Coding is very beneficial for a developing mind as it teaches essential cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. However, getting started in coding can be difficult for a child as they encounter some complex new concepts. 

One of the best ways to keep kids engaged and motivated as they make their first steps in coding is by introducing them to block coding. 

This type of coding is easy for kids to comprehend, will keep them interested, and will help them develop analytical coding skills.

What is block coding?

In a nutshell, there are two main types of coding: text-based coding and block-based coding.

Text-based coding refers to the process of writing lines of code as instructions for the computer to perform specific tasks. This type of coding requires you to learn specific programming language rules - a.k.a syntax.

Block-based coding, on the other hand, is a method that doesn’t require knowledge of the programming languages and syntaxes. With block-coding, computer programs are built simply by dragging and dropping block puzzles that represent complex programming commands. 

These blocks contain actual code, and each can perform different operational functions.

This enables kids to learn coding by playing with the blocks and organizing them in imaginative ways to create custom animations, games, etc.

What are the advantages of block coding for kids?

While learning text-based programming is important for any future software developer, it can be a daunting task for a total beginner, especially a child.
 

Therefore, the main advantage of introducing block-based coding to kids is that this method doesn’t require a knowledge of programming languages and syntaxes. Essentially, block-based coding turns a complex programming process into a fun and educative drag-and-drop game.

In addition to that, most block coding interfaces are visually appealing and colorful, making them a children-friendly learning tool. This is an excellent way of getting kids interested, engaged, and motivated as they tackle their first coding concepts. 

How to get started with block coding? 

Due to its simplicity, block coding can be introduced to children at an age as early as five years old. There are multiple websites and apps that kids can use, most notably Scratch & Scratch Jr. 

Code.org is another valuable source of education as it includes interactive tutorials and projects sorted in categories for ages below 5, between 6 and 12, and above 12.

At CircuitMess, we have also developed our own block-coding interface - CircuitBlocks. It’s based on Microsoft’s MakeCode and PXT-Blockly and it presents the user with a slick Scratch-like interface in which they connect logic blocks to generate code for their CircuitMess device.

Once you learn about electronic components by assembling one of our DIY gadgets, CircuitBlocks is the perfect platform for coding your custom functions, apps & games into those devices.