F

ew moments match the joy of a child watching their code run for the first time—eyes wide, grin spreading—as an idea springs to life. Whether building a game, animating a short story, or designing a simple website, tech projects offer more than skill-building—they nurture invention, grit, and a sense of creative power. Like Renaissance inventors bent over workbenches, children who create with technology learn not just how things work, but how to shape what doesn’t yet exist.

A child I know hit snag after snag while working on a coding project. Frustration mounted until their parent gently asked, “What’s your next move?” That one nudge led to experimentation, then a breakthrough: a working game with characters and sound. It wasn’t just the finished product that mattered—it was the resilience gained through trial, error, and perseverance. That same mindset now helps them tackle essays, science labs, and group projects with confidence.

To foster this energy at home, pick a monthly build—maybe a digital postcard, an interactive story, or a simple robot. Use beginner-friendly tools like Scratch or Tinkercad, and work together through the brainstorming and testing process. Let your child document progress in sketches or journal entries. Celebrate setbacks as part of the process. These moments build far more than digital fluency—they build independence, joy in learning, and a sense of agency that lasts.

TIPS

• Use beginner-friendly tools like Scratch.
• Ask “What’s your goal?” to spark ideas.
• Celebrate progress.

ACTIVITIES

• Project Build: Create a tech piece and ask, “What does it do?” Discuss for 15 minutes.
• Idea Craft: Plan a project and ask, “How will it work?” Talk for 10 minutes.