Coding Club Resources
These are some resources to get you started if you are thinking about
exposing your child to programming. We have found them helpful (and will
likely be seen in the Stratton Coding Club).
- code.org
-
Code.org is a site that helps expose children to the fundamental
concepts used while programming. Many of the exercises are
puzzle-based, but there are also more open-ended environments to
explore.
- Scratch
-
Scratch is a project of the MIT Media Lab that helps young people
learn to code. Best suited for slightly older students, Scratch offers
a very similar program-building environment to Code.org and should be
a good next-step.
- Scratch Jr
-
Scratch Jr is a version of Scratch tailored for younger children
(5-7). Available as an app for iOS and Android tablets.
- Other options
-
The Code.org folks have compiled a number of other learning resources
for students interested in programming, both as part of
the "Hour of Code" and then as
opportunities in further
exploration.
-
Skills like problem solving, logical reasoning, and debugging are not
exclusive to computers! Puzzle games like the ones
from SmartGames are
sometimes a softer introduction to the same concepts. They're great
when you're trying to limit screen time!