Coding is not everyone’s cup of tea. But, some kids love to hone coding skills in their life. If you are one among those, you are at the right spot.

In this blog, we’ve listed a few applications that help you to enhance your coding skills. Let’s get into the blog.

What is coding?

Coding is sometimes called computer programming. It is a communication between the system and the coder. Through coding, we can implement various actions. However, writing code is like creating a command for the computer to perform a task. Thus, by learning to code, you can tell your computer what it should do and how to behave. For example, Robots’ actions.

Why learn to code?

Undoubtedly, technology is dominating and creating a massive impact in different industries. “Learn to code” seems to be the phrase among the students. Even from Bill Gates to Obama, everyone is encouraging kids and young minds to give it a try to code.

But what exactly does learning to code entail? Why is it so important? Keep reading ahead to find out.

• Lead your career in software development
• Helps in understanding the aspects of technology
• Allow you to pursue your passion project
• Enhance problem-solving skills
• Improves interpersonal skills
• Build confidence

Now that you got your answer for why it is essential to learn code, I guess. Shall we dive into the applications list to enrich your coding knowledge? Here we go.

Applications to improve your kid’s coding skills

Apps for elementary students (Age 5 to 10)

1. Lightbot

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – $2.99
Ages – 4 to 13 (KG to Grade 9)

Lightbot offers you games like Code hour, Programming puzzle, and JR. Code Hour is an hour-long free trial game for coders. Whereas, Programming puzzles and JR are the games that cost $2.99. So, if you are looking for the best apps, this application works for you.

2. Code Karts

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free and In-application purchase of $1.99
Ages – 3 to 5 (Preschool to KG)

If your child loves to play car races, then Code Karts is the perfect match for them. This game is designed for preschoolers. Hence, it doesn’t require any reading skills. The first ten levels are free to play. In those levels, you can win by matching simple colors. To reach advanced levels, you need to unlock the levels by purchasing for $1.99. It will open up to level 60. When running high levels, the difficulty level increases as well. Hence, to win the game, you require progressive coding knowledge.

3. Code-a-Pillar

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free
Ages – 3 to 6 (Preschool to KG)

Code-a-Pillar is specially designed for young kids. It is a game that uses drag-and-drop blocks of code. It is a standard app for kids to learn coding. Kids love this game due to its bright colors, friendly caterpillar, and fantastic music. The levels in this game will open up by playing mini-challenges like counting.

4. Spritebox

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free Code hour, $2.99 to $3.99 for Spritbox
Ages – 5 to 7 (KG to Grade 2)

The makers of Lightbot designed Spritebox. It is a 2D game that gradually teaches kids how to code. Through Spritebox, kids begin to learn syntax over many levels. It offers free code hours as a trial for the coders. So, try the trial version, and if you love it, unlock more levels by purchasing.

5. Box Island

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free and In-app purchases from $2.99 to $7.99
Ages – 5 to 10 (KG to Grade 5)

This game has impressive visual graphics along with colorful 3D animations. Though there is no special note on the drag-and-drop match, it will provide you with some tricks. This will help you understand the basic code logic and problem-solving methods. However, only the first 10 levels are free to play. To move further levels, you need to unlock by purchasing.

Applications for Middle School Students (Ages 11 to 13)

5. Hopscotch

Platforms – iOS
Cost – Free, monthly subscription of $7.99 and yearly subscription of $79.99
Ages – 8 to 17 (Grade 3 to Grade 9)

It is an open-world application for kids to code. It has both STEM and Artistic skills for the kids to teach. In this application, the kids are given ample tools to command and control virtually the characters, illustrations, and designs.

Through this application, a kid can learn to create games and animations and share them online with their community. If you require more requirements and features, you must unlock them through your purchase.

6. Everything Machine

Platform – iOS
Cost – $2.99
Ages – 4+

It is a fun application to program and engineer. If your kids love learning to code, they should check this application out.

Through this application, students can learn to create widgets like voice disguises, stop-motion cameras, and more. This application’s natural beauty is that it doesn’t limit your kid’s imagination.

7. Sphero Edu

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free, $129.99 for the Sphero robot. It may vary for other bots.
Ages – 5 to 13 (KG to Grade 9)

Through this application, kids can have control of the Sphero robots. It includes mini versions of droids, etc.; with the levels of coding ability, kids can use drag and drop code blocks, code texts, etc. Mind you, Sphero is a more affordable one that comes with app control.

8. Cozmo Code Labs

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free, $149.99 for the Cozmo robot
Ages – 6 to 17 (Grade 1 to Grade 9)

Cozmo is an adorable little robot that moves, looks around, detects objects, speaks a short sentence, picks an object, etc. However, it can be controlled with the help of the Code lap coding application.

