Unplugged coding is considered to be a very important activity in preschool. There are many reasons for this.
Children's algorithmic thinking skills are developed. In the preschool years, children learn how to follow sequences and determine the order of steps by doing activities using materials such as structures, blocks, etc. As a result, children can more easily determine the steps they will take in more complex activities later on by using algorithmic thinking skills.
Children's social skills are developed. In the preschool years, children develop social communication skills by working with their friends in coding activities. For example, they have the opportunity to communicate socially when they plan the activity together, when they explain how the activity is done, or when they explain what they did after the activity.
Children's problem-solving skills are developed. In the preschool years, children have the opportunity to solve problems they often encounter in coding activities. For example, they encounter a problem such as the glue running out while making a structure. While solving these problems, children develop problem-solving skills.
Children's attention and focus spans are extended. In the preschool years, children can maintain their attention and focus for long periods of time while participating in coding activities.
Children's conceptual thinking skills are developed. In coding activities, children develop conceptual thinking skills. For example, while making a structure, they learn how to perform a process, how to obtain a result, or how a system works. As a result, children are more successful at understanding and learning more complex topics in later periods.
Children's creative thinking skills are developed. In coding activities, children can come up with different solutions for a task given to them. For example, while making a robot, they can come up with different ideas for the robot's movements or functions. By doing this, children develop creative thinking skills.
Children's reading comprehension skills are improved. In the preschool years, children can improve their reading comprehension skills by coding activities that involve reading instructions or following written steps.
