Albert Einstein once said: “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
The saying is true, especially when kids who are 7 to 10 years old are starting to create interests in learning new things like coding in online games. Such thought is supported by Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist who developed the Cognitive Development Theory.
The theory posits that during these stages, children would establish a connection between learned concepts with concrete solutions through logical thinking and classifies objects within categories by placing them in order.
The same goes for coding for kids with Minecraft – kids practice their critical thinking, fostering their innate passion, and fueling their creative freedom only in one setting. Due to its age-appropriate content, utilizing Minecraft as your teaching tool is a no-brainer.
This article intends to guide you on four reasons why Minecraft is best for teaching coding for kids.
What is Minecraft?
As a rising pop-culture juggernaut, Minecraft is one of the online gaming platforms that let your kids learn coding through a virtual reality. Not only do your kids deal with sandboxes and mobs, but also, Minecraft prepares for an exciting, dynamic, and ever-changing adventure in three modes – creative mode, survival mode, and hardcore mode.
In Minecraft, kids have the creative freedom to express whatever they want to become. As an outlet for discovery learning, schools and other educational institutions are now recommending Minecraft as an age-appropriate coding for kids’ platform.
Why Minecraft?
But, what keeps Minecraft still the best gaming platform to learn coding? CodaKid lists four reasons for you to consider:
#1 It helps kids to learn Java Programming and other high programming languages
Java is a computer programming language that enables programmers to write computer instructions using English-based commands. Unlike coding complex numeric codes, Java uses the English language in coding.
Accordingly, when you code, you need to develop a brief, broad, and comprehensive programming language to avoid further ambiguities. When using Java, the language used is simple and much more readable than C, C++, or any other programming language.
Besides, if you want to learn Python, which is another programming language, make sure to master the art in writing Java. This programming language detects minimal and unnoticed errors. Perhaps, if you are a beginner or a newbie in programs, mistakes can be inevitable. Thus, every variable that you type declares the ranges of values, which cannot be changed.
#2 It enables kids to modify their desired world through combining codes
The name “Minecraft” implies that it is your “craft.” In other words, it is your kids’ craft. That’s why your kids can upgrade their gaming experience by using Minecraft mods and texture packs.
Here, Minecraft Mods allow your kids to produce their desired world through coding. These advanced tools modify and alter the plain, ordinary virtual world by introducing new game mechanics, animations, armors, blocs, etc.
Similarly, Minecraft texture packs can blend changes in the skin features of your mobs, trees, weather, etc.
#3 It encourages kids to follow commands
A simple scrolling in a Minecraft game won’t make a difference. Now, your child can learn coding by combining layers of shortcuts through Minecraft console commands.
These console commands are providing strategies for your child to summon sobs, change game modes, objects, hide, teleport, or even locate the treasure you’ve hidden.
Thus, these unlimited ways of learning code is a no-brainer. Where kids can modify their desired world by adding extra visual flair in the game settings, they can also generate creativity by coding.
#4 It enhances your child’s problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Coding programs can help measure kids’ capacity in dealing with problem-solving and critical thinking situations. In this case, ensuring the best learning platform is a factor for their growth and motivation to learn. Here comes in Minecraft!
As one of the best tools for teachers to evaluate kids’ performance in logic and critical thinking, Minecraft features three gaming modes – the creative, the survival, and the hardcore. Each level comes with different aims. And it’s for your kid’s strategy on how to survive.
Fortunately, the creativity in coding never stops your child from learning. Now, your child can survive in every game through Minecraft Potions – a powerful tool by increasing temporary effects to improve health, stamina, and resistance.
Key Takeaways
Albert Einstein was true: that education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think – most especially when kids manifest their drive to learn, pursue, and discover their love for coding.
With Minecraft, learning coding is a no-brainer. As a rising pop-culture juggernaut, Minecraft prepares for an exciting, dynamic, and ever-changing adventure.
Thus, here are four reasons why Minecraft is great for teaching coding for kids:
- It helps kids to learn Java Programming and other high programming languages;
- It enables kids to modify their desired world through combining codes;
- It encourages kids to follow commands;
- It enhances your child’s problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Coding may not be easy, but thanks to Minecraft for saving the day!
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