Why Introduce Children to Computers From Kindergarten
Those who know me are not supposed to be unaware that before becoming a primary school teacher, I worked in another profession for 15 years, that of a computer engineer. I have always really liked logic, solving problems and computer technologies have fascinated me.
This passion also allowed me to satisfy my creative side: I love thinking about how to build a program from start to finish. Having become a teacher, I did not abandon this passion.
In class, I carried out projects with my students: animated films, programming workshops with Scratch, etc. I realized that this often fascinated the students and that they were generally very curious and enthusiastic about this type of project.
At a time when screens are invading us, in the era of hyper-connection, the problem of the place of computing in schools particularly among the youngest arises.
Table of Contents
Why is it important to be interested in computer science education from a young age?
According to Aark Learnings, This is important for several reasons.
First of all, nowadays, we all use IT tools in our daily lives: smartphones, tablets, televisions, and computers have invaded homes. These tools assist us, help us, and sometimes make decisions for us.
The invention of GPS has put an end to road maps but also to arguments between couples because we have been driving around the block 12 times.
Noting the omnipresence of new technologies in our daily lives, all ages need to understand how these tools work to become “enlightened users”.
That is to say, it is essential that we understand IT tools and that we decide how to use them, and why we use them. This doesn’t mean that everyone is going to become a developer tomorrow.
It’s not because we are taught from kindergarten to first grade that everyone becomes a journalist.
Learning to code from a young age means learning to understand how the world around us works, and what computing can be used for in other fields such as medicine, finance, and agriculture.
It also means learning to structure your thinking and learning logic to be able to ask the right questions.
What is the place of computer science education at school?
Since the new primary school programs of 2018, digital teaching has become an integral part of the common core skills.
Thus, digital skills are present and encouraged in all subjects: writing electronic messages in English, programming the movements of a robot in mathematics, and artistic practices around fixed or animated images in plastic arts.
We thus see that the school’s programs encourage learning to use digital tools but also computer coding. For kindergarten, for example, it is written in the programs :
Using digital tools
From a very young age, children are in contact with new technologies. The role of the school is to give them benchmarks to understand their usefulness and start using them appropriately (digital tablet, computer, digital camera, etc.).
Targeted research, via the Internet, is carried out and commented on by the teacher. Class or school projects that induce relationships with other children promote distance communication experiences.
The teacher discusses with the children the idea of a networked world that can make it possible to speak to other people who are sometimes very far away.
Learn to code without a screen
According to the 3-6-9-12 association, before the age of 3, a child needs to discover his sensorialities and landmarks with his parents.
At this age, the use of screens is prohibited. From 3 to 6 years old, the use of screens must be limited and must be shared with the family. But we can introduce children from the age of 3 to computer coding without using a screen.
Learning to code at this age means handling concepts that are quite complex but in a very simple way. Thus, a simple sticker workshop can be transformed into an introduction to binary thinking.
An apprenticeship in rigor
Other educational virtues of this introduction to coding “it allows them to develop their creativity, work in a team, and set up a project, like the creation of a video game.
This coding training also allows children to become more immersed in reality “For these digital natives, it is essential to know that behind their video games, there is a technique, the programming of a governed language by a developer,” she believes.
Perhaps spark future vocations
These introductions to programming also help to fight against sexist stereotypes: “Girls discover computing and understand that they are as capable as boys in this field”.
These training courses can even allow certain students to reveal themselves: “Children who do not excel academically regain self-confidence, for example when they succeeded in building a small video game during a workshop”.
An example of an activity is “Code your drawing”: the adult indicates to the children a series of instructions in the form of images like an algorithm to produce a drawing.
Or the “my binary drawings” activity: a grid includes 0s and 1s (binary coding) and the children must stick squares of black paper on the 1s to then create a drawing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, introducing children to computers from kindergarten is crucial in today’s tech-dominated world. Beyond just using devices, early exposure to coding fosters logical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
It cultivates a generation of empowered users who understand and control the technology around them. Moreover, it breaks gender stereotypes and may spark unforeseen talents, preparing children for a future where digital literacy is indispensable.
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