Bergen Business Teaches Kids To Code By Building Video Games

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A new business is taking a different approach to teaching children coding.

Code Ninjas opened in Norwood recently. Owners George and Patricia Kythreotis are having kids build video games as a way of teaching them how to code, problem-solving skills, and STEM subject matter.

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, will be as important to kids as knowing a second language, George Kythreotis said. He got the idea of opening the business to foster STEM-based learning among children.

"Whether or not they pursue coding as a career, we want to provide kids in Bergen and Rockland counties with technical and social skills that will help them pursue their dreams," Kythreotis said.

Students will also build drones, robotic-based materials, and participate in STEM-based activities.

The curriculum at Code Ninjas is self-paced, but not self-taught. Kids help immediate help and encouragement from tutors. Advancement is done through a color-coded, belt-based system, just like martial arts. Kids wear one of nine colored wristbands, colored white to black. Advancement celebrations are held when a student graduates to the next level.

Children who finish the program will publish an app.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com