First of all let me say that (although I do make iOS apps) I am in no way associated with this app, and don't know the programmer in any way.
Ok, now that that is out of the way. This year I am home schooling my kids, and my kids were interested in learning programming. I was undecided as to the best way to go about teaching programming to kids... what language do I use, what where do I start, what is a good pace for a child to learn at?
A friend of a friend suggested that we look at Lightbot, so we did. It was $3. Basically the concept of the game (we play it on iPad) is that you control a cute little robot and he needs to light up squares around the board. He does so by following your commands.
Although Lightbot doesn't teach any programming language, it really does a great job of teaching the logic of programming in a way that feels like playing a game.
At first Lightbot just does what you tell him to inside of the main program... next you learn how to write procedures that you can call to make Lightbot do more things. Eventually you get a second procedure slot so you can have two different procedures to call.
The game uses overloading on it's basic "light" command, so that light will also function as a color change or an elevator trigger. Then the game teaches you how to do loops (by calling P1 inside of P1) and breaks to bust free from your loop. It also teaches conditional using color.
If you are a veteran programmer don't think you will just breeze through this game!
Some of the challenge problems will make you stop and think.
I think this is a good way to nail down programming basics for kids or adults who are learning to think like a programmer. It's fun, its challenging enough to keep you attention and easy enough that you can get through it. This way of thinking lays the foundation for programming in any language, and is a good first step.
I have not personally tired it, but there is also a LightBot Jr. available. It says that it is for ages 4-8, and would probably be a fun way to spark an interest for programming in your youngster.
Eventually everyone in the family (with the new family app sharing) ended up playing and enjoying LightBot, even our daughter who previously had shown no interest in programming. I would absolutely suggest this app.
Now the question is where to go next. My son as nailed down these key fundamentals and is in the process of choosing what language he wants to learn first. He seems interested in making iOS apps, and we'll probably start him on the apprentice series at raywenderlich.com. Of course you need an Apple computer to take the iOS route, so if your child bangs though Lightbot and is looking for their next challenge, why not send them over to our beginning PHP tutorials! These tutorials start you right at the beginning assuming you know nothing.
Have you used any software or child specific tutorials to help teach your son or daughter programming? If so i'd love to hear from you as to how you liked it and if you would suggest it to others. Don't have an iPad? Maybe you have found a similar game on your android device or your computer? Let me know!
Here is a link to Lightbot in the App store.
Ok, now that that is out of the way. This year I am home schooling my kids, and my kids were interested in learning programming. I was undecided as to the best way to go about teaching programming to kids... what language do I use, what where do I start, what is a good pace for a child to learn at?
A friend of a friend suggested that we look at Lightbot, so we did. It was $3. Basically the concept of the game (we play it on iPad) is that you control a cute little robot and he needs to light up squares around the board. He does so by following your commands.
Although Lightbot doesn't teach any programming language, it really does a great job of teaching the logic of programming in a way that feels like playing a game.
At first Lightbot just does what you tell him to inside of the main program... next you learn how to write procedures that you can call to make Lightbot do more things. Eventually you get a second procedure slot so you can have two different procedures to call.
The game uses overloading on it's basic "light" command, so that light will also function as a color change or an elevator trigger. Then the game teaches you how to do loops (by calling P1 inside of P1) and breaks to bust free from your loop. It also teaches conditional using color.
If you are a veteran programmer don't think you will just breeze through this game!
Some of the challenge problems will make you stop and think.
I think this is a good way to nail down programming basics for kids or adults who are learning to think like a programmer. It's fun, its challenging enough to keep you attention and easy enough that you can get through it. This way of thinking lays the foundation for programming in any language, and is a good first step.
I have not personally tired it, but there is also a LightBot Jr. available. It says that it is for ages 4-8, and would probably be a fun way to spark an interest for programming in your youngster.
Eventually everyone in the family (with the new family app sharing) ended up playing and enjoying LightBot, even our daughter who previously had shown no interest in programming. I would absolutely suggest this app.
Now the question is where to go next. My son as nailed down these key fundamentals and is in the process of choosing what language he wants to learn first. He seems interested in making iOS apps, and we'll probably start him on the apprentice series at raywenderlich.com. Of course you need an Apple computer to take the iOS route, so if your child bangs though Lightbot and is looking for their next challenge, why not send them over to our beginning PHP tutorials! These tutorials start you right at the beginning assuming you know nothing.
Have you used any software or child specific tutorials to help teach your son or daughter programming? If so i'd love to hear from you as to how you liked it and if you would suggest it to others. Don't have an iPad? Maybe you have found a similar game on your android device or your computer? Let me know!
Here is a link to Lightbot in the App store.
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