Programming Foundations: Programming for Kids

Programming can be fun and gives kids a great head start. Teach your kids to program using these learning techniques, apps, and hardware.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. Programming for Kids

• Programming is fun!
• Graphical vs. coding-based languages

2. How Kids Learn

• Exploring learning styles: Auditory, kinesthetic, and visual
• Piaget's four stages of cognitive development

3. Graphical Programming on the iPad

• iPad apps for very young kids
• Making things move: Daisy the Dinosaur
• Conquering challenges: Move the Turtle
• Learning about algorithms: Hopscotch

4. Graphical Programming on Personal Computers

• Programming animations: Scratch
• Programming Android apps: MIT App Inventor
• Programming games: GameSalad

5. Getting Started with Coding

• A first real programming language: Logo
• Programming virtual robots: RoboMind
• Learning JavaScript: Crunchzilla Code Monster
• Learning Java: Greenfoot

6. Programming in the Real World

• When programming gets real
• Building and controlling a real robot: LEGO Mindstorms
• Programming real robots: LEGO Mindstorms
• Joining a club: FIRST Robotics Competition
• Programming hardware: Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Conclusion

• Next steps