Anonymous wrote:OP I want to point out that it's quite probable the class will be Scratch. My 4th grader had a technology special last year that was just learning Scratch, taught by the SBTS.

Thanks for pointing this out! I'll check! I appreciate everyone's help. He'll be excited to try this out.

OP I want to point out that it's quite probable the class will be Scratch. My 4th grader had a technology special last year that was just learning Scratch, taught by the SBTS.

My 3rd grade child takes classes at the Coder School and uses Scratch. He loves it.

I don't remember the difference between Scratch and ScratchJr.
My DC started his coding journey around third grade using Scratch. He loved playing with it immediately. Making Scratch games was pure fun for him.
The next step for a lot of kids after they've gained experience to learn is Python.
Later on they may learn java (FCPS school teaches java in their AP CS lessons) . Or they could learn C++ if they are interested in attending competition programming activities, such as USACO. Or they maybe interested in Web design or App development, etc...

My point is Scratch is absolutely a wonderful tool out there for a third grader to start exploring. It's also free.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/scratchjr

Fellow former CS major here - this!

We're also big Robot Turtles fans - gets through the idea that the computer only does what you tell it to do and can get into basic coding with the function frog card.

Thank you so much! I hope you’re using your degree more than I do these days

Anonymous wrote:https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/scratchjr

Fellow former CS major here - this!

We're also big Robot Turtles fans - gets through the idea that the computer only does what you tell it to do and can get into basic coding with the function frog card.

Anonymous wrote:This is toxic. The point of the class is to teach new kids the basics. Why are you making it into a rat race?

Did you read my post? That’s the exact opposite of what I’m asking about. I’m sorry for whatever it is going on in your life that makes you lurk on this thread, looking for opportunities to take down other parents. I genuinely hope that making an anonymous, unproductive, attacking comment to an internet stranger helped ease whatever is it you’re grappling with.

Anonymous wrote:This will all be click and drag stuff. A nothing Burger.

It's advanced Java.

This will all be click and drag stuff. A nothing Burger.

This is toxic. The point of the class is to teach new kids the basics. Why are you making it into a rat race?

My third grader is going to take an after school coding class this spring. He is excited to try it, but has no real prior knowledge of or exposure to coding. Any recommendations for an age appropriate, good site to learn some fundamentals in preparation for the class? (I know this probably isn’t necessary, but I’m guessing others in the class will be more familiar than he is and I don’t want him to feel discouraged.) I was a CS major, but my own knowledge is dated! Thank you!