Many schools started giving coding lessons. We see kids developing programs at the age of 7. We all know coding is the tool to build the future, but how? We have 10 benefits to tell you about coding.
1- Learn computational thinking.
Computational thinking is one of the 21st century skills necessary. With coding, kids develop cognitive skills and learn how to solve a problem in a structured way like a computer. When they cannot find a solution for the problem, they change their pattern and try again like one does for a code that does not work properly. This way of thinking is important for kids to solve their daily problems or the problems they will face when they grow up. It serves practical ways to approach a problem and handle it.
2- Learn about logic.
The keystone of coding is the logical thinking procedure. Everything has a result and all results are driven by some reasons. For a desired outcome, logic formulates the procedures. All logical statements such as selection, iteration or conditions are included in this process.
3- Discover how things work.
Cause and effect relationship is an important concept to understand how many technologies work. Coding teaches kids this relationship and makes it easier for them to understand how to build such technologies. They can use cause and effect concepts for their own purposes in the future.
4- Learn to motivate yourself.
We all know that codes generally prefer not working at the first trial. You need to go over them in detail and fix the errors to see it work. Kids who discover this trial and error concept while coding are able to adopt this idea better in their lives. They do not give up. Instead, they work harder to understand what doesn’t work and try to fix it.
5- Build the future.
The future jobs will not be the same as the ones we have today. Most of the new jobs will require coding skills. Kids who are engaged with coding at the early ages will understand the future better. They will be the change makers who will build the future. The perspective they develop makes them the A+ talents desired from all the companies and institutions.
6- Think outside the box.
Kids can create projects beyond their imagination with coding. As long as you work on it hard, you can create anything from nothing. This learning encourages kids to go further with coding. This will also foster the overall progress of technology.
7- Exercise creativity.
Kids refer to technology as kind of a magic because it creates things in a fun way. When they spend time on their interests, they get a natural motivation to go further. Learning code increases their creativity span because it serves them infinite resources. Also, when they successfully make a project, they feel the happiness for accomplishment and it boosts their self-confidence.
8- Experience maths.
Coding is the application of all kinds of maths. Kids have the chance to practice what they learn at math classes while designing projects. Coding requires one to understand maths to a good level. Additionally, your math skills will develop a lot while practicing coding. Math expressions built into codes move the program forward.
9- Turn it into a profession.
If your kids are interested in coding, why not turn it into their future job. It is early to decide for them but it is nice to keep it in mind. Coding is one of the most demanded skills of the century. While everything goes digital, more and more coders are needed. Learning a programming language is like a golden ticket that might be kept for any future plan.
10- Discover lifelong passion.
Kids might like coding but not want it to be their full time job. Even in this case, knowing how to code is incredibly important. The future jobs regarding machine learning, data mining or robotics are all somehow related to concepts of programming. Kids who develop an understanding of coding will surely discover many more fields which may later turn into their lifelong passions.
We are preparing kids for jobs that do not exist yet. We are trying to develop them to solve the problems we do not know yet. According to many researchers and specialists, 21st century skills will bear high importance for future jobs and problems. If you wonder what these skills are, keep reading!
1- Critical Thinking
Critical problems need a critical thinking procedure to be solved. Kids who develop their perspective of approaching the problems this way will easily come up with alternatives. While observation is the starting point of critical thinking, analysis and interpretation are important follow up features. To think critically, they need to set a growth mindset where they develop their problem solving skills. When they get to the decision making part which is the end of this procedure, they will bring up the solutions that will change the world.
2- Creativity
Years ago, we couldn’ t have imagined that we were going to have high technology devices. So, we want our children to develop such technologies beyond our imagination now. The keystone of this process is to enhance their creativity. Kids should be encouraged to think and create freely. They should be able to bring life whatever they have in their minds. Any creative act is also a form of self-expression.
3- Collaboration
When kids take place in group activities, they learn a lot through collaboration. Especially in these early ages when they are open to inspiration, sharing with each other is critical. Every technology we see around us is a result of a collaborative work. When kids learn how to work with other people in the early ages, they develop an understanding of teamwork. A good team player can achieve the best surely with his team!
4- Communication
A good communication skill is essential for building relationships. Children have a need to be understood besides an urge to understand. This makes communication a fundamental skill for kids to develop. All the steps in life whether it is learning, playing or social interaction need at least minimum level communication. Kids should develop their communication skills in order to express their thoughts better.
5- Technology Literacy
Everything around us is evolving into some kind of digital format. In the 21st century, understanding how these technologies work is one of the most important skills. Kids should nurture themselves with an understanding of the digital world including robots, coding and many more. Because the future will surely be built upon these technological improvements, kids who are competent in these areas will be more successful. It is better to start learning how to code as early as possible. Or, let your kids break devices into pieces to understand how they work. Sorry for the mess!
