Programming for Kids

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siphongwenya

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Hi All,

I've been hearing a lot about getting kids to start coding at an early age. I've got two kids (6yrs and 12yrs). Has anyone tried it for their kids and how is going.

I'm not a programmer myself but after some googling i came up with language like scratch for the little one and python for the older one.

Thanks
 
I agree with your google results.

Me and my 6yo enjoy playing with scratch and teaches programming fundamentals like variables, conditions, events and loops.

Python is an easy language with loads of resources and helps with good programming practices. It also have some fun libraries for writing simple games etc. that a 12yo might like to mess with.

for some extra fun get a Raspberry Pi and write some Python code to interact with the GPIO for example turning on LEDs and later on hacking some of their toys. :)

I wish I had this type of tech when I were growing up ... writing code to interact with the real world.

EDIT:
something we did a few years back ... I might be having more fun than him ... :P
 
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I am also trying to get my teenage son to learn coding. After doing some research, Python seems to be the easiest to learn (not a programmer myself). Anyway, I came across this book, https://nostarch.com/teachkids, which seems to be getting some very good reviews. I also registered him for an online course through Udemy based on the same book and taught by the author. https://www.udemy.com/teach-your-kids-to-code/
 
Personally, I started “programming” in LOGO around age 6, and BASIC around age 7. LOGO is great because it is so visual. The program “FORWARD 10” is already a visual result.

Today, I would suggest Python as a proper first language, but LOGO may still be a contender for the younger kid.
 
Start with these which are like LOGO (and also like Scratch): https://studio.code.org/s/frozen/

The early coding classes at schools around here teach Scratch, which will be outgrown quickly. But it's good if kids learn to build some games and push the limits of what can be done. Programs are saved online so a group of friends could share what they build.

Khan academy has a Javascript intro course which could also be used simply as an introduction to concepts.
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming/

Personally I think that the most useful brain development will follow from solving difficult problems and not learning a specific language.
Look into Unity for practical game development or something which will keep his interest.
 
You could also try ScratchJr for the younger one if normal Scratch is a bit challenging.
 
You may also in Al Sweigert's free ebooks helpful. I have known of his Python books for many years but I see he has also produced some material for Scratch.

I was also thinking the other day that my seven year old daughter might be ready to enjoy Scratch. I would be interested to connect with other MyBB parents with children at a similar level via a thread in this respect. Not sure if there is an existing thread that would be appropriate.
 
I would also highly recommend code.org for getting started.
 
Khan Academy. Best free online for teaching maths, science, chemistry, animation and programming for every grade. My daugther uses it and some of my friends use it when tutoring kids maths. Its helped a lot and is paid for my uncle bill gates let alone a few others. Well worth it.
 
Sat with my daughter this morning and we had a quick look at Scratch. We had a go at the getting started tutorial and then a couple of the examples from the ideas section on the website, creating animations for the letters of here name and switching backgrounds. She seemed to enjoy it and was getting to grips with the interface pretty well already.
 
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