If your vision of coding is one lonely person typing away endlessly on a computer in a dark room, think again!
With the prevalence of technology in our kids’ lives, coding has become an important educational topic during the 21st century. It plays a part in economic growth, employment opportunities, and innovation. However, there are many rumors and false beliefs that parents still have surrounding this field.
Even the most well-informed parents might fall into the trap of believing these myths. Unfortunately, this can misguide and discourage kids from learning to code.
But it shouldn’t! Discover why programming is right for all different types of kids and what they can learn from coding.
Let’s set the record straight on these 6 kids coding myths.
6 Kids Coding Myths
Myth 1: Coding is for Math People.
Myth 2: Coding is for Geniuses.
Myth 3: Coding is for Engineers.
Myth 4: Coding is for Left-Brained People.
Myth 5: Coding is a Lonely Job.
Myth 6: Coding is for Nerdy Boys.
Myth 1: Coding is for Math People.
Math and programming have a somewhat misunderstood relationship. Many people think that you have to be good at math or make good grades in math class before you can even begin to learn programming. How much math do kids need to know in order to learn to code? Not that much actually.
The truth: While mathematics is the foundation of code, kids only need basic math knowledge to learn coding.
Some languages and applications require higher-level math skills, like AI or data science, but most developers will never come across these. The majority of their work will not go beyond the math they learn in school.
One study, by the University of Washington, even found that language aptitude was a stronger predictor of the ability to learn coding in Python than mathematical aptitude. This suggests that language skills are more important than numeracy when it comes to coding. Programming involves understanding and manipulating syntax, logic, and problem-solving within a coding language, which aligns more with language abilities than complex mathematical calculations.
In our coding classes, kids are able to create exciting websites, games, and apps without any complicated math knowledge. Much of the math is handled within the code. Even in the advanced courses, where high school students learn to code databases and APIs, a background in higher-level math is not required.
Myth 2: Coding is for Geniuses.
Programming is often seen as a scary piece of dark magic, some kind of inaccessible ability. You have to be a child genius with a high IQ or a mathematical wizard to learn how to code.
The truth: Coding isn’t just for the students at the top of the class!
Programming focuses on logical thinking and problem-solving but does not necessarily require a high IQ. Kids definitely don’t have to be geniuses to be successful and being a genius doesn’t correlate with being good at programming. The key factors are more about logical thinking, problem-solving skills, dedication to learning, and practice, which any child can develop!
I see students of all backgrounds and interests in my classes and all of them are able to learn basic programming regardless of how “smart” they seem. More importantly, students who have the commitment, perseverance, and willingness to learn from their mistakes will be successful. In the long run, they also have to have a love of learning because code and technology are always evolving. These characteristics are more important than a high IQ.
Myth 3: Coding is for Engineers.
Only software engineers, or people programming for a living, benefit from learning how to code. The only thing you’re learning is how to write code, but this knowledge and training of how to explore on your own, makes you resourceful— that’s a skill you will need in any field.
The truth: Engineering is just one of many fields where coding is beneficial.
Kids don’t need to pursue a degree in software engineering to utilize their coding skills. Industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, all rely on technology. Coding should be looked at as a skill rather than a career.
“Code has become the 4th literacy. Everyone needs to know how our digital world works, not just engineers.” – Mark Surman, Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation
Most of the students in my classes don’t plan to become engineers. Coding may be just one of their interests, but they enjoy it and understand the importance of what code can do. Many times, students apply their coding skills to their own interests and problems, which have nothing to do with engineering. Beyond coding, we teach our students how to solve problems and find creative solutions. Even if they don’t become professional software engineers, they have the skills to navigate difficult problems in any career.
Myth 4: Coding is for Left-Brained People.
The left and right-brained theory suggests that the two different hemispheres of our brains have distinct functions. The left brain, and coding, are typically associated with language processing, logical reasoning, mathematics, and sequential thinking. Coding seems like a very rigid and structured activity, but it’s actually a great place to express your creativity.
The truth: The left and right-brained theory has been debunked.