Applications for high school students (Ages 14 to 18)

9. Robozzle

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free, In-app purchase from $0.99 t0 $1.99
Ages – 13+ ( from Grade 9)

Does your kid love logic puzzles? Then I’m sure Robozzle will not disappoint them. With very few variables, you can open up to level 1000 in this application. Further, using this application helps you to think outside of your box. So, throw away your Sudoku and try this application.

10. Codes

Platform – iPad
Cost – $14.99
Ages – 13+ (from Grade 9)

It is another open-end coding application for the kids. It is similar to Hopscotch. This application allows you to create impressive games, graphics, and visuals using the programming language. Also, this application will enable you to write code simply by touching the commands. Connecting the menu option can incorporate sounds, images, and characters.

11. Programming Hub

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free, In-app purchase from $0.99 to $74.99
Ages – 13+ (From Grade 9)

If your child is good with basics and ready to learn further, then the Programming Hub will be an excellent choice. With over 20 languages, this application teaches high schoolers to code better.

12. Mimo

Platform – Android and iOS
Cost – Free
Ages – 4+

Mimo is one of the significant applications that sharpens kids’ programming skills. This application will schedule daily practice to ensure you remember the essential concepts and logic required to add to the coding box. Further, it has different options to practice code. Make sure to use it to improve your coding skills.

Takeaway

Introducing these applications to your child’s learning will fascinate them to code better. Through these applications, begin to code with fun and imagination. Good luck!

We live in a digital age where digital ones have replaced traditional classroom methods. In other words, we can say that smart education is being implemented in schools through tools like Smart TVs. It’s not a wrong way of teaching.

Apart from the textbook, there are many things that kids should learn. Technology is the key to it. One of the technologies is Augmented Reality. It enhances the real-life descriptions in no time. Also, introducing AR in education has many advantages in every kid’s life. Many are not aware of it. If so, this blog will explain everything in depth for you.

What is Augmented Reality?

AR is a computer-enhanced version of the natural world, understandably created through computerized tools. In other words, it is the combination of the real and the virtual world. AR is done with the help of digital tools like graphics, animations, sounds, etc.

AR in Education

AR can be applied in all subjects for students of all age groups, both in school and colleges. Because Augmented Reality in Education can provide various benefits, not just in terms of a switch from conventional to digital learning. But also enhances the effectiveness in understanding in-depth concepts, interaction among the students, and more. Thus, the combination of interactive education and engaging content can let your kids have a better memory.

Furthermore, Augmented Reality in education enhances a child’s learning abilities like collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity which helps in preparing better for the future. Also, it is suitable for traditional teachers to focus on technical knowledge and proficiency in teaching methods.

Apart from these, we can attain many benefits from AR in education. In this post, we’ve covered a list that may help you know what you can gain from Augmented Reality when incorporated into education. Here we go.

Benefits of Augmented Reality in Education

1. Combined learning

AR based teaching can be replaced in the place of old teaching techniques. However, everything cannot be replaced technically in education immediately. The initial step should begin with a combined approach for textbooks and AR based learning. For instance, textbook lessons can be combined with AR based applications, and AR based classes can be enriched with assessments and worksheets.

2. Interest in learning

Kids sometimes feel bored if they are used to reading things out loud. Whereas, if the kids grasp things by listening and visualizing, they can delight in learning. Also, it improves their memorizing skills compared to the conventional learning method.

That’s why many educational institutions use Augmented Reality based learning in their students’ education. Through this learning, they can improve their imagination and understanding skills and trigger their interest in the subject to attain good grades.

3. Grab student’s attention

AR based classrooms or smart education-based Virtual applications in classes help in grabbing students’ attention when teaching. They can think outside of school when they understand the concepts clearly.

For instance, it lets the students imagine, thinks creatively, and help to raise questions based on the topic of the teacher. This will not allow them to reinforce the concepts that are taught in the class but also engage them with their friends and teachers.

4. Can grasp challenging concepts

Since AR classes are more interactive, it engages the kids to view the concept through imagination. This can help the students to understand the in-depth knowledge about the subject that the teachers do not clearly explain.

Not all the concepts happen to be explained through lectures. Because some pictures may lead you to a few doubts. However, you can get a better understanding through graphical or animation methods.

Example: Imagine a topic is being explained by your lectures that are given in your textbooks. If the concept of the topic is explained one by one, would you be able to grasp it soon? Whereas, if the same image is explained through animation, it will be quite possible to learn it in no time.

5. Learn from anywhere

As we live in an online world, we can assess anything online. Right? Why not education? There are numerous educational applications and websites online. Those platforms help you to be fascinated with your learning. You need not be required to attend the classes by being physically present. You can read and take courses from your home space.

6. Content Diversity

You can find various applications for different educational programs. They are not helpful for school students alone; they can be used in other academic fields like architectural programs, scientific findings, etc. Also, they can be included in different areas like healthcare, the space industry, museums, military training, etc.

So, these benefits you can gain if you incorporate augmented reality in education. But, do you know in what way AR is used in Schools?

Science: With AR, it is possible to recreate 3D models of objects. It includes the human body, plants that revolve around the sun, water sources, volcanic eruptions, geographical features, and more.

Chemistry: With AR, students can perform practical experiments. Also, they can learn about chemical components, scientific concepts, and more.

Field Trips: With AR, class trips can be interactive and fun. During field trips, students can use their devices and know about how things impact nature.

Bottom lines

Education is always open to innovative minds. If you’re searching for a way to brainstorm new things, incorporate AR into your learning effectively. AR is playing an essential role in education nowadays. Digitalization of education eradicates the time consumed, distance, learning gaps, and more. So, why don’t you give it a try in your teaching? Upgrade yourself with a better education through technology!

Ready to Communicate!

It is always good to introduce reading early in kids’ lives. This is because, at an early age, they learn the basic skills to develop their language. Reading is one of the assets that a child can earn in their life. Through reading, they can enhance various skills in their life. It includes communication skills as well. Guess how?

In the following blog, we’ll explain what reading is and how oral reading helps improve communication skills. Without any detailed notes, let’s get into the blog.

What is Reading?

Reading is a process that helps to understand the written text. It is one of the critical components that should be given to kids in their early childhood. It is a crucial piece of every child’s education. This is because it provides them with good vocabulary and recognition skills. In addition, it improves their comprehension skills which impact their schoolwork.

Furthermore, oral reading provides life-long benefits for children with good communication skills.

What are the different types of reading?

Following are the different types of reading for your knowledge:

Word reading – Word reading begins when a reader recognizes a word. It can also be called oral reading. The more time the reader spends, the more passages they read out. This helps in improving the communication skills of a person.
Sight reading – sight reading is the process of learning through the eyes. A person reads a word through their eyes before they spell it out.
Conversation – when you talk with your kids, you can spell some new words. This helps them to read new terms in their daily life.

How do you encourage kids to read?

Sometimes if we don’t pay attention to the kids when reading, they may get exhausted. So, it is always essential to encourage them to read. Here are a few tips for you to promote your kids:

• Create a reading schedule – This should be your first step when you try to motivate your child to read.
  
• Read with your child – Not all kids are smart enough to read. So, read out with your child, and explain what it says.
• Tell the kids how much reading is essential in life.
• Have a good conversation with your child.

How oral reading skill helps in improving

1. Increase vocabulary

Without vocabulary, we cannot communicate better.

You can communicate and convey your thoughts and ideas to others if you learn more words. Often, people don’t express their thoughts and opinions to others due to a lack of vocabulary. Hence, knowing technical terms and complicated words through oral reading will help your kid enhance their communication skills.

2. Faster, strong, and better brain

Another way is through oral reading skills; you can translate to better communication skills by training your mind. The brain is the primary element that helps your kids enhance their overall learning functionality.

Studies state that constant mental challenges like reading increase the brain cells and maintain a solid connection between numerous cells and neurons. This stimulates your brain faster and aids in enhancing better communication skills.

3. Helps in understanding others

Regarding communication, body language matters; it is not just about the words we say but also about the words and actions that the opposite person does.

If you are unsure how reading helps improve communication skills, understand what others are trying to communicate with you. If you don’t understand, you can’t communicate with them more meaningfully. However, understanding others’ thoughts will also improve your child’s critical thinking skills.

4. Have a conversation with information

Another thing that affects your communication skills is the lack of data on your content.

Imagine you are reading a small passage in your textbook. Whether it is about science, animals, or anything through oral learning, you’ll gather some new information regarding the topic. This broadens your knowledge and aids you in communicating with others.

5. Make solid points

If you have broad vocabulary skills, you can not only understand others’ thoughts; you can make solid points. Through your points, you can able to convince others with your views. This will be more effective when it comes to communication. People won’t listen to your words if you can’t make clear points.

6. Self-confidence

Various studies have shown that oral reading skills are related to a person’s self-confidence. People with good vocabulary skills, better argumentative skills, and base knowledge tend to be more confident.

When it comes to communication skills, confidence matters more. If you are not confident, you’ll not express your thoughts in your mind when communicating with others.

7. Focus and Memory

One of the best things to improve your communication skills through oral reading is improving focus and memory. Oral reading at a young age affects the brain’s ability and lets the kids stay focused on their learning.

When communicating with others, you cannot hold a lengthy conversation or argument if you are not in focus. This may fail you in delivering your strong points to the receiver.

Takeaway

Through oral reading skills, kids’ brains connect different parts and help them comprehend what they read. Furthermore, reading is a great way to improve grammar, vocabulary, and understanding of the word we come across.
Overall, Oral reading skills are one of the best activities to enrich your communication skills. So, if you have a toddler or a kid, let them explore oral reading skills.

Have a happy conversation with your good communication skills. Good Luck!

Are after class activities necessary for the students? Yes, it is.

Today, classes for kids are taken in many different ways. Some may go with the book and notes, while others with innovative teaching methods. After school or class activity is one of them. Traditionally, in school culture, kids will be taught through black or whiteboards. For a different approach, why don’t you try after school activities for your kid? It helps them to learn more in their life compared to textbook learning.

Wondering why it is essential to go with after class activities for your kid? Don’t wonder why or how. In this blog, we’ve listed some benefits of performing after school activities. Read further and get to know.

Benefits of after school activities

From homework to social times, after class activity is more beneficial for kids. That is, there is a wide range of physical and mental benefits for kids.

1. Enhance learning skill

Though your lectures are perfect in delivering study materials, they are not enough to solve complex problems. This is because many schools don’t conduct classes like coding, Minecraft, etc.

When you let your kid join a camp, they will be taught extra classes that help your kids in building their skills. For example, summer classes.

2. Boost Academic Performance

According to the research, it is evident that children who participate in after school programs are more engaged and pay attention in their classes. They are less violent in their behavior. Also, it is found that kids who are not good in school can pursue an interest in their learning through after class activities.

According to every study, children who attend frequent after school clubs and team sports improve academic grades, study habits, and behavior at school. If a child learns something new during an after school activity, it could enhance their understanding of school subjects. Furthermore, when kids realize they are talented at something, they can gain a new source of Confidence or passion that affects their behavior at school.

3. Improves Life and Social skills

It’s essential to nurture social skills and Confidence in children. But many of you might not know how to enhance them in kids. However, after school activities, students can improve their social and life skills. This is because many extracurricular activities teach children the importance of working together to accomplish a goal in their future careers. Engaging with new people in this productive environment also contributes to children’s Confidence and independence.

The more children explore their abilities in a new environment, the more their character develops and their leadership skills develop. In addition, when youths work with other people outside of their classroom, they learn how to improvise, share ideas, and offer support to peers.

4. Promotes healthy habits

Children with a regular after school activity spend less time staring at a smartphone or screen. That is, kids who participate in clubs not only stay active and away from the sofa but will also develop interests in education. Also, it allows them to spend more time practicing skills and pursuing their passions.

Research has found that extracurricular activities are essential to promoting a healthier lifestyle for children.

According to a study, it is evident that after school program participants are often much less likely than non-participants to be obese.

5. Enhance Confidence

Our Confidence helps us cope with life’s challenges.

Children may benefit from after school programs by gaining various experiences like confidence levels.

The activities they participate in, such as robotics, coding, and many others, have a much more significant impact on their self-confidence than getting the highest marks on a subject test during school. It engages the kids in service-learning, participates in desirable activities, and takes leadership roles. Moreover, it develops skills such as communication, problem-solving, and acceptance of differences of opinion.

6. Mental Stimulation

Providing advanced opportunities and introducing progressive ideas in various areas is one of the main benefits of the after school program. By participating in such programs, children can develop different potential education skills and stimulate their minds.

7. Stress-Free

After a busy day of deep learning and cramping, children often feel exhausted. During the after school programs, children are encouraged to feel good about themselves, their talents, and their plans. The children are more likely to learn more about something when their environment is plain and simple.

8. Safety

There will be no tension on the part of parents regarding their children’s safety. Their children are now safe after school because they know where they are. All activities are monitored, supervised, and organized in the after school programs. Children enjoy and learn more when they are engaged in activities they enjoy. Furthermore, after school programs also improve children’s attendance at school and motivate them to continue learning.

9. Fun

Lastly, let’s not forget what it means to be a kid. It is the wish of every child to have fun and be happy. During these last few years, laughter has been lost for various reasons. Even today, much of the joy a kid could have on their own or with others has been lost.

Having an after school program is all about having fun. I don’t need to explain it…just a reminder that even with limited options, joy can still be had.

