Tools and apps to introduce your 4-5 year old to programming, in a laid back way?
Our goal is to only introduce this as a possible activity, just to expose them to a variety of things to do with their time. Looking for something that is fun for 10 to 15 minutes but not 'addictive and doesn't have a bunch of Ads. Are there ones you've tried that you'd recommend?
I imagine there are creative high quality apps out there, but I am just starting to search this space. If someone here has built something even better! :)
-Bhumi
I've been playing a board game called bits and bytes with my 5 & 10 year old.
In short, the aim of the game is to get to the middle (Planet Ram) using left/right/forward/backward cards. It's uses concepts as ram/bugs/cpu but only has fun characters, nothing else!
It's a great way to get started to thinking logically. My 5 year old loves playing it ...
Funnily enough i try and explain computer concepts along the way too in a fun way just to add extra learning i.e. if you get the Ruby card (Function card), you have to decide what function that card does, ie. destroys brick walls or kills any bugs you see....
You'll know what i mean when you play it ;)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bits-Bytes-innovative-fundamentals-programming/dp/B00OZUSXMS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bits+and+bytes&qid=1588271952&sr=8-1
Wonderful, added it to my cart. Thanks for the recommendation :)
"website to teach developers how to get started with core strengthening" <-- that is interesting. Last year I did a lot of research (bought and read books) about core strength. If you're a developer and if you've carried a 20 pound watermelon around your core it's like double whammy :) I've avoided back issues so far by doing the right core exercises to rebuild my core after pregnancy.
Hey, no problem. I hope your child enjoys it.
Wow, very lucky to escape back issues while pregnant and being a dev. I know my wife struggled and often sat on a Swiss ball to help her.
I had a slipped disc around in 2006 to 2008 and it was a very worrying period which i can remember, probably not helped with all the overthinking we do as developers!
Would love to hear what you do for core strengthening. Do you exercise often to ensure you don't struggle? It's not easy with kids i appreciate.
Hi @Mits - I did a 12 week program that focuses on transverse abdominal muscle with various progressions of movements. After doing that I now 'maintain' core strength with usual squats and push-ups (<10 minutes a day). I also started using a stability ball as my chair about a year ago.
Hi @bhumi
Excellent glad to hear you got onto the right track. I would add Bird Dog w/weights to that if you get bored with the same routines.
Interesting you mentioned changing the chair. I too went down this route during healing.
I've got some additional suggestions incase you are interested:
I now use a kneeling chair and alternate with regular chair while dev-ing
http://www.weakbackbuilder.com/blog/ergonomic-kneeling-chair/
Also, there is something called a move n sit cushion too that acts like a stability ball that can be placed on any chair.
http://www.weakbackbuilder.com/blog/move-n-sit-cushion/
Enjoy the board game and take care.
If possible, I'll combine scratch with a device-toy, any type.. for instance in home we have Sphero Edu and with the lights, colors, etc. it helps to keep interest high.
I've used https://www.codemonkey.com/ but only the free trial. While I like the idea of my kid (who is nearly 5) learning to code, they're not capable of much at this age, so its more of a nice to have than a must have IMO
Hadn't heard to that one thanks! Yes I agree, just something different to try but no expectations at this age.
code.org
thanks!
How about scratch for younger kids: https://www.scratchjr.org/
My nephew used the normal scratch when he was older (8yo)
This looks promising! thank you!