Coding is a useful skill for many career paths, like web development, cybersecurity, and software engineering. It is also a valuable skill for many other fields. Children and older learners who practice coding can develop many skills, including the following:

  1. Self-directed learning – With so many resources available online for free, anyone with a computer and internet connection (or access to the Library!) can start learning to code. 
  2. Problem-solving – Coders learn how to adjust and readjust their code until it works. They discover how to break their code into blocks to find problems, a process called decomposition, and identify the correct sequence and syntax to accomplish their goals. 
  3. Creativity, especially in a digital context – With coding, you can learn to build apps, software, automations, websites, and games, and like many other hobbies, the more you do it, the more you will see the digital possibilities.
  4. Computational thinking – Computational thinking, as defined by the University of York, “encourages people to approach any problem in a systematic manner, and to develop and articulate solutions in terms that are simple enough to be executed by a computer – or another person.” This is a key skill for developing digital literacy and communication strategies.
  5. Logical reasoning – Coding hones logical reasoning skills with abstract thinking. Since coding involves working with variables, loops, and conditionals, coders work to understand complex concepts that may not be connected to the concrete.

If your child is looking to get started with coding this summer, Amanda Straup, a programmer with over 20 years of experience in web development, will be leading us on some Coding Adventures in JavaScript on July 16-18. JavaScript is one of the most popular and easily accessible languages used for websites and apps today. 

The beginner level coding, recommended for grades 3-5 will be at 5 p.m., and the intermediate level coding, recommended for grades 6-12 will be at 6 p.m. Registration is limited and required for the Coding Adventures. Click the links to register!

More resources to start learning coding on your own:

To learn more about the benefits of coding, check out this article from the University of Texas at Austin.