Happy2BaMom Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Ds, 9, recently decided that he wanted to experiment with making his own video game. I've found a site or two online that are free (not necessarily a requirement, but we do need low-cost - $30 or less) but they are kind of hard for him to use (even though they are supposedly designed for children). I think part of the problem is that he needs to know more about computers. So I'm turning to the Hive for ideas on two resources: 1) Good books (or web sites) that teach a kid about computers & maybe some basic programming 2) Any good web sites for kids who want to experiment with creating video games Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Try Scratch. It's free and easy to use. A google search will get you all sorts of lesson ideas, if you want to approach it in a structured way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Try Scratch. It's free and easy to use. A google search will get you all sorts of lesson ideas, if you want to approach it in a structured way. :iagree: We're even having a co-op class on scratch next session. My kids love making the their own creatures dressing them and animating them. We haven't ventured into the actual game making area...waiting for our class for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caelia Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 My kids use Scratch as well, they love it. My son has made some video games, and he was on a kick for a while making stop motion animation videos using his legos. They were really cool! It's a great program, he is basically teaching it to himself, since I know nothing about programming. My husband is a programmer though, and he says it is a great introduction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted October 31, 2011 Author Share Posted October 31, 2011 Thank you for the responses. We did sign up for Scratch & my son spent his allotted screen time playing on the site. He really liked it, and I'm glad we found it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I have listed quite a few resources here. I picked them based on their future value and not just a frivolous return of accomplishment. I assumed if they are interested this early in their education that they may continue with computer technology. Thus, these resources are ones choosen for their logic value. With that said, if you decide to teach a computer course, do not classify it as computers but as computer logic and programming. :) And I would probably start with Python myself, or Alice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freerange Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 We've had great success here with the book game maker's apprentice. When dd first started I sat with her as she worked through the first few chapters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 found some things on amazon that I"m going to get kiddo for xmas....he's really into wanting to make his own videos/games....thanks for the links too.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in SW WA Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 My dds started Scratch today and are hooked! They are showing dh the little programs they wrote this afternoon. I downloaded Alice too -- buy it looks much more complex. Does anyone use Alice with young'ish kids? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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