6- Flexibility
Among all the essential skills, flexibility is the most comprehensive one. When kids are dedicated to a field, it is good that they develop in that area a lot. However, the future is going to be a world that constantly changes. This makes flexibility a golden skill that will help your little ones to adapt to any circumstance. The crises, breakthrough moments and drastic changes in technologies will get more frequent. Kids who can comprehend and react each and every incident easily will surely be the strongest. Teach your kids how not to fall in moments of change. Engage them with the concept of being ready for the future that is coming.
For years, pediatrics supported the idea that children should not be dealing with their computers or phones for more than 2 hours. With the strong integration of technology into our lives, these beliefs are about to change. Although these screens are a big part of kids’ learning, it is still an important responsibility of parents to ensure that their little ones do not grow dependent on these devices.
Problems with the screen time
Your kids cannot imagine a life without their phones, right? They were born into a world where they were directly exposed with any form of technology. The impact of these devices for learning and entertainment is undeniable. However, a poor quality screen time might have harms more than benefits for your kids’ growth:
Irregular sleeping schedule: Looking at screens for hours may cause severe sleeping problems including insomnia due to light emitted.
Obesity: Sedentary activities such as playing an online game for hours might be a cause of getting overweight.
Tendency to Violence: Many TV shows, video games and movies include violent elements. Children may learn through these and try to imitate such acts.
Trouble focusing: Kids might find it difficult to engage with real life activities after being exposed to unreal concepts.
Lack of communication: Kids may spend hours in front of their computer without speaking a word. This may lead to further problems about self expression in the future.
Why new screen time rules?
In a world where everything goes digital, it is impossible to ask kids to quit their phones. This digitalization procedure brings a more flexible approach for the screen time. Parents are encouraged to moderate their kids’ engagement with devices but they should not have strict restrictions as before.
American Association of Pediatrics(AAP) emphasizes that an overall embargo on technological devices is not necessary. Although the kids might be exposed to inappropriate content, there is an undeniable amount of educational content online. It is the parents’ job to make sure that kids get the right out of it.
What should be the approach?
How to set the limits for screen time depends a lot on kids’ maturity and age. Although it differs for each kid, we have several recommendations to ensure that your kids enjoy quality screen time:
Encourage educational content:
In the early ages, it is important to teach kids that the media available should be used for the good. It is fine to play games and enjoy your time but this should not be the main focus of screen time. Lots of educational content is available on apps and websites. For example, Twing App includes many activities related to arts, science, robotics and many more. Children can try experiments at home while inspiring each other on the platform safely.
Be a role model:
We all know kids imitate their parents. Make sure to set healthy limits for your own use of devices. Try to engage in physical activities or books to show them you are not dependent on your phone.
Engage with kids’ digital world:
Learn about their favorite activities online. Try to engage with their digital world by coming up with options that you can enjoy together on your devices.
Establish limits:
Kids might not be mature enough to set their limits and it is crucial to take the important steps before screens turn into an addiction. Recommend no screen times for dinner or car rides. Establish these rules as the whole family to engage kids better.
Turn mistakes into lifelong learnings:
Be prepared to see your child failing in handling their devices. Whether he logs into an inappropriate website or goes over the data limits, make him understand the lesson of the mistake.
Check their social media:
Social media can be challenging to handle for kids especially for younger ones. They might develop their communication skills as well as their confidence while expressing themselves online. However, make sure you have an idea of their accounts and what they share.
Take a day off:
You can consider a digital detox day or week. The family as a whole should accept to leave their phones, iPads and laptops aside for one day. You may come up with activities such as book discussions or box games to strengthen the family bonds. At the end of the day, do not forget to talk about how it made you feel to be away from the screens.
Although many jobs will disappear in the future, jobs centered around STEM are expected to get more demand. Thus, STEM learning starts to take a huge part in education both at school and at home. Besides being a composition of science, technology, engineering and maths, STEM resembles a rational growth mindset. We came up with 7 tips to incite passion in your little ones towards this interdisciplinary field.
1- Learn with experiments.
We all know seeing is a hundred times better than reading for learning procedure. In this case, experimenting and learning through experiment results is critical for kids. Whether they fail or succeed in the experiment, make sure they understand the principles behind it. Making connections with real life examples also enhances the active learning period. There are many resources online that you and your little ones can do together. You can grow your own bacteria or make your own lava lamp. You can take a look at Twing App for cool activities to do at home easily and start with your favorites!
2- Visit a museum together.
A trip to understand a historical event or how an invention was made is remarkable for every child’s learning period. Besides the informational service in museums, fun activities created for kids such as painting with Van Gogh or experiencing ancient times with VR encourage active learning. Do not forget to share what inspired you the most in the museum at the end of the trip.
3- Explore tech toys.
We all enjoy making our little ones happy with the toys they like. However, it is important that they develop themselves with these toys while having fun. Toys based on STEM are getting popular each day. The robotics sets or coding modules are available in many stores. Such toys enhance the curiosity of kids while also developing their motor skills. Twin Science Kits might be a good start for kids interested in robotic coding!
4- Learn about STEM role models.
