I'm thinking I would like to introduce my boys to computer programming next year. Has anyone used anything good at this level (4th grade)?
Scatch and Alice are often suggested as an introduction to programming for kids. Scratch is often used around here.
Wait until they're older, move to central Ohio and enroll them in my dh's class! He teaches an AWESOME computer class to hs'ers!
My 7 year old likes Python. The kid version is called Snake Wrangling for Kids. http://www.briggs.net.nz/snake-wrangling-for-kids.html It's a free printable book to download that is written to the kids. I'd probably say 10+ could do it on their own, though I read it and cut to the chase with my son. Some of it is wordy and over his head without really getting to the point. My son gets it and learned a few things. It's me who's not on top of things and forgets to schedule in time for it. He really enjoys it when we do it.
like html, and that sort of thing? writing games? or what? and why would you want to teach an elementary person that ? ( sincere question not meant to sound or be sarcastic, though it kinda sounded that way to me, lol sorry)
Because, just like so many things, you introduce it in its simplicity when they're young, and then can add onto it when they're older.
The book? Apparently, he looked it up on Amazon. I think the book teaches Python. I don't know anything about it really It is something he explores in his free time. I am requiring him to be a fluent at typing before we move on to programming during school.
no problem-- interesting dialogue. we are working on typing skills now, and both of my boys are very mathematical. i think programming would really interest them.
Check out homeschoolprogramming.com. I bought it through homeschoolbuyersco-op.org, then bought the video lessons directly from them. You get a programming computer program with the course. My son just started it, so I can't tell you a lot about it other than it looks interesting.
clumbsymom thats the one I saw for 130 thats a lot for one course. My college students dont even pay that much.
I think I only paid about $65 through the co-op for computer & gaming, then paid $30 for for the video lessons on cd. The text is an electronic copy. You also get the computer program used to do the programming (can't remember it's name). Not sure how much it would cost to buy alone. Hoping I can download it to my iPad to make it easier for my son to use. Not sure yet if it is worth the price. Time will tell.
Alice is a good tool, and I really like the looks of the "snake wrangling" book that teaches python. However I came across a great free course that teaches computer science, which builds good programming skills regardless of the language. That in turn makes it easier to learn most programming languages. check it out: hsrecords.us/news/2012/02/teaching-computer-science/
