Foundations used in tech club for early grades K-4. Introduction to coding through discovery and play. Kids will be pairing in teams with older and younger students working collaboratively.
- Turtle Graphics
- iPad day - free apps that encourage logic
- Sequencing activities
- Tech Unplugged
- Stop Motion day - bring cameras, laptop with Windows Movie Maker or iMovie
- Early intro to Scratch (see teaching_kids_core )
Most developers I talk to say there was an individual who introduced them to a love of code. That interaction changed their future. This was the case for me as well. I don't think that every child is going to become a programmer but I think all of them should have a chance to try it out.
It's more than just goodwill. Teaching is is beneficial for developers in 3 ways.
- When you teach something to a child you solidify your own understanding of foundational programming skills.
- Working with kids will inspire you to continue to grow and try new languages, frameworks and code styles.
- There is nothing cooler than being part of that moment when a kid "gets it". When that connection between their code and the outcome clicks it is amazing.