While reading, writing, and arithmetic remain foundational, digital literacy — the ability to understand, use, and create technology — is quickly becoming equally essential. Coding, often seen as a complex skill reserved for experts, is emerging as a critical aspect of this new literacy. As classrooms shift from whiteboards and pens in order to integrate digital tools and resources, coding has become a powerful tool for students, not only preparing them for future careers but also equipping them with essential problem-solving skills and the confidence to thrive in a tech-driven world.
Over the past two decades, technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives. From smartphones to online shopping, our world is increasingly digital. For kids growing up in this era, a strong foundation in digital literacy can set them up for success in a society where technology and data shape everything from careers to social interactions. Coding, which is the process of giving computers instructions, is at the heart of digital literacy. It enables students to move beyond merely consuming technology to understanding and creating with it.
As such, coding for kids has evolved into a vital skill for today’s students.
For many parents and educators, coding might seem intimidating, but learning to code doesn’t mean mastering complex algorithms immediately. Students start with accessible, beginner-friendly platforms like MakeCode from micro:bit, which is compatible with Stawbees kits and introduces coding concepts through a simple drag-and-drop process. These tools make coding enjoyable and accessible, laying the groundwork for more advanced coding skills as students grow.
While coding is often associated with computers and software, its benefits go far beyond the technical. Coding encourages kids to break down complex problems, approach tasks with patience and determination, and develop creativity in ways that other subjects rarely offer. These skills translate well into everyday life and are valuable no matter the chosen future career path.
Problem-Solving Skills: Coding is, at its core, about solving problems. Kids learn to think logically and systematically as they tackle challenges like debugging errors or completing coding tasks. They break down larger issues into smaller parts, approach problems from different angles, and persist until they find solutions. These skills build resilience and an analytical mindset that applies to almost any field.
Critical Thinking: Coding encourages critical thinking because it requires students to anticipate potential problems and evaluate the best approaches. For instance, creating a simple program requires a sequence of instructions that must be logically sound and interconnected. Critical thinking nurtured through coding helps students approach complex issues with caution and strategy.
Creativity: Coding is not purely technical — it can also be a creative outlet. When kids learn to code, they have the power to bring ideas to life, whether it’s a story-driven game, an animation, or a robotic project. They explore, experiment, and, in the process, gain confidence in their ability to create and innovate. This “creative coding” allows kids to take ownership of their projects and develop unique solutions to problems.
Adaptability: Coding teaches kids that failure is part of the process, similar to the principles behind Strawbees. Programs rarely work perfectly on the first try, so young coders learn to test, adapt, and try again. This skill is invaluable in today’s fast-paced world, where adaptability and a growth mindset are keys to success.
Through these skills, coding helps students become well-rounded individuals equipped with the tools they need to tackle real-world challenges. Beyond programming, these are skills that benefit students across all areas of life, contributing to personal development and academic success.
Coding sits at the core of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. These educational frameworks emphasize hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for the demands of an increasingly technological world - once again, much like Strawbees. Coding teaches students the technical skills they need to pursue fields in STEM, from engineering and computer science to bioinformatics and environmental science.
In the STEAM context, coding adds an artistic element, enabling kids to use technology creatively. Robotics and coding kits like Strawbees, combine engineering and coding in a hands-on way, allowing students to design structures, animate them with code, and see their creations come to life. Coding provides students with a unique intersection of skills, bridging the logical and the creative, and is essential in developing a flexible, innovation-driven mindset.
Moreover, coding often involves teamwork and collaboration, where students work together to brainstorm, solve problems, and share insights. These collaborative skills are central to STEM/STEAM education and mirror the real-world team dynamics they’ll experience in their future careers.
Like any language, coding is easier to learn when introduced at an early age. Kids who start coding at a young age are generally more comfortable with technology, confident in exploring new tools, and open to complex problem-solving. Early exposure to coding also demystifies technology, making it less intimidating and more approachable.
Increased Comfort with Technology: Early exposure to coding helps kids become familiar with technology as a tool they can control and use creatively. They learn that they can do more than passively consume apps or videos — they can create them.
Building Resilience: Coding can be challenging, but as kids learn to tackle and overcome difficulties, they build resilience. When a program doesn’t work, they learn to troubleshoot, adapt, and persist. These skills develop a growth mindset that benefits students well beyond the classroom.
Creating a Foundation for Future Skills: As kids progress in coding, they begin to develop more complex skills like algorithmic thinking, computational thinking, and data literacy. These skills are the foundation for more advanced technology fields and equip students to tackle emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.
Early exposure to coding encourages curiosity, adaptability, and resilience, giving kids a significant advantage as they grow.
Supporting young coders doesn’t require parents or educators to be coding experts themselves. There are numerous resources, tools, and techniques that make it easy for even beginners to create an engaging learning environment.
Choose the Right Tools: Start with age-appropriate platforms like MakeCode from micro:bit for younger kids or Python for older students. Strawbees and similar kits also allow kids to combine coding with hands-on building, which keeps the experience engaging and interactive.
Encourage Project-Based Learning: Help kids set up projects they’re excited about. This could be designing a game, building a robot, or even creating a simple website. Letting kids work on something they’re passionate about will keep them motivated and foster a sense of accomplishment.
Celebrate Effort Over Perfection: Coding can be frustrating, especially when errors occur. Celebrate the effort they put in and encourage persistence, even when things don’t go as planned.
Offer Resources and Encourage Exploration: There are many free resources, coding clubs, and online communities where kids can learn and find support. Encourage them to explore these options, which can create a sense of community and provide access to mentors.
Promote Collaboration: Coding doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Encourage kids to work with friends or join coding groups, either in person or online, where they can exchange ideas and support one another.
In the 21st century, coding is more than a technical skill; it’s a fundamental aspect of digital literacy. Coding teaches kids to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively — qualities essential for success in any field. For young learners, coding is an entry point to a world of possibility, giving them the skills they need to navigate a technology-driven world confidently.
By introducing coding early and supporting kids in their coding journey, we prepare them for a future where they can innovate, solve complex problems, and drive the technologies of tomorrow. Coding truly is the new literacy, and by investing in it, we invest in the leaders, thinkers, and creators of the future.