
A scene from Minecraft.
Minecraft. They love it. You still aren’t sure they should spending so much time in that other world. With a little creativity and thought, you can easily turn their passion for Minecraft into a productive learning opportunity (that they won’t whine about).
From a very young age, my daughter has loved technology. She’s almost 12 now, and when I have a computer problem or can’t figure out how to get something to work on our stupid Smart TV, she’s the one I call. From computer and video games to photo editing and graphic design, she’s explored it all. Her love of Minecraft runs deep, and now she is learning to code.
Note: Although I love to learn most things alongside her, I’m mostly on the side lines for this. With the right resources, I don’t have to learn to code!
Whatever your child’s future may hold, having a strong grasp on technology will be essential. But what if they want to get deeper? What if they want to learn to code? How can we encourage them and help them succeed?
Reasons Why Kids Should Learn to Code
- Ideas will become reality. If they can dream it, they can build it with a computer!
- Code is one of the world’s most used languages. Across the world, coders are using the same language to build websites and programs for others to use.
- Kids learn faster when they are young.
- Coding encourages critical thinking and problem solving.
- Open your child to possibilities. With coding experience, kids can apply for computer science internships and jobs.
Empowering Kids to Create with Tech: Youth Digital’s Mod Design
One great way for kids to learn how to code is using Youth Digital‘s Mod Design program. The mission of this program, and all of Youth Digital’s programs, is to empower kids to create with technology. Minecraft kids will learn to modify the game with this year-long online course that teaches kids programming with Java™. Code their own Minecraft mod from start to finish and watch as the end result becomes a unique, shareable Minecraft mod that they built from scratch.
- For Minecraft kids ages 8 to 13
- Kids learn at their own pace
- Lessons are easy to follow (minimum adult help needed)
- Students must already have Minecraft for PC or Mac
Youth Digital’s courses are available at a discount on Educents.com.
Here at Adorable Chaos, I have been writing about learning with Minecraft for years! If you are looking for more, check out some of my other posts – including history, literature and math with Minecraft. Browse Posts here.