Python coding for children and CodeSkulptor.org

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While talking to another parent about Python programming for children, I googled a bit and found this website:

http://www.codeskulptor.org/

Ha, learning to code is so easy nowadays: all you need is a browser. I would recommend not to use tablets, though. To learn to code computer programs, you really need a true laptop or desktop computer. Hook it up to your big-screen TV if at all possible. Get a wireless keyboard, too.

Here is a sample code:


And of course you can feel free to be silly, too:


Ha, the guy even has a few YouTube video clips. Here is one.

Thank you, for this, Jason. We are going to be doing Python, later in the semester. I will check it out.

That's interesting. My DS10 asked me the other day if he could learn to code. I'm all for it, but don't know the first thing about it to find tools to teach him or do the teaching...

There is also a programming language called Scratch (I think) that is object based, to introduce younger students to the logic involved. My son was teaching that to elementary school age children at a tech camp over the summer, although by the end of the week his best students had moved on into language based coding.

He also taught several more traditional languages to older students. He loves teaching programming.

My son's first programming experience was in an after school class, and then by using a book my husband had bought him. He was a pretty decent programmer in multiple languages before he ever started college. There are a lot of ways for kids to run with this on their own, but my son enjoyed the occasional class to help sort out the bad habits he was developing. Depending on your area there may be different private course options available at a wide variety of cost.

Programming can be a lot of fun for our young Aspies. They appreciate the logic to it.

I can also vouch for Scratch. We did two years of it (in conjunction with other coding) and my son loved it.

OK. Where does a mama who happens to be the other kind of Aspie and almost completely uncomfortable with modern technology of any kind (like, I can barely use the Internet and regularly get outsmarted by my $15 flip phone) turn to learn enough about coding to get an ADHD kid started with it??

Scratch, like DWamom suggested is the best thing for that that I have run into. It is a free thing designed with kids in mind, with tons of free support, though you can buy books on it, too. They can do a lot without parental support, if they are willing to experiment and figure out the logic.

https://scratch.mit.edu/

it is a visual environment and the interface is therefore very visual. You connect pre-made coding blocks together on a virtual surface as opposed to having to type it from scratch. They have tutorials and it is collaborative. Your kid can download someone else project, and give it minor tweaks and feel like they have accomplished something as they figure it out. When they are ready, they can also upload their own work.

A co-worker just pointed me out this website as well. Again, only a browser is needed. Things are so easy nowadays. Schools are becoming less and less relevant.

https://www.codeacademy.com/

I'm actually learning to code myself. Better late than never and I've found this site very useful
https://studio.code.org/courses