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.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »