As our world becomes increasingly digital, coders will become more and more important, and creativity is moving from pencil and paper to screens and keyboards. As parents, we can help future-proof our children by encouraging them to build their computer knowledge early — and one of the best ways to do that is by helping them build a computer themselves.
For those of us who aren’t especially tech-savvy, coding can sound daunting, with unfamiliar words like Java, Python and C++. But at its simplest, computer programming is just a way of talking to a computer and getting it to perform a specific task. Computers have huge processing power, but they’re not very clever on their own — they need very precise instructions to follow. Building complex programs isn’t easy, but as with anything, it’s always possible to start small.
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The engineers, architects and innovators of the future will be the ones who can use the processing power of computers to create imaginative solutions to real problems. Programming languages are becoming a modern standard of digital literacy, yet many children still don’t get enough hands-on computer education at school. So how can you help your child get started with computers and coding at home?
Make Their Own Computer
One great way in is to have your child build their own computer. Kits like the Kano Computer Kit are designed so that anyone — including kids — can put together a working computer from the parts up.
These kits typically start with assembling the hardware, then lead kids through simple coding projects: retro games, creative music-making, and building their own games using a visual coding language like Scratch. From there, children can move on to more ambitious projects as their confidence grows.
The idea behind kits like this is to make building a computer “as simple and fun as Lego,” turning it into a step-by-step adventure that teaches kids of all ages how a computer actually works and the languages it speaks. By assembling their own functioning computer, children build a much deeper understanding of both the hardware and the software involved — a great head start for a digital future.
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More Coding Options
Building a computer is just one route in. There are plenty of other ways for kids to get started with coding too.
1. Code.org
Code.org works to improve diversity in computer science, encouraging girls and under-represented groups to get involved in coding. Its “Hour of Code” initiative encourages complete beginners to try coding for the first time, with fun, approachable challenges.
2. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit offering free lessons across subjects including computer science. Its programming challenges are designed to teach the basics from scratch, with no previous coding experience needed.
3. Scratch
Scratch is a great place for budding programmers to start. It’s a “drag-and-drop” language, meaning no code is actually typed — instead, pre-set command blocks are arranged to build games and animations. It’s simple to pick up, but surprisingly powerful, with users creating everything from Flappy Bird to Mario and Pac-Man remakes.
4. Join a Coding Club
Local coding clubs are another great way to get kids coding alongside others:
- Code Club is a community of volunteers running free sessions that teach kids how to code, with clubs across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
- CoderDojo, similarly volunteer-run, teaches kids and young adults web development and app-building skills.
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Over to you! Does your child enjoy coding, or have they tried building their own computer? We’d love to hear how they got on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a child start building a computer?
It depends on the child and the kit, but many beginner computer-building kits are designed with primary-school-aged children in mind, with an adult on hand to help. Always check the recommended age range on the specific kit you choose.
Do you need coding experience to help your child build a computer?
No. Most kits and coding platforms for children are built for complete beginners, guiding both child and parent through the process step by step.
Is building a computer a good coding project for beginners?
Yes — it’s a hands-on way to introduce both hardware and software concepts, and it often sparks confidence to try further coding activities like Scratch or a coding club.
What’s the difference between building a computer and learning to code?
Building a computer teaches kids how the hardware works and fits together. Coding teaches them how to give the computer instructions. Doing both gives children a fuller picture of how technology works.
Related Articles
- Coding for Kids Decoded!
- Why Kano Computer Kits are Cool for Kids
- The Ultimate Technology Guide for Kids and their Parents
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