Catching Crabs

[richmond62]

Just had 90 minutes of fun preparing a model program for my Summer course for kids running through June and July:

Standalones and source code are all available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bund1kj7r2i7 ... ICg3a?dl=0

[Newbie4]

You did a great job. They will like it.

There are some good starter programs and ideas for younger children at https://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/li ... rogramming under Section 1. - "Building Basic Apps". All four of those subsections make for easy and exciting starter programs where the students can exercise their creativity and practice their new programming skills.

Even though it says "Apps for Android devices", they are also great for desktops too.

Teaching it should be fun for you too and rewarding.

Good luck and again, nice job

[richmond62]

To be honest, I always find it is easier to help kids learn programming with examples I have made and worked through
myself, just because I know all the pitfalls and traps having already fallen down ALL of them myself

[Newbie4]

Yes, and it is best to go through that exact same process with them. As you model the writing of the program in front of them, make the same mistakes you made or problems you ran into. Involve them in the process of problem solving. Don't just show them the solutions but see if you can coax them into solving the problems themselves. We learn best from our mistakes. Guide them into the same process that you went through.

Sometimes, it is fun to do it the wrong way and let them find and fix the problems themselves (with your questions and hints of course). That teaches them problem-solving, logic, creativity, patience, questioning and models the real-life programming process. Writing the program is a process and a vehicle for many good lessons, not just an end goal.

Short simple programs are good to use because the lessons do not get too long. You want to show new commands and concepts and model the process. Then you want them to extend what you just showed them into a more involved one, of their own creation. I have found that small short problems work best as you build up their skills and understandings. Then when you have covered all the main concepts, give them a more adventurous and larger project to do. The ones I have there have proven to be good in teaching the various skills needed to design a larger game or program. It also gives them many small successes and programs that they are proud of.

Good luck with your class. It sounds like you will do well teaching it

[richmond62]

"It sounds like you will do well teaching it"

You never know my luck: this will be my 9th year teaching LiveCode.

[SparkOut]

Well, if you get lucky, this may be the year you crack it.

Sorry, I couldn't resist, the comedy llama butted me.

[richmond62]

Don't worry, SparkOut, I cracked years ago . . .