I saw the MIT scratch(lego style) coding for kids, which is nice. Also in the early days we did draw flow diagrams like this IDE does before coding, and there is the PLC logic coding in the factories, and there are also nice programming tools for artists etc(e.g. processing), I am just honestly thinking where to fit this one. Will try it sometime.
You know a long time ago I used to "code" in this language called LabView and it was all graphical. It was designed for electrical engineers. I remember working with electrical engineers that had no idea about coding and they would be able to build complex systems in LabView. You would drag and drop a box and attach it to another box with a connector and that would be a loop, etc. Really awesome. Maybe something visual like that, with colors, animations etc would work for kids.
That is a lot like the programming gui for the Lego Mindstorms system. It seems like a good way to get kids interested in programming if only to bridge them to working with actual code.
I started my kid with Scratch. Then had him do some of the Hour of Code challenges on Code.org and then some of their courses (recommended). Did a couple Arduino projects programmed with ArduBlock. Now we are working with a VEXIQ kit from Vex Robotics and working our way through the RobotC course. All graphical programming so far. Want to start looking under the hood at the actual code soon.
Back in 1991, when I was 7, the Logo programming language did great for me. You have to write instructions for a pointer to move on the screen and draw things ("go ahead 20 steps; turn right; go ahead 10 steps...). We had a Logo class twice a week and we all kids couldn't wait for it to come. I bet some flavour of Logo is still around, and "turtle graphics" (the general concept of procedural drawing for kids) is a great way to introduce programming. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo_%28programming_language%2...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle_graphics
Scratch from MIT is another canonical suggestion when it comes to this matter.
Some teachers are using Minecraft to let kids build imaginary things; I guess the underlying principle is "let kids plan ahead", which is the core ability for algorithmic thinking, thus computer programming (as in this board game http://www.robotturtles.com/ , ispired by Logo; it's for pre-school tho)
I'd also check out "CS unplugged" http://csunplugged.org/ , a collection of open-air activities you can make that sneakily teach algorithms.
In spite of learning Logo at 6, I didn’t try to introduce programming to my kids, but my 7yo daughter picked up Scratch-based web programming during school where they did Hour of Code. (Pleasantly surprised considering Texas’ slow bleeding of public schools.) It’s a free site filled with focused, guided activities using block programming and probably other languages. One is Dance Party where you sequence dancers and their stage to a music track, and in another you teach Elsa to skate patterns into the ice in a modern twist on Logo.
They do a lot of Minecraft now but are interested in TinkerCAD, which I’ll solidify by printing some of their designs. Not sure any of the beginner CAD apps are really easy, though.
My elder one is 7 years old and more inclined towards drawing/arts(seems natural though), he might not be in good stage to write code but flow charts could help him to build logic regardless of a computer. In this way he can enjoy drawing while start building algorithm and logic too.
Thanks for this question which made me to think this idea. Will start working on it soon.
I plan on introducing them to programatic thinking before introducing them to code. Letting them play around with Scratch, for example. The nice thing about Scratch is that they would probably perceive it as a game, whereas writing code they would probably see it as work.
You can go back and forth about which coding environment is best for kids but it is really great how many options there are now. I first encountered programming on the trash-80 in the 5th grade. We had a typing program, text games and Logo and saved things to cassette tape. Back then, Logo was a triangular turtle on a monochrome screen. We have come a long way in ~30 years. Still I remember loving it. Logo had a huge impact on my life.
More recently, I started helping kids with their programming projects at my local library's coder dojo using Scratch, JavaScript, Python and other languages. It's a rewarding and fun way to give back to your community. I highly recommend trying it out.
Is there a good programming language and environment for kids? I started learning coding in my own around 10 yrs old with qbasic. Scratch is super aawesome, but what is the next level up from that that is actually typing the code out instead of moving puzzle pieces?
Thanks for the suggestion. Some time ago I'd looked at Processing for my own use. I hadn't even considered it as a platform for teaching. It would be certainly be interesting to have a kid-oriented programming environment (like that for Scratch) built on top of this.
What does the government want to achieve with this program? Has it been done elsewhere (Im thinking India but its not the same, is it?)
You're right, visual appeal is key but I'd go lower and start with something physical, lego-like and kid-friendly, meant to filter for those who can, at that age, program something. Then work up thru scratch etc to actual coding. But the biggest problem will be to get the teachers used to teaching it.
Would like to read more about it, any links?
The first 'code' I wrote was probably logo writer (turtles!) In kindergarten. It was fun. Then we did HyperCard and built all sorts of fun interactive designs.
Tldr: if kids can do art class, they can program and have fun doing it.
"Coding" as a subject is emerging with all the requisite teacher training materials, state board approved curricula, etc. It bears about as much resemblance to actual software engineering or even hobbyist programming as the AP CS exam does ;)
The best experience I've had so far is just creating simple games and simulations in Processing (P5JS) with kids. The online IDE is very forgiving. But as of yet, I don't think there is really a set of instructions that allow them to think like a Computer Scientist. In many aspects, 1980s style Turtle Graphics and DOS BASIC were more advanced "mind-openers"
May I suggest that instead of Python, if the aim is for children, you consider a block based language such as Scratch or MakeCode?
I have a nephew who is ~8 and is doing absolutely amazing with Scratch in his classroom. He's making little mini-games, understanding loops, variables, and he's learning the all-important skill of debugging.
When/if he transitions from a block based programming language to one that's purely textual, I feel like that transition will be smooth based on his existing understanding and skills.
So if the aim is puzzles for kids, having a setting that they are more familiar with, such as blocks, might make it easier.
I have taught my kids ages 5 and 10 some coding in ScratchJr/Scratch/MakeCode.
I also volunteered at the school to teach kids how to build their own robot from lego, servos, and microbits.
What I have found is that most younger kids are not as drawn to coding.
It is the hands on projects that keeps them interested.
For ScratchJr I did put out a 30 minute project based course on Udemy. It has a few students here and there. But what really works is when I sit down with a class and show them live how to build a project on Scratch Jr.
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