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4 ways coding helps kids beat the summer slump

Girl on picnic

The final school bells have rung and summer is officially here! But as grownups, we know that trading in notebooks and pencils for swim suits and trampolines doesn't come without a cost.

Studies have found that on average, students lose a full month's worth of school-year learning over summer break. The loss is largely in reading and math skills, and the declines steepen for kids as they advance in grade level.

Scary, right? Here's the good news: you can prevent the summer slump! (And it doesn't include worksheets that your kids drag their feet to do.)

Coding with Bitsbox is the perfect activity to make sure your kids have fun and keep their noodles sharp over summer break! Here are 4 reasons why:

1. Coding practices important skills

Coding incorporates skills kids need to practice over the summer: reading, writing, and math. Coding with Bitsbox takes it several steps further.

Bitsbox app projects are the perfect STEM activities because kids practice not only technology, but science, engineering, and math, too! From animals and their ecosystems in Animal ‘Abitats to geometry and algebra in Dizzy Dodo, Bitsbox gets kids working through a variety of subjects.

(For those Bitsbox apps and more, here are 3 fun and free STEM projects for kids!)

2. It doesn't feel academic

It's hard to motivate your kids to do worksheets or required readings over the summer. Luckily, building apps with Bitsbox doesn't feel like a school assignment. The apps they create are fun and interactive games to customize and share with friends.

Kids think they're just building video games, but you know they're mastering a useful new skill! (And maintaining those other important skills!)

App screenshot
A crazyfun game built with a Bitsbox app project! Code it here.

3. The subscription model keeps kids engaged and progressing

The Bitsbox learning system sends app projects in the mail that introduce new coding concepts every month. This monthly delivery schedule is by design. Opening a present every month is the perfect way to keep kids excited about coding. Plus, it motivates them to build on their skills as the weeks go on so they can make more complex apps!

Read more about the benefits of learning through a subscription box in 4 reasons subscription boxes for kids are the best tools to learn new skills.

4. It's screen time you can feel good about

Screen time is an easy go-to when the kids are hounding you with I'm soooo bored, or just need a break from the hot sun! Your kids are jazzed to interact with screens, and you know it's good for some well-earned quiet time. However, handing your kids an iPad comes with some inherent guilt.

With Bitsbox, you don't have to feel guilty. Coding is an extremely important skill for the next generation in this increasingly tech-y world. You have the power to teach your kids to create the technology they love. We've outlined 8 reasons why coding makes kids more creative, precise, and better prepared for their future.

Subscribe today so you can sit back, relax, and know your kids are beating the summer slump and having fun at the same time!

Emma Erickson
About the author: Emma is a writer, T-Swift's #1 fan, and spent four years on the Bitsbox team. You can usually find her searching for snacks or riding her bike.
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