How Coding Helps Kids Succeed Academically

Many parents mistakenly equate coding with robotics or assume that MOE school curriculums, or even self‑study and AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini are enough to master coding. In reality, coding is far more expansive: it’s about learning logic, algorithms, and problem‑solving, not just assembling robots or copying AI-generated snippets. Robotics blends hardware and software, but coding stands on its own as the foundation for critical thinking and future readiness.

While AI can assist with routine tasks, it cannot replace the deep understanding needed to design, debug, and innovate, all underlined by experts who emphasize that coding fundamentals remain essential in an AI‑powered world.

Singapore has long championed the “4 Cs” of 21st century skills - critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. But in line with its Smart Nation vision, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is increasingly emphasising a “Fifth C”: Computational Thinking. Recognised as a national capability, computational thinking equips students, even 5- and 6-year-olds with algorithmic problem‑solving skills via hands-on coding and robotics in preschool, primary, and secondary programmes. Initiatives like IMDA‑MOE’s Code for Fun and AI‑for‑Fun modules further embed coding, digital making, and ethical tech use across the curriculum, enabling young learners to decode complex challenges and innovate from day one.

Preschoolers at Lyza Education aren’t being taught “coding” in the traditional sense but are intentionally immersed in STEM and computational thinking through play-based, command‑focused activities in our L100 Young Discovers program. Rather than writing syntax-heavy code, these 5‑ to 6‑year‑olds build foundational algorithmic and sequencing logic, better familiarising themselves with commands, problem decomposition, pattern recognition, and step‑by‑step reasoning.

Core Academic Benefits

Coding does not solely bring benefits for kids in the tech-driven world. Here are some ways of how coding actually can help kids.

1. Math and Logic Improvements

Math and Coding have a lot in common. The concept of variables, sequencing, loops are actually very similar to algebra, step-by-step approach and Guess and Check covered in MOE's Math syllabus. Many Mathematical problems can actually be solved in coding, from calculations to tricky problem sums. Hence, students that learn coding would actually find it easier to relate back to Math in school.

Coding and Math reinforce each other; greater exposure to one helps build a student's confidence in the other.

~ Lena, Coding and STEM teacher at Lyza Education, BSc in Mathematics (National University of Singapore)

Teacher Lena with her students in a Scratch class

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2. Scientific Thinking

Coding is not just about computers. It is also about training how to think. When children code, they naturally develop the habits of a scientific thinker. Debugging (fixing errors in codes) teaches them to form hypothesis, test solutions and refine their approach, just like the scientific method. This builds strong logical reasoning, attention to detail, and a mindset of continuous improvement. At Lyza Education, we structure our lessons to guide students through this process with clarity and purpose, strengthening their problem-solving abilities in ways that support subjects like Math and Science.

Debugging is a method akin to scientific experiments, just like testing out various ideas until they succeed. Similar to Math and Science, coding values logical reasoning, perseverance, and a growth mindset too.

~ Yi Xin, Coding Teacher at Lyza Education, BSc in Pharmaceutical Science (National University of Singapore)

Teacher Yi Xin guiding students in a CodeLab class

3. Creativity & Confidence

   Coding goes far beyond screen time, it is the new digital literacy to spark creativity and build confidence in children. As students learn to build their own games, interactive stories, and animations, they are not just merely picking up programming, they are learning how to think outside the box, encouraged to be innovative, solve problems independently, and express their ideas and imaginative thoughts with confidence. These are the same set of skills that help them do better academically in school for subjects like Math, Science, Arts and Languages; while also nurturing something deeper: self-efficacy - the belief that they are capable learners. This confidence fuels curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle new challenges. Most importantly, they’re the skills our future needs. In a world driven by technology and innovation, kids who can create with purpose will grow into the ones who lead, invent, and make a real difference. And it all starts with giving them the right tools early on, an approach in Lyza that ensures every child feels empowered to create and think critically from an early age.

Coding is much more than the alphabets and numbers we see on screens. It involves pre-planning, a deep understanding of logic, and a lot of patience to develop solutions that work the way you intend it to. Learning to code is an excellent way to cultivate good habits and soft skills in a child, in an indirect yet highly effective manner.

~ Rachel (Xingwei), Coding Teacher at Lyza Education, B.A. in Business Administration (National University of Singapore)

How Kebbi integrates with Coding and STEM Classes

Lyza Education founder Lizhang working on CodeLab

At Lyza Education, we are proud to be the only coding school in Singapore that integrates Kebbi, an adorable Taiwan‑manufactured AI social robot, into our curriculum. After our founder Lizhang discovered Kebbi’s engaging, voice-interactive features in 2023, he developed an in‑house coding platform CodeLab, enabling children to live–execute their block-based scripts on Kebbi, bringing code to life in the real world. This hands-on approach transforms abstract coding exercises into dynamic, interactive learning experiences.

But at Lyza, we go far beyond coding and AI. Our curriculum weaves in mathematics and science, aligned with Singapore MOE standards, so that even 7‑year‑olds are introduced to algebraic thinking, problem decomposition, and core scientific concepts. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures students develop strong computational thinking, rigorous logical reasoning, and subject knowledge, all while discovering coding fundamentals and enjoying playful interaction with Kebbi.

By blending fun, real-world tech interaction with structured academic rigor, Lyza Education gives children a genuine headstart. Our students are not simply learning to “move” a robot, they are also mastering logic, breaking down problems, understanding algorithms, and grasping the science behind computation. This foundation positions them to excel both in school and in the rapidly evolving tech world.

Ready to see your child think like a coder?

👉 Start with a trial class today. See them write code on CodeLab, a uniquely-developed platform to allow students to code and run projects on Kebbi. and experience how our MOE-aligned, STEM-rich curriculum builds real logic and problem-solving skills.

✅ No fluff. Hands-on learning that boosts math, science, and creative confidence.

📅 Book your trial now and let your child’s coding journey begin!