How to Teach Computational Thinking and Programming to Children

In 2025, teaching computational thinking and programming is no longer a differentiator—it has become an essential skill in the educational process. Driven by advances such as artificial intelligence, project-based learning, and innovative edtech platforms, schools are increasingly prepared to nurture digital citizens from the earliest years of schooling.

In this rapidly transforming landscape, understanding how to teach programming to children has become a top priority for educators, school leaders, and edtech companies. This article explores the latest trends, introduces the Ubbu platform as a standout in the field, and presents data, real-life case studies, and future impact predictions for education.

Ubbu: The Platform That Democratizes Programming Education in Schools

Ubbu is a Portuguese educational platform designed to teach computational thinking and programming to children aged 6 to 12. It integrates curriculum, sustainability, and 21st-century skills, standing out for its accessibility and evidence-based pedagogical methodology.

Ubbu’s Key Features:

• A structured curriculum aligned with the BNCC (Brazil’s National Common Curricular Base), facilitating implementation in both public and private schools;

• Interdisciplinary content that connects programming with science, math, history, and social-environmental topics;

• Gamified learning, with interactive challenges and missions that promote logical thinking and creativity;

• Ongoing teacher training, with pedagogical and technical support;

• Multi-platform access: available on tablets, laptops, and PCs—even in environments with limited connectivity;

• Real-time student progress monitoring, with automatic pedagogical reports.

“Ubbu’s mission is to prepare every child for the digital future in an inclusive, playful, and effective way. We believe teaching programming is more than teaching code—it's about shaping citizens who can solve problems critically and creatively.” — João Magalhães, CEO of Ubbu

How Technology Is Redefining Childhood Learning

The introduction of emerging technologies in the teaching and learning process has sparked a paradigm shift in education. Instead of passive, lecture-based approaches, children now learn through exploration, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving.

Innovative Insights:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL): children create games, interactive stories, and real-world solutions using code;

• Use of AI to personalize learning: adaptive algorithms identify each child’s knowledge level and automatically adjust the challenges;

• Integration with physical devices, such as educational robots and electronics kits, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds;

• Emphasis on soft skills, like teamwork, empathy, and critical thinking through collaborative tasks.

“Computing should be as basic in children's education as reading and math. It develops transversal cognitive skills essential for any area of knowledge.” — Seymour Papert, pioneer of computational education

Updated Data and Statistics: The Real Impact of Programming on Education

Recent studies highlight clear benefits of introducing computational thinking at the elementary level:

• Children who learn programming develop 25% greater complex problem-solving ability, according to the University of Cambridge (2023);

• The EdTech Evidence Exchange Report (2024) states that schools using platforms like Ubbu or Code.org saw up to 18% improvement in math and science performance;

• According to UNESCO, by 2030, 85% of jobs will require some level of digital skills, with computational thinking being a top priority.

Case Studies: Technology Applied to Educational Practice

📍 Real Case: Sobral Municipal Department of Education (Ceará, Brazil)

Sobral, a national benchmark in public education, implemented the Ubbu platform in over 40 municipal schools in 2024. The pilot project involved students from 3rd to 5th grade and showed:

• Over 90% engagement in programming classes;

• 12% reduction in dropout rates, attributed to increased student motivation;

• More than 120 teachers trained, who now act as facilitators of computational thinking.

📍 International Study: “Portugal INCoDe.2030”

Portugal’s public policy for digital skills education has included Ubbu in public schools since 2019. By 2022, over 150,000 students had been impacted, with positive results in active learning, logical reasoning, and interest in STEM careers.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Forecasts for the Future of Digital Education

Challenges:

• Teacher training: more than 60% of Brazilian teachers still don’t feel prepared to teach programming (CIEB, 2024);

• Unequal technological infrastructure: public schools still face issues with internet access and devices;

• Cultural resistance: the perception that programming is “too hard” or “just for adults” persists in many contexts.

Opportunities:

• Growth of the edtech market in Brazil, expected to reach R$19 billion by 2026 (ABStartups, 2024);

• Public-private partnerships to democratize access to digital education;

• Inclusion of children in vulnerable situations through intuitive and accessible platforms.

Forecasts:

• By 2030, 70% of Brazilian schools are expected to include programming in the elementary curriculum (Todos Pela Educação, 2024);

• Technologies like educational quantum computing and mixed reality are expected to reach basic education within the next five years, further expanding the potential of computational thinking.

Conclusion

Teaching computational thinking and programming to children is not just about teaching the language of computers—it’s about developing minds equipped for the challenges of a constantly evolving world. With platforms like Ubbu, emerging technologies, and well-structured public policies, it’s possible to offer accessible, effective, and transformative digital education.

Call to Action

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📩 Interested in implementing computational thinking in your school? Explore the Ubbu platform offered by Rocas Tech and bring the future of education into your classroom.

👉 Request a free demo and transform your institution's teaching!