Role models are the best teachers. They do not teach any lectures but their life lessons are inspiring. Discover such STEM role models with your kids and learn about their school life. Seeing that these amazing people such as Edison, Da Vinci from past or Elon Musk from today’s world were also kids once and they failed a lot in the journey that took them there. This way, they can engage with STEM concepts better. You can also encourage them to imagine themselves as the future STEM role models.
5- Go for a walk to discover nature.
There is an infinite amount of knowledge hidden in nature. How a plant grows or why an insect group follows each other are all amazing information for kids to discover. Go for a walk to discover what is around you in the closest park. Try to see the hidden beauties in the forests. Find insects from different families and give them your own names. See which plants prefer living together and understand the concept of mutual relationships in nature.
6- Make a DIY project every week.
21st century is proving that science and art are complements of each other. Da Vinci’s works such as golden ratio is one of the best examples of this great combination. The best way to discover this combination is to build DIY projects. Every week, design a project yourself whether it is about robotics or sewing. Make a quick research to find the best DIY projects that you are interested in and start this week!
7- Join STEM camps.
The best way to engage with STEM is to experience and share it with others. Many foundations organize camps that offer you a week full of STEM activities as well as funny games. Search for a camp that might appeal to your child’s interest areas and get ready to learn science in a collaborative environment. Kids inspire each other while developing their knowledge on related fields of science. It is much more engaging than reading about it on the Internet. Make sure he keeps a camp diary to take notes about every experience he has.
We all know those toys that are left under the couch for months or do not get out of the closet. For many parents, one of the concerns while purchasing a toy is to understand if their little ones will play with it over and over. Here we gathered toy gift options which we ensure will give your kids endless joy.
Toddlers (1-2 years)
The times when there is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered. For this age group, a smile, the first step and first words are milestones. The toys preferred for them should develop their such skills and keep them busy with colors and sounds.
Peg Board Set
Number Train
Stacking Rings
Plush Toys
Building Blocks
Count and Learn Jars
Music Band Set
Pre-School (3-4 years)
For preschoolers, keep it simple. Materials that encourage kids to develop their motor skills, language and also spark curiosity in their minds will mostly bear their attention. Another important criterion is the durability of the toys. Here are some examples:
Wooden Blocks
Brick Block Set
Trucks and Cars
Doll House
Puppets
Play Food, Pots and Pans
Doctor Set
Drum and Guitar
Wooden Threading Toys
Magna Tab
Dough Kit
Plush Toys
Grade School (5-7 years)
This age group is generally quite excited to imagine, create and learn. The toys picked for this age group should definitely leave some space for further creativity. We gathered some of them but we all know they see every material at home as a toy waiting to be discovered:
Yes, she is no longer a child! This age group is ready to take responsibilities while discovering their interests. The toys for them should meet their expectations. A little bit of challenge mixed with fun is the perfect match for them:
Today, teachers focus on growing kids with a social responsibility to build better futures. Twin is a great tool to integrate into your lectures in order to grow kids with a technology know how and an urge to solve world’s problems. How can you use Twin in classrooms? We came up with 5 tips for you to use Twin as a complementary tool for your ongoing curriculum.
Students love learning interesting facts about science. It would be great to learn about these facts in an exciting competition, wouldn’t be? STEM Quest Show is a Youtube show designed by Twin in collaboration with Creative Futures Imperial College London and Royal Academy of Engineering. The shows welcome students from all over the world. It is a one hour of science discussion with interesting and funny facts about science!
Twin Science Kits give kids the opportunity to design many projects from autonomous cars to robots, art projects to flashlights. Divide the classroom into groups and assign a project for each theme of the lecture. Students can develop their soft skills when they are part of a team. They will also learn a lot about science behind the daily technologies while having fun.
3- Recommend one activity from Twing App everyday.
Twing is a free application designed for kids to discover their talents. The app includes hundreds of experiments and teaches science in the funniest way. With 138 skill set and 6 different character journeys, kids can focus on their favorite fields from robotics to art. You can choose one experiment that fits your topic of the day and recommend your students to complete it. Do not forget to share your experiences in classroom!
4- Let your students design their own game with Twin Code Lab.
Coding might seem tough when you first meet. Twin Code Lab makes it easier for you with block coding experience. It is an online platform that students can use on their desktop. Its simplified features make it fun to learn programming step by step. With coding, students can design thousands of creative projects. You can divide the classroom into groups and ask each group to design their own games. Then, you can play these games all together.
5- Integrate 100 weeks Twin Robotic Curriculum to your lectures.
Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and many more… They look complicated at the beginning but actually they are very easy to develop. The Twin Robotic Curriculum aims to teach daily technologies with connections to daily life challenges. Geliştirdiğimiz Twin setleriyle uyumlu 100 weeks curriculum is compatible with Twin Science Kits. It engages students with basic engineering concepts besides a socially responsible mindset. Your students can upload their codes into Twin Coding Module and create infinite number of projects!
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