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Ask HN: Are there any children's websites that teach coding or coding concepts?

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Re: Ask HN: Are there any children's websites that teach coding or coding concepts?

#41
I have been teaching 6th through 8th graders Processing (processing.org). They love the creative, visual aspect of it. It's essentially Java, with a layer of ease so you can very quickly get things done. The quick code-run-tweak cycles are an advantage (similar to Scratch in that respect). Because it's Java, all the programming fundamentals (functions, variables, loops, branching, objects) can be taught - but with the purpose of creating something interesting. There are a number of tutorials and books available for teaching (see www.learningprocessing.com), and you can code entirely online at sketchpad.cc.

Re: Ask HN: Are there any children's websites that teach coding or coding concepts?

#42

This is not a website, but my kids LOVED The Art of Computer Programming (1st edition, when they still had the Maurice Sendak illustrations). The pictures in the volume on Sorting and Searching, though, are not recommended for kids under the age of 9.

The 1st edition of this?? http://amzn.to/179DGr8

Yes, but back in the day it was only vols 1-3. No Sendak in later volumes/editions:-(

Re: Ask HN: Are there any children's websites that teach coding or coding concepts?

#43
I collected some resources on this here: http://www.zappable.com/2012/11/chart-for-learning-a-program...

There are some programs for kids or to make games for various languages:

Java - Greenfoot

Python - Invent Your Own Computer Games (book)

Ruby - Hackety-Hack, Ruby4Kids

Javascript - CodeAvengers

If they're not yet ready to write real code, they can look at these programs from MIT:

General - Scratch

Android - AppInventor

Re: Ask HN: Are there any children's websites that teach coding or coding concepts?

#44
We're actually working on an iPad app that lets people make games. Our behaviour system is not exactly programming, but it does teach about logic and help understand the concepts of programming. We have variables, loops, ifs.. then make it fun allowing you to make a game.

I posted about it a few days ago. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5466311

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZUNhviJLr8

We will be releasing at the end of April.

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