How To Introduce Algorithms To Kids

Like reading and writing, programming has also become a part of the basic literacy. A future may soon crop up where interviewees will be automatically expected to know the different ways of programming a computer for no specific reason whatsoever. For example:

Interviewer: How many languages do you know?

Interviewee: English, Hindi, and French.

Interviewer: That’s it?

Interviewee: Oh! I forgot. I also know C, C++, Java, Python, and Javascript.

So you see it has become more than crucial for us now to introduce children to the wonders of programming from a very young age to benefit more in the long run. This is also one of the main reasons for which certain kid-friendly programs such as “Scratch for children,” “Python for kids,” etc. are gaining an edge over the others in a pre-schooling environment.

But let’s not get into all that. Let’s get back to our original topic: “Algorithms.”

So why should you introduce algorithms to your kids first before exposing them to the wonders of programming? That’s because algorithms are the building base of a computer program. If you cannot write an accurate algorithm, you cannot structure an accurate program. Hence, its importance cannot be stressed well enough.

Anyway, in this article, we’ll discuss a few of the most effective ways of introducing algorithms to kids. So pay attention as carefully as possible.

1. Start with the basics: Explain the meaning of the term “algorithm” to kids

What’s the actual meaning of the term “algorithms”? Your kids should be aware of that first.

“An algorithm is nothing but a set of step by step instructions through which an individual can solve a certain problem or complete a certain task as per instructions.”

A code or a program, no matter what the programming language is, is written on the basis of a universal algorithm that serves to be the basic logic of the problem.

2. Encourage your children to think about these algorithms from the general point of view

We are surrounded by algorithms. Even our daily routine comprises of dozens and dozens of algorithms. It’s just that we are so accustomed to it that we aren’t even aware of the same.

Therefore, encourage your students to think of these algorithms from a general sense of view. It does help. Here’s an example for your reference:

[The following algorithm is based on a child’s morning routine.]

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Get up from the bed.

Step 3: Take a bath.

Step 4: Dress up for school.

Step 5: Eat breakfast.

Step 6: If weather is funny and sunny

Walk to school.

Else

Go to school with somebody else, preferably parents.

Step 7: End.

So you see it’s simple; isn’t it?

4. Slowly but steadily introduce kids to computer program-based algorithms

Do note that you should introduce program-based algorithms to kids only after they become comfortable with algorithms, in general (like the one mentioned above).

You should start from the scratch, like an algorithm based on general operational arithmetic involving additions, subtractions, multiplications, and divisions. Here’s an example for you:

[The following algorithm’s designed to find out the simple summation of three numbers taken as user input.]

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Declare variables x, y, z, sum. /*Variables x, y, z represent the three numbers, and “sum” represents the summation of the three.*/

Step 3: Take user inputs and store them in variables x, y, and z respectively.

Step 4: Perform addition; follow the operation by storing the result in “sum.”

Sum= x+ y+ z

Step 5: Display result “sum.”

Step 6: Stop

5. Last but not the least, make sure the kids know the appropriate ways of writing an algorithm

There are three major rules. Here, have a look:

• The inputs, as well as the outputs of an algorithm MUST be defined separately.

• Each step of an algorithm should be written in clear and lucid English, and that too in an unambiguous manner.

• An algorithm should always find out the BEST solution to a problem.

• An algorithm should NOT have the presence of any technical computer code. It should be written in simple English such that even a non-technical person can understand it in a jiffy.

Lastly, we would like to tell you that algorithmic thinking is undoubtedly a significant part of STEM education. Therefore, it’s important that you pay special heed to it especially if you want the kid to succeed in the long run. With that, we’ll bring this to a close for now. Hope you had a good read.