The benefits of joining an after class program are numerous. The hardest part is choosing the right after school program. We recommend parents try out Class over, where thousands of children learn in a safe environment.

If you don’t know which is the safest platform to join a course, Join Nurtem. At Nurtem, classes on different subjects will be taught by certified tutors at an affordable price, and more courses will be added in the future. Sign Up and enhance your child’s skills!

Have you ever felt dread, bored, and exhausted when doing homework? You are not alone. It is something that every kid faces in some situations in their life.

In a study, it was found that students who spend more time doing their homework are more stressed than students who don’t do homework at all.

So, are you the one who is more stressed due to homework? Looking for a way to beat your homework stress? Then we can help you with it. Here are some tips for beating homework stress with and without online assistance.

Tips to beat your Homework stress with online help

Online is helpful for all of us in many possible ways. With online help, we can beat your homework load without any difficulties this time. So, without any further delay, let’s move into the tips.

1. Use Online Tutoring Platforms

You should probably hire a tutor online to get rid of hectic homework stress. We can find many affordable tutoring platforms online with 24/7 client support. Nurtem is one of the online tutoring platforms where you can find certified tutors who can help you solve your homework without any struggle.

Most online tutoring platforms are:

• Pocket-friendly
• Convenient
• 24/7 support

2. Look for trustable legal Homework help sites

If you check the internet, you can find numerous websites that are not trustworthy. Some sites will not be authorized with the required resources. Hence, when you seek homework help online, it is always good to go with trustable websites. Because verifying the websites before reaching out will always be the best thing for you. Being proactive will always help you in the long run.

Note: It is always good if you keep monitoring the sites. By doing so, you can get to know how they offer homework help to the students. You can see the site deeper based on the students’ reviews.

3. Based on your learning style, seek online help

Every one of us has a unique learning style. So, identify what type of learner you are. Self-analysis always benefits a person in many crises. So, if you are more stressed due to your homework, you need to find out whether you are a V, A, R, or K learner.
Wait, what are they?

Visual Learner (V) – It is a live study session where you can coordinate with your online tutor and try solving your complex assignments. Visual teaching will always engage the students in learning and help them do homework independently.

Auditory Learner (A) is a whiteboard session where the tutor and students can only coordinate with each other through an audio class. In this session, you don’t require to turn on your camera.

Reading/Writing (R) – Online has various study materials for the students to assist with their homework. Suppose you are a person who prefers study materials. In that case, you should consider online resources for homework help to relieve your stress.

Kinesthetic Learner (K) is a whiteboard session where you can read/write, collaborate with your tutor, upload files, and re-watch your tutoring session. Don’t you think it is cool?

4. Schedule your Homework hours

Some assignments seem lengthy and take a lot of time to complete. Kids who spend more than an hour on homework can lose patience and motivation, mainly when using online homework help resources. This will automatically stress your mind.

How to get rid of it? You should break down your homework into smaller tasks and schedule a time that is convenient for you. Alternatively, you can take a short break from your assignment. This will help you destress yourself from homework trouble.

Apart from the online help resources, there are some study habits that you should follow while doing your homework. This will help you to stay calm and motivate you to pay attention to your work. Here we go

Tips to beat your homework stress without online help

1. Choose the right environment

What if your child’s learning environment is noisy and distracting? How could they focus on their homework? Younger minds easily get distracted by the things that happen around them. Example: Watching Television. These kinds of distractions may not help them to focus on their homework. So, ensure your kids’ working space is quiet enough to avoid distractions. This will let them stay on track.

2. Stay Positive

Students always enjoy things when someone pays attention to their work. They love motivational words from their parents and teachers. So, always motivate and give positive comments to the kids when they feel exhausted with their homework.

3. Time Management

Good time management is key to completing your homework on time. Unfortunately, many students don’t spend their time on task. Because they used to have fun in their precious time. This will lead them to stress if they fail to complete their homework on time. So, practicing time management skills when doing your homework is always good.

4. Get good sleep

Everyone knows that sleep is one of the major requirements that a person shouldn’t skip in life. No matter how old we are, maintaining a perfect sleep routine will help you to stay positive in any challenging situation.

5. Review your Agenda

Most kids used to follow a plan. So, make an after-school plan for your kids. It should include homework, projects, and upcoming tests. It’s similar to holding a tight schedule for your kids after they return from school.

6. Snacky time

When your tummies rumble, how would you concentrate on a specific thing? Hungriness always beats our focus, especially when doing homework or reading. So provide some snacks when taking a break from your assignment.

Bottom lines

If you find your kid is completely lost due to homework stress, follow these tips and help them destress. These activities are great ways to help your children when they feel more stressed due to homework.

Good luck!