In the past year, school closures and remote learning were a common tool in the battle against COVID-19. As a parent, I’ve often worried about what these school closures mean for my children’s learning.
So far, the data related to COVID learning loss is not looking good.
COVID Learning Loss is Real
Data analyzed by McKinsey & Company concluded that children have lost at least one and a half months of reading, with students of color faring worse.
After a year of school closings and distance learning amid the coronavirus crisis, more than half of public school K-12 teachers said the pandemic resulted in a “significant” learning loss for students, both academically and from a social-emotional standpoint, according to a report by Horace Mann.
In one study of students in The Netherlands, students lost the equivalent of one-fifth of a school year’s worth of learning (or 3 percentage points) when compared to the same growth from previous years due to just an eight-week lockdown. We all know our kids were learning online much longer than that.
The Netherlands is an interesting case to note because it is considered a “best case” scenario, given the relatively short lockdown (8 weeks), an equitable system of school funding, and the world’s highest rate of broadband access.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
A Better Way to Combat COVID Learning Loss
The data reflects how the pandemic has seriously disrupted schooling at a critical time for children when they are learning basic reading and math skills. It makes sense that a lot of kids are now missing some of those basic problem-solving, reading, and math skills that are typically developed in a classroom setting.
It’s also led to parents and teachers alike asking about how we can improve education moving forward to help students not just memorize basic math and grammar facts, but how to think to solve complex problems. These are the skills children will need for their future careers, no matter if they choose careers in technology, health care, or other fields.
Coding is the New Literacy
If we want to set our children up for success in the future, every child should learn to code.
Computer programming for kids has many benefits that stretch beyond the computer screen. Children can grow their math and reading skills while coding without even realizing it. Using their logic and calculation skills while creating something of their own can make math more engaging and fun.
Coding Teaches Kids How to Think
Coding requires logical thinking and teaches children how to tackle complex problems by breaking them down into smaller problems that are easier to manage and solve.
This process is called decomposition and can also grow into a vital life skill, even if the child never becomes a professional computer programmer or software engineer. They will benefit from learning to think this way.
Coding Teaches Creativity
Coding also allows children to be creators. After all, coding is all about creating something new. How cool would it be to not just play video games all summer but to build your own video game?
With code, kids can create projects they love. By learning to code, kids learn to maximize their creativity and learn how to come up with their own ideas in order to solve their problems. This is an essential skill that stretches far beyond a computer.
From problem-solving skills, job opportunities, critical thinking, and creativity, there are so many reasons children should learn computer programming.
As you can see, the benefits of coding for children go well beyond learning how to program a computer. Learning to code gives them an advantage and is a highly valued skill that can help children throughout their lives.
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Programs available at a Code Ninjas location near you:
Code Ninjas Camps:Transform your child's love for technology into an exciting learning adventure.
Code Ninjas JR: Children ages 5-7 learn coding concepts through creative, playful, and exploratory activities.
Code Ninjas Create: Designed for ages 7-14, this program teaches a variety of coding languages. Track your ninja's progress through the entire process on the path from white to black belt.
Parents' Night Out: You deserve a night on the town! Drop off your kids at Code Ninjas, where they'll play games, assemble puzzles, build robotics, and more!
Birthday Parties: Celebrate your child’s birthday ninja-style. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on having a great time.
