in making the digital magic happen?

Many of our kids do. In fact, schools nowadays deem tech knowledge and skills as integral parts of their curriculum — for their students to be equipped for a future that’s already looking to move in hyper-speed.

And when your child takes a keen interest in a certain field of tech, you’d of course want to give him the extra resources to spur that curiosity on, opportunities beyond what the school provides.

Find out how you can give your child that edge AND get to bond with him in the process! But first, let’s find out:

Why kids should code

It’s never too early to equip children with digital knowledge and skills. In the words of Bill Gates, “Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains.”

A child’s mind is like a sponge absorbing information and using new technologies easily becomes second nature. Early exposure to tech skills such as coding, electronics, and animation, teaches children problem solving.

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It also encourages them to be creative, think critically and logically – all making for relevant skills in their future careers. Plus, kids are empowered to express themselves in really cool ways.

Learn together

Introducing these skills to your children can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with it. Before you send them away for boot camps or workshops, kickstart your child’s interest right at home with the new Dummies Junior series on Kids’ Tech!

Suitable for kids from ages 7 to 15 years old, these guidebooks are great for teaching the fundamentals of digital knowledge such as coding and Javascript, in the comfort of your own home.

Doesn’t this sound like a great bonding session for the family? Exploring new territories in the digital world will definitely make for an interesting time for both parents and tots.

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Read on to see the full Dummies Junior digital knowledge series…

The basics: for kids from 7-11 years old

Complex information comes to life via easy-to-understand instructions in this series of Dummies Junior books, thus making the learning journey a light-hearted and enjoyable one for parents and kids.

We repeat mums and dads, it’s easy enough for children of 7-11 to understand, so there’s no need to be afraid of jargon or highfaluting concepts. These books are filled with eye-catching graphics and step-by-step instructions on the various topics covered, such as the basics of coding, making YouTube videos, and designing digital games.

Dummies Junior books guide and transform the youngest of readers from being passive consumers of technology to ones who are empowered by digital literacy. Other than picking up core theories, children are also encouraged to be innovative by applying what they have learnt through fun and bite-sized projects and games.

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Soon, parents as well as children will feel a great sense of accomplishment by creating games and apps with the help of these kid-friendly guides.

Click on the book covers to find out more:

Advanced: for kids from 11-15 years old

Keen to pique your tweenager’s interest in coding but it is not offered in school? With the help of the For Kids For Dummies series, your child will be armed with a whole suite of technology skills in no time.

On top of propelling pre-teens and early teens into the cool world of coding, this handy book series also expands their creative toolbox and technology skills at the same time.

Drawing from expert advice and the solid experience of book authors, these guidebooks are jam-packed with core concepts and simple examples to inspire creativity. Young learners will soon be adept at finding innovative solutions and be engaged in fun projects along the way, including one that will definitely excite Minecraft enthusiasts.

Kids learn best when they’re having fun. No experience required, just an open and inquisitive mind!

Check out this series by clicking on the book covers:

For more information on Dummies Junior series on Kids’ Tech, click here!

From September to December 2016, there will be in store promotions for all Dummies books at bookstores across Asia, including Singapore.

Just for our readers!
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Get 20% off any copy of Dummies Junior book by providing this promotional code during checkout: JNR20.

Terms and conditions apply.1

Wiley is also giving 1 lucky winner a Resorts World Sentosa gift voucher worth $100 and awarding 4 other winners with $50 Popular Bookstore voucher each.

Here’s what you have to do:

  1. Share this article on your Facebook wall
  2. Hashtag #techskillsforkids
  3. Like this Facebook page: facebook.com/learningmadeeasyasia

Contest ends 28 October 2016. Remember to set your post to public so we can view it.

Winners will be notified via Facebook messaging for their contact details on 31 October 2016.

1Promotional code is valid from 5 October 2016 – 30 November 2016.
Only valid for print book, not valid for ebook.
Promotion is not to be used on top of other ongoing promotional campaigns.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.

Written by

Nicole Chng