Tag: elementary

Python for Kids | No Starch Press

Python is a powerful, expressive programming language that’s easy to learn and fun to use! But books about learning to program in Python can be kind of dull, gray, and boring, and that’s no fun for anyone.

Python for Kids brings Python to life and brings you (and your parents) into the world of programming. The ever-patient Jason R. Briggs will guide you through the basics as you experiment with unique (and often hilarious) example programs that feature ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. New terms are defined; code is colored, dissected, and explained; and quirky, full-color illustrations keep things on the lighter side.

via Python for Kids | No Starch Press.

ScratchJr – Imagine, Program, Learn

ScratchJr - Imagine, Program, Learn

ScratchJr is a developmentally appropriate programming language for children 5 to 7 years old. Children can create their own animated stories, interactive collages and games. ScratchJr is the product of a collaboration between the DevTech Research Group at the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development at Tufts University, directed by Prof. Marina Bers, and the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab directed by Prof. Mitch Resnick. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF DRL-1118664), the ScratchJr iPad app is planned for release in early 2014.

via ScratchJr – Imagine, Program, Learn.

Espresso Coding – Computing made simple

Espresso Coding is a new service from Espresso Education that teaches pupils to code and make their own apps to share with their friends and parents. Its also FREE for an extended period until October 31st 2014.

Espresso Coding has everything you need to deliver the coding part of the curriculum for years 1 to 6 including:

  • a comprehensive Scheme of Work linked to Curriculum 2014
  • 70+ step-by step lessons and tablet-friendly activities for pupils to create apps
  • full lesson plans for each activity by December 2013
  • a bespoke website area where apps can be published and shared
  • an introduction to coding using elements of JavaScript (an industry standard)
  • short, helpful video guides
  • additional CPD training is available

Why do I need to teach Coding?  View our FAQs to see some of the reasons all schools will need to teach this new topic.

This is the only tool your school needs to teach and learn how to code.

via Espresso Coding – Computing made simple.

primo.io

Primo is a physical programming interface designed to teach children age 4 to 7 basic programming logic without the need for literacy.

The goal of the game is to guide a smiling robot called cubetto to his destination by creating instruction sequences using colourful and intuitive instruction blocks.

By creating these simple algorithms children learn the logical foundations of programming, necessary for more advanced coding later on in life.

Primo is an intuitive and tactile product, designed with natural materials that hide all the electronic parts, providing children with a magical and playful learning experience

via primo.io.

Kano: A computer anyone can make by Kano — Kickstarter

Kano is a toolkit for anyone to start coding right away. We think you learn faster and better when you have control and freedom, like in a good videogame. Then, when you can bend the rules, things get kung fu.We love visual programming languages, especially Scratch, and wanted to hook them up to our favorite games. We came up with Kano Blocks, inspired by Googles Blockly and many hours of button-mashing.

via Kano: A computer anyone can make by Kano — Kickstarter.

Programming at Schools and Hobby Clubs | Tiigrihüpe

Modern computer and information technology studies at schools should not only focus on computers and word processing programmes. More and more technology has emerged in students’ lives, and to understand the principles of it they need to know more about programming and technology in general.

The Tiger Leap Foundation has launched a programme called ProgeTiger which teaches programming, web applications and website creation during classes or in hobby clubs to students from grades 1 to 12.

continue reading: Programming at Schools and Hobby Clubs | Tiigrihüpe.

This Robot Can Teach Programming to Your 5-Year-Old

BY DANI FANKHAUSER

A friend of mine, well into his thirties, remembers going to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Penn., while growing up. There, he and his brothers would play a type of real-life video game — instead of playing with controllers and screens, they had to program robots to navigate through a course to win. Some 30 years later, this kind of technology is no longer reserved for institutions — soon, youll be able to take it home.

Play-i launched a crowdfunding campaign on Monday. The company will make two robots, Bo and Yana, which can be used individually or together (both have Bluetooth 4.0). Along with an iPad app, kids as young as 5 years old can learn programming concepts while playing with the robots

 

via This Robot Can Teach Programming to Your 5-Year-Old.

My Paperless Classroom: Coding with the Littles, Where to Start on the Ipad K-4

When can we start coding with kids?  Once I started working in a tablet-augmented environment, I had to find out what resources are available for coding on tablets.  There are some great tools for teaching programming skills and thinking to kids as young as kindergarten.  In my work I will ge getting these apps into the hands of kids and helping they think and work like a programmer

more: My Paperless Classroom: Coding with the Littles, Where to Start on the Ipad K-4.