Programming for kids

Magandroid

Magandroid

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Joined
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Cape Town
Hi all

Does anyone have any idea or know of any places that offer progamming courses for kids in the Cape Town area. Their school doesn't offer this as a subject and I was hoping to enroll him at some place that offer these courses during the school hoildays. I personally don't know very much about programming but was hoping that he might take an interest in it. Beginners courses for Javascript or Java, etc just to pique his interest and who knows, he might just like it.

Any recommendations is much appreciated.
 
I'm a teacher at a school in Cape Town - and had to devise a course myself for our pupils who wanted to dabble in a bit of programming.

I first tested basic logic and interest by letting the kids do the first course of the Hour of Code (https://code.org/learn) - it's free, fun and allows the child to play a bit.
Once I had picked up pupils who showed enthusiasm and raw talent, I then let them do basic Java and Python programming courses.
 
ch@rge said:
I'm a teacher at a school in Cape Town - and had to devise a course myself for our pupils who wanted to dabble in a bit of programming.

I first tested basic logic and interest by letting the kids do the first course of the Hour of Code (https://code.org/learn) - it's free, fun and allows the child to play a bit.
Once I had picked up pupils who showed enthusiasm and raw talent, I then let them do basic Java and Python programming courses.
Click to expand...
+1
 
ch@rge said:
I'm a teacher at a school in Cape Town - and had to devise a course myself for our pupils who wanted to dabble in a bit of programming.

I first tested basic logic and interest by letting the kids do the first course of the Hour of Code (https://code.org/learn) - it's free, fun and allows the child to play a bit.
Once I had picked up pupils who showed enthusiasm and raw talent, I then let them do basic Java and Python programming courses.
Click to expand...

Is the basic Java and Python courses also part of the Hour of Code course or is it something that you have put together. I had a look at the javascript course on Codeacademy but it looks like they might get bored of it. I am hoping that a class enviroment might make it a bit more interesting. Also they would probably need a tutor of some sort as my knowledge is nil and so would not be able to help them should they get stuck.
That being said, I do appreciate the advice and will definately look into the Hour of Code website and get them to register. It is a start afterall.
(PS. Do you offer classes during the school holidays :))
 
ch@rge said:
I'm a teacher at a school in Cape Town - and had to devise a course myself for our pupils who wanted to dabble in a bit of programming.

I first tested basic logic and interest by letting the kids do the first course of the Hour of Code (https://code.org/learn) - it's free, fun and allows the child to play a bit.
Once I had picked up pupils who showed enthusiasm and raw talent, I then let them do basic Java and Python programming courses.
Click to expand...

I had a look at this last night and seems very interesting. There is still 2 or 3 weeks left with school exams so in the meantime I will actually start playing with this. Who knows, I might also learn a thing or 2.
 
Not a course but this one looks interesting to me http://row.kano.me/
There is a supplier in SA, I remember seeing it at the Maker Faire in Cape Town earlier this year
(depending how old your child is, of course)
 
There is a session of this course that starts 7 December: https://www.coursera.org/learn/python

It is very well done and my grade 7 kid was able to do it fairly easily a while ago. They use some interesting ways to explain stuff, for example the Harry Potter sorting hat to explain sorting etc.
 
Magandroid said:
Bookmarked thank you. Will look into it as well. I need to find something that will keep their interest.
Click to expand...

You could send him on an arduino course as well, its got an electronics hardware component and coding component. I did one here in Jozi but there should be places in cape town that does it.
 
Thank you everyone for all the advice. I looked at a few of those websites but now where to start. I have though registered on the Hour of Code website and started with a basic programming course aimed at 8+ year olds. LOL
Seems quite interesting and they start off with block programming. I already feel that I can take on the world. Any programming jobs available? :D
I also contacted a place called Girlhype in Woodstock that offers Java courses, mostly for girls but they also offer courses for boys during the school holidays. They said they will send me the holiday schedule.
 
Magandroid said:
Thank you everyone for all the advice. I looked at a few of those websites but now where to start. I have though registered on the Hour of Code website and started with a basic programming course aimed at 8+ year olds. LOL
Seems quite interesting and they start off with block programming. I already feel that I can take on the world. Any programming jobs available? :D
I also contacted a place called Girlhype in Woodstock that offers Java courses, mostly for girls but they also offer courses for boys during the school holidays. They said they will send me the holiday schedule.
Click to expand...

Chuck in a Lego Mindstorm for xmas.
 
Magandroid said:
Thank you everyone for all the advice. I looked at a few of those websites but now where to start. I have though registered on the Hour of Code website and started with a basic programming course aimed at 8+ year olds. LOL
Seems quite interesting and they start off with block programming. I already feel that I can take on the world. Any programming jobs available? :D
I also contacted a place called Girlhype in Woodstock that offers Java courses, mostly for girls but they also offer courses for boys during the school holidays. They said they will send me the holiday schedule.
Click to expand...

Hey OP, Check this out: http://csunplugged.org/videos/
 
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