Not Every Kid Wants to Learn How to Code

It seems more and more initiatives are coming out proclaiming that all kids need to code.  Tech companies like Google are joining forces with other influencers to ask for money so that all students will have the opportunity to learn computer science.  Coding is the new black in our schools it seems, the one thing that school districts tout is keeping them innovative and cutting edge,  Well isn’t that just nice…

But here’s the thing; not every kid wants to be a computer scientist.  Not every kid wants to work with a computer.  Not every kid wants to stare at a screen, nor do something with technology.  Did we forget that in our eagerness to jump on the coding wagon?

What about the kid that wants to play music?  Or the kid who wants to be an artist?  How about those who want to be chefs?  Or clothing designers?  Or even just readers or writers?  Where is the outcry for funding for all of those classes that are being cut and slashed across our public school system?  Where are all of the companies urging congress to make sure that every child has access to a full-time librarian in their schools?  That every child can take an art class?  That every child can play an instrument?  Will that not make the biggest difference to some of our children?

So while coding may be great for some kids, may be the one thing that keeps them coming to school, that offers them a future they never realized they could have, it will never be that for every kid.  It will never fulfill the dreams of every child.  I wish that reading, playing music, creating, or anything else that seems to be so often on the chopping block was just as worthy as coding.  Perhaps then people would start to notice just how many programs are being cut.  Just how many opportunities our children no longer have.  So as Rafranz Davis pointed out; yes, all students should have the opportunity to code, but they certainly should also have the opportunity for all of the other classess too.

If you like what you read here, consider reading my book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students.  Also, if you are wondering where I will be in the coming year or would like to have me speak, please see this page.

 

Filed under: being a teacher, being me