Research has found that both hemispheres of the brain work together and neither has a significantly stronger network on one side. Certain functions may be more localized to one hemisphere, but both sides are involved in complex tasks and interact constantly. So, there is no such thing as being purely “left-brained” or “right-brained”.
The same is true with coding. While coding involves structured logic, it also demands creative problem-solving, design thinking, and adapting to new situations. Coding is both creative and logical, with both sides working together to create a program. Everything from the design to the features to the written code utilizes creative thinking. Kids who learn to code learn to be creative throughout the entire process.
Our core coding curriculum was specifically designed in a way that allows kids to express their creativity. All of the projects and themes can be customized and there are many opportunities for kids to work on the creative aspects of programs. Ultimately, creative kids can be just as successful in learning to code as logical kids.
Myth 5: Coding is a Lonely Job.
The misconception is that coding is a solitary activity and only for lone wolves. There’s an idea that coders are isolated, but what we don’t see is a vibrant community behind them.
The truth: Coding is typically done on a team and is a very people-centric activity.
“There’s an enormous amount of negotiation required in software engineering. If you don’t like working with people, you are going to hate programming.” – Danielle Feinberg, Pixar Animation
You’ll find that most of the websites and apps you use, even small ones, are built by a team and not by individuals working in a silo. To bring a video game to life, like Minecraft or Roblox, it takes hundreds of programmers, designers, writers, artists, etc. Kids need to learn how to collaborate with many people from diverse backgrounds to complete a big project. The more they’re exposed to different types of people and their working styles, the better teammate they become as well. Being connected actually works to create better code.
This is part of the reason we teach group classes. Not only do the students learn from one another, they are supported by each other in their efforts to learn. Even outside of class time, in the student forum, my students are working together on homework problems and getting advice from their peers. This type of community helps them become better coders, faster.
Myth 6: Coding is for Nerdy Boys.
Technology is a male-dominated field because boys are naturally more suited to excel at coding. This perpetuates the idea that girls are not as capable in computer science.
The truth: Girls are just as likely to be successful at coding as boys.
“I love art, I love coding, and now I get to make movies,” said Danielle Feinberg, who earned her B.A. in computer science at Harvard.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that boys are inherently better at coding than girls. In fact, research indicates that coding ability is not determined by gender or biological differences. They are more likely due to societal factors like gender stereotypes and exposure to technology. The gender gap in coding indicates a significant gap in STEM and technology fields that starts developing early in education. Girls start to lose interest in coding around elementary school due to societal stereotypes and lack of encouragement.
Many organizations aim to debunk this rumor and bring more girls into coding. We encourage both girls and boys to join our coding programs. Personally, I’ve seen that my female students enjoy coding and are just as good at it as the boys are. Having both men and women in technology and STEM fields also brings different perspectives. We aim to hire an equal number of male and female instructors so that students have diverse role models.
Why should kids learn to code?
The impact of code on our children’s daily lives cannot be denied. Technology will be an important part of their futures and, as a result, coding has become a basic skill for kids. Whether they’re interested in technology and STEM or art and science, they will find learning to code to be a useful skill.
Learning to code helps them better understand the world around them. It also teaches valuable skills for any future career and builds skills for school and life. It’s an excellent way to learn soft skills, like creativity, confidence, and communication, that are hugely important for kids to thrive in the future. Moreover, it helps them become creators and not simply consumers. Regardless of the career they choose, coding will give them the skills to succeed.
Not convinced? See 26 reasons learning to code benefits your child.
The truth? Any child can learn to code!
Don’t let these misconceptions hold your child back. The truth is that any child can learn how to code with the right support and tools.
Our program at CodeWizardsHQ is designed to be the most fun and effective coding classes for kids in elementary, middle, and high school. The structured curriculum engages kids on their level, so they’re excited about what they can do with code. Through coding, kids develop problem-solving, logical reasoning, and computational thinking skills. As they advance, kids go from complete beginners to coding pros.
Find out if coding is right for your child. View coding programs to get started.
