Re: Programming for Kids (9-10 years old)

Andy Civil wrote:
> On 2010-11-22 1:06 PM, Dave Sampson wrote:
>   
>> Hey Folks,
>>
>> looking for some recommendations for an xmass gift for a 9 year old. A
>> book to introduce young folks to the fun, wonders and challenges of
>> programming.
>>
>>     
>
> I can't help with a book or a present recommendation for a remote child, but as 
> the dad of a 9-yo I thought I'd just share my plan, for the sake of discussion.
>
> 1. My daughter started with <http://www.alice.org/> - the storytelling version. 
> It's nice for keeping interest, and it's object-oriented, but a 'program' ends 
> up rather 'linear' having just one path from start to end. It seems to be a 
> great place to start though, with the concept of writing something yourself and 
> seeing a result.
>
> 2. <http://scratch.mit.edu/> is the next step, with the introduction of proper 
> programming constructs. You're really making an application here, rather than a 
> sequence.
>
> 3. My plan was to move on to real live Java when she was ready, eclipse and all. 
> However, I'm sure Python would do just as well.
>
> I'd be interested if other members of the list have found other neat educational 
> tools. Her own computer happens to have Vista on it, but she has easy access to 
> my Linux computer.
>
>   
Lego Mindstorms - the programming interface is very visual, drag and 
drop and intuitive.  My son got involved in school and ended up 
pestifying his Mom and I into buying him a set for home.

My son has also done summer camps with UofO Science & Engineering and 
loves it.  Lots of very nice programming tools & teaching.   He did a 
camp through the City of Ottawa on animation and game design that used a 
Java toolset for kids.  He liked the UofO stuff much more.

--
Bill

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