Coding for Preschoolers – Empire Code Education Blog

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Tag: Coding for Preschoolers

How to Introduce Coding and Robotics to Young Children: Tips for Educators

As our world becomes increasingly digital, teaching children about coding, robotics, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, has gained a strong foothold. These skills are not only essential for future job opportunities, but they also help children develop 21st century skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. As an educator, you can help your child develop these skills by introducing them to coding, robotics, and STEM from a young age. To help navigate this terrain, here are some tips to get started:

1. Using Games and Activities

One of the best ways to introduce coding and robotics to young children is through games and activities. There are many games and apps available that teach coding concepts in a fun and interactive way. For example, Tynker Junior offers a variety of games and activities that teach children basic coding concepts through block-based coding. Robotics kits such as LEGO WeDo/SPIKE Essentials can also help children develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills while having fun. Learning coding through games and activities will help to foster creativity and curiosity in this area, and give them the grit to overcome obstacles when faced with coding challenges.

2. Attend Workshops, Camps or Classes

There are many coding & robotics workshops/ camps available for children. These programs are designed to introduce children to coding & robotics in a fun and engaging way through games, animations and hands-on activities. Attending various workshops and camps can help children develop a deeper understanding of coding and robotics, while building friendships with other children who share their interests. It is important to expose students to different modules at a young age to see where their interest lies. Furthermore, coding schools will expose students to many opportunities such as national and international competitions where students can gain competition experience. Check out the programs that we offer and get started now!

3. Incorporate Coding into Everyday Activities

Coding doesn’t have to be limited to a computer screen. You can incorporate coding into everyday activities such as playing with toys or baking cookies. For example, you can ask your child to create a recipe for cookies using code. This can help children develop logical thinking skills while having fun.

4. Be Supportive

Finally, it’s important to be supportive of your child’s interests in coding, robotics, and STEM. Encourage them to explore and experiment with different coding and robotics programs. Praise them for their accomplishments and be patient when they make mistakes. De-emphasize grades and praise the process 🙂

In conclusion, introducing coding, robotics, and STEM to young children is a great way to help them develop problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. By starting early and using a variety of fun and engaging activities, you can help your child develop a love for STEM subjects that will benefit them for years to come. Want to know whether coding & robotics is for your child? Contact +65 8145 5004 to sign up now! If you are looking at DSA programs for coding, robotics and STEM for your child, sign up for a free DSA consultation now!

Sherine’s ‘Cubetto’ Experience

When I recounted my first teaching experience at a Singapore preschool to Felicia, she laughed for a good 30 minutes straight.

Hello everybody! I am Sherine, Empire Code’s Sales and Marketing Executive. Aside from my marketing job, Felicia has graciously given me the opportunity to teach as well. My first teaching experience, however, was quite hilarious. I was trained to teach Cubetto for kids as young as 3. Cubetto teaches children programming using a cute little robot, with zero screen time. It is a play-based brain development programme that targets left and right brain training for early childhood.

Last month, a local preschool invited us to conduct a Cubetto workshop for a class of 9-10 kids ages 3 & 4. I was sent to teach as a main trainer, along with one of my colleagues. I was nervous, since it was the first time I was teaching a very big group of kids and was concerned about engaging such a large group. Hence, I did what I could do to prepare – I braided my hair into pigtails to manifest my inner child, prepared a skit, and made sure my voice was on bubbly mode. The first half of the session went wonderfully well – the kids were interested in their new robot friend, and everyone had fun learning to code the robot using the play-based blocks whilst solving the simple missions given to them. 

However, it all went downhill just before the class ended. As they are still very young, their attention span was, of course, limited. That was when everything else became more fun and interesting in comparison to Cubetto… and that included me 🙂

They started to remove my pigtails (I spent 10 minutes braiding my hair), and claimed they would wash my hair using the teddy bear props used for Cubetto’s missions. This was followed by multiple attempts to tie my hair, soap my hair and a pretend hair spa experience, acted out collectively by a group of excited preschoolers, as they clung to my arms at various points.  

I tried (very hard) to get them to focus and complete the rest of Cubetto’s missions, but it was in vain.  I sent a “help me” look to my colleague, as well as the teachers in Eton House, but they found it so funny they just laughed along with the kids. At the end of the session, my hair was, well, all over the floor. Funnily enough, one of the kids had the audacity to ask me, “Teacher, why did you lose so much hair?”, while I looked on with disbelief. 

As I reminisce about this incident, I cannot help but laugh. It was an interesting teaching experience at a preschool, coupled with some hair loss. I have gained a profound respect for early childhood educators. Whether it was Cubetto or the faux hair spa experience, the kids loved the trial lesson, and we were invited to return to conduct a full holiday camp for them. 

My boss, Felicia, decided it was a good idea to send me there again to teach…..well I guess I shall wear a cap….