Homeschool computer programming for kids:
KidCoder is a self-study science curriculum that teaches kids to write their own computer games and programs. It’s written as an introduction to the field of computer programming for kids 4th grade and older. There is also a TeenCoder program intended for older kids (high schoolers) who already have a major interest in computer programming. Both series are written by homeschool parents who are experienced software engineers. It’s expected that kids will have basic knowledge of how to use a computer before they start either of these programs.
Each KidCoder course is scheduled to take about one semester. You can purchase courses one at a time, or both in a discounted bundle. Windows Programming comes first to build fundamental skills, then Game Programming moves on to teaching kids to write computer games.
A few chapter topics in Windows Programming include: Introduction to Computers; Exploring Visual Basic Programs; Data Types and Variables; Working with Numbers; Arrays and Structures… and more. Each chapter includes a review, then a “Your Turn” section where students practice the concepts they’ve just learned.
Our experience with KidCoder
When we were given the opportunity to use and review this product, I jumped on it. One of Kathryn’s requested topics for the year was to “learn about how computers work,” so she was very interested in trying it. So far she’s through a little more than half of the first course, Windows Programming.
We found it to be confusing at first, and Kathryn and I had trouble figuring out how to install the Visual Basic program this curriculum uses. But we have our own in-house IT guy, and he was happy to help. According to Ken, this difficulty is probably because all operating systems vary, and the screen shots in the book looked a little different than on our computer, so that was confusing.
But once we made it past installation, things went well.
Kathryn didn’t want to try doing it all on her own, but enjoyed having Ken help her — and he got a kick out of it since it is something he knows so well. He even explained how he uses a very similar program at work.
A couple of chapters into the course, Kathryn was finally on a roll. She still had Ken nearby to clarify things if she had questions, but she was able to do it on her own as long as she took her time and read the instructions carefully.
And once she’d made her program do something, it got fun.
{Look! She created clickable buttons that work!}
Kathryn is eager to keep working through this course, and says she knows she can do it on her own now, but prefers to have help. I’ve let that be Ken’s thing, but I believe I could help her at this point, even with far less computer knowledge than Ken has. So with a little parent involvement, this is certainly do-able without a computer tech in the house.
This course would be wonderful for kids who are interested in exploring computer science to see if they want to continue learning more about it — and with the way technology has grown in recent years, I think it’s quite valuable to have this basic knowledge.
You can follow Homeschool Programming on twitter or facebook to learn more about them.
Don’t miss this: a Giveaway!
Homeschool Programming is giving away a 1st–semester and video course of your choice! To enter, just comment on this post! EXTRA entry if you tweet or pin this giveaway; if you do so, please enter a separate comment with the link to your tweet or pin.
(Contest open til next Wednesday, Jan 16.)
Want more than just my opinion? These other iHomeschool bloggers are also sharing Homeschool Programing reviews this week, so check out what they have to say, too!
- KidCoder review at These Temporary Tents
- TeenCoder review at Spell Outloud
- TeenCoder review at Momma Hopper
- KidCoder review at Jimmie’s Collage
Disclaimer: I received this KidCoder course for free and was compensated for time spent reviewing this product. This review is my honest opinion of the product. I was not required to post a positive review.
I’m a big fan of authentic conversation and always appreciate hearing what you have to say. Thanks for reading.
38 responses to “KidCoder Computer Programming for Kids”
Our son would love this program!!
I pinned this giveaway on pinterest.
This course looks very interesting! I would love to try it with my daughter who says she wants to be a piano teacher and website designer on the side. 🙂
And don’t you love having an in-house IT guy?
I keep looking at this program for my teenager! I would love to win the teencoder for him to try. Thanks for offering this giveaway. ~ Ellen
I was just telling our oldest son about this program last, but couldn’t remember the name…
Perfect timing!
We have one who is REALLY interested in computers, stop motions, animation etc.
Thank you!!!
http://pinterest.com/pin/243687029809310730/
https://twitter.com/thechuppies/status/289037158969405440
I would really like to try this out. I’ve been looking at it off and on for a while, but the cost made me hesitate.
One of my degrees is in Computer Science and I actually worked as a software developer for YEARS. My husband has both a bachelors and masters in Computer Science as well. It seemed a little silly to purchase programming curriculum for our daughter with our degrees and experience. She’s mildly interested in programming, but not chomping at the bit to do it.
I have thought about designing a course for her, but it is more effort than I want to do if she isn’t excited about programming. So, I’m stuck in the middle. A trial would really help us out, to see if she is interested and to help me justify the cost in the future.
http://pinterest.com/pin/411235009694097090/
Been looking for a program for my son who is interested in writing his own games, and more! This sounds perfect! Can’t wait !
My daughter was just talking about wanting to take a computer class. I would love to get this. Thanks for having this giveaawy.
Buttons! Yes, those little things were exciting, weren’t they?
This would be great for my daughters.
I would love to try this program!
http://pinterest.com/pin/119415827591592074/
I had never heard of this before. It sounds great! I think I have some children that would enjoy this.
This just might be the perfect thing to give my senior year a little jazz! I’m homeschooled and have been trying to think of some things to add into the general subjects for the next school year , this is going on the list of definite maybes! Could even be a fun thing to do through the Summer!
Pinned it! http://pinterest.com/pin/350014202259605047/
My son is going to start this program in a couple of weeks when he’s done with a different subject, so your review will be helpful in getting us started. We can’t wait!
I think I MYSELF might need this. 😉
https://twitter.com/TalysaM/status/289778435163832323
This would be a WONDERFUL learning tool for my son! Thanks for the chance to win it.
How cool! Looks like a lot of fun!
Would love to give this a try!
I don’t tweet or pin, but I did link up on my school blog. Techiemooseprincessandme.blogspot.com
I know my son would love this! 🙂
Thanks for the review! I’ve been thinking about a computer programming course and this looks good.
My daughter frequents your blog and shared this with me so I could comment too. 🙂
Pinned this post here: http://pinterest.com/pin/105623553732630768/
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/JudyHoch/status/290106680706998274
I saw this a few weeks ago and thought my son would really like it but the cost kept me from ordering it.
http://pinterest.com/debkay6/educational/
This seems to be just what we’re looking for! Thanks for the review (and chance to win!).
I would love this for my kiddos! {Heck! I’d love it for me!}
Tweeted about it! 🙂
My son would love this. Awesome giveaway!
I also pinned this. I think my 12 yr old son would find this interesting as he always wants to learn new things.
This is exactly what my son is asking for this Christmas!