I am trying to teach programming to my daughters

Changes in Digital Technology

Digital technology is changing the very structure of life. Children's play, communication, and overall learning are already taking place in a digital environment, and in the future, that foundation will expand even deeper and wider. I have decided to teach programming directly to my daughters in the midst of this flow of change. This decision has been long in the making. It stems from the realization that technology is becoming the language of life, and that without understanding that language, one is bound to remain a dependent user rather than an active participant. To help children move beyond merely consuming the digital environment to a position where they can manipulate and create, I intend to start their education at this point in time.

How to teach

What to teach and how to teach it is not simple. Children have different ways of thinking and different ways of engaging with interests. Therefore, I have determined that simply imposing a fixed curriculum is not effective. I see programming not as 'knowledge' but as a 'tool,' and I want to provide children with the experience of discovering problems, solving them, and expressing themselves in their own ways through that tool. From the start, I plan to take an approach that focuses on specific problems and the process of solving them rather than on theory or grammar. In other words, prioritizing 'thinking with code' rather than 'learning code.' Through this, I hope to naturally form a foundation of reasoning skills, logical thinking, and design abilities.

Social Responsibility

Another important principle is to encourage thinking about the impact of technology on society while learning the skills. Programming is ultimately the act of creating results that solve a problem or affect someone's life. I believe that children should also develop an attitude that questions not just whether what they create works, but for whom it is made and what values it reflects. In this regard, I have established a few practical directions. More concrete than abstract: Start with creating small tangible outcomes rather than simply explaining concepts. For example, approach related problems with simple interactions, storytelling, calculators, and shape movements.

Approaches to Education

More than the answer, it's the explanation: We encourage discussing why the code was written that way rather than whether it was 'correct.' We emphasize the flow of thought during the problem-solving process. Context over speed: We value the experience of approaching a single problem from various angles more than progressing quickly. Perspective over tools: We focus on attitudes toward technology and the way questions are posed rather than the language or platform itself. I believe that programming education should aim to cultivate long-term thinking habits rather than just short-term results. The ability to structure problems, approach them logically, and analyze and improve through trial and error is more important than simply being 'good at it' right away.

The Importance of Technical Thinking

Technology changes at any time. What is important is the foundation of thinking that allows us to accept, interpret, and responsibly utilize that technology. Programming provides an excellent environment for training this foundation. Especially in today's complex and rapidly changing world, the ability to think and adapt is much more important than simply knowing what. Through this preparation time, I aim to enhance the quality of conversations with my daughters and create opportunities to confirm each other's thinking.

Progress and Direction

Technology is a tool, and children are exploring the world through that tool. As I embark on this journey together from the beginning, I hope to be a collaborative participant, not just an observer or commentator. This education will not be short-lived. The direction is clear: to help children grow into individuals who are not swayed by technology, who express themselves through it, and who can envision a better society. I wish to add a small spark to that process.