Does coding require math?

Coding is a very vast field. There are multiple types of programming and not all of them require one to be good at math, although people good at math may have an edge in terms of having speed in understanding and executing the coding concepts. For example, to solve complex algorithms or design games, one might need to be good at maths, but for developing web applications or applying coding concepts for using data analysis software, one need not be very good at math.

Are you a parent wondering whether your child will be able to learn to code? Are you looking where to get started with kids coding online? Then this blog is just for you!

Let’s first start with what is required to be a good coder:

1. Being a problem solver

As a programmer, it is more likely that one will solve problems by applying the existing algorithms rather than inventing them. And in fact, though a lot of complex math goes into the working of these algorithms, one need not be adept at that complex level of math. Just like one doesn’t need to know how a car engine is made or works in order to be a good driver, your child doesn’t have to necessarily be a math genius to be good at coding.

The critical part of being a problem solver is developing the ability to break down large complex problems into smaller manageable tasks and applying concepts to applications. Learning how to break down a problem is a skill that’s really key to being a successful coder. Thus if you choose to enroll your child in online coding classes check whether they simply teach coding languages or actually help your child become a problem solver.

2. Collaboration skills

The most complex programming problems cannot be solved by one developer. Just like other fields, coding involves being able to collaborate with others to tackle complex challenges. In agile development, the culture is all about working as a team, where one is not just problem solving, but also sharing and working with others and giving feedback. One needs to have great communication skills and collaboration skills in order to become a good coder. Choose the online coding classes that teach this kind of collaboration skills to your child.

3. Creative thinking

This is another most important skill required to be a good programmer. When it comes to solving a coding problem, a developer will often come across a number of possible solutions. The job of a developer is to discover the best possible solution given a unique set of constraints. This requires a combination of creativity, curiosity, and determination. A lot of people think that coding is extremely analytical and mathematical in nature. Surprisingly coding is extremely creative.If your child knows the basics and has a creative mind he/she can become a great coder.

The bottom line is, your child doesn’t have to be good at math to become a great coder. Instead, focusing on problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking can help him/her develop their coding ability better. Today there are plenty of free as well as paid coding apps for kids available in the market. Explore your child’s interests and find the best resources for them to get started with. You can check one of our blogs where we have listed down a few resources for kids coding online.

If you want your child to have a more structured approach to learning coding, you may also choose to enroll them in online coding classes. At LEAD, we integrate the coding curriculum in our school curriculum so seamlessly that students don’t need to look elsewhere to learn coding. We do this through our exclusive Coding and Computational Skills (CCS) program.

How does LEAD’s Coding and Computational Skills program make your child future-ready?

The CCS program prepares children for the 21st-century skills that include:

• Developing coding mobile apps and computer games,
• Designing websites and multimedia content,
• Analysing data using visualisations & statistical tools

and much more.

How is Coding taught at LEAD Powered Schools?

• Connected to real life

Projects in the CCS curriculum integrate computers with concepts from real life. E.g a grade 3 student builds games such as maze games on Scratch Jr, a grade 6 student builds a visualisation that proves the Pythagoras theorem using Python.

• Use-Think-Build Methodology

In each unit, students learn to use applications, think logically using algorithms and build apps, games, websites, visualizations and animations.

• Project-Based Learning

Students create 5-6 projects such as building a website that allows ebook or note sharing among classmates, building a tic-tac-toe game, building a snake and ladder game, etc.

• Accelerated learning path

Students start at their current skill level and accelerate to the respective grade level in one year