Sara is a Stanford mentor who works with students in both Scratch and Java. She excels at leading students through the transition between drag-and-drop coding to typing out the code – by making the new challenge fun!
Why is it important for kids to start coding at a young age?
Technology is such a continuous presence in our lives nowadays. I think learning about how to create and innovate with it is an important life skill. It lets you be empowered by technology rather than controlled by it or afraid of it.
What do you find rewarding about teaching kids to code?
The kids I tutor are SO smart, motivated, cheerful, and always curious about everything (coding and non-coding related!). I think it’s most rewarding to know that these future engineers, programmers, and leaders are going to be so capable and well-equipped to handle whatever problems in the world need solving. They are going to be the best prepared generation to handle technology and to impact society for good.
What advice do you have for kids learning to code?
Be creative. Don’t be afraid to try something new or hard even if it might not work at all in the end.