In today’s digital world, teaching kids to code is becoming as important as teaching them to read or write. One of the most accessible platforms for introducing younger students to coding is MIT App Inventor. This powerful, block-based coding tool allows kids to create their own mobile apps, making it not only educational but also [...]
We practice computational thinking in many of my coding classes. Computational thinking is both a way of thinking and a creative problem-solving strategy. An important part of the process is using divergent thinking to generate “ideas” for the more difficult parts of a problem. Generating ideas is very different than finding answers. Many of my [...]
Brainstorming is a critical skill that fuels creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. It’s not just for writers or artists; it’s an essential ability for students across all subjects. However, many students struggle with generating ideas quickly and efficiently. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children develop this skill. Here’s why brainstorming is important and [...]
What is Human Centered Design?Human-Centered Design (HCD) is a design approach that prioritizes the needs, desires, and limitations of end-users at every stage of the design process. It involves three main stages: Inspiration, Ideation, and Implementation.Why is Human Centered Design important for kids to practice?Human-Centered Design (HCD) is essential in today’s world as it fosters [...]
Is you child interested in creating a Minecraft Mod? In my Modding With Minecraft class for ages 9-14, we use a great program called MCreator to learn how to create and code our own Minecraft mods. Below is an instructional video you can use with your child to help them get started with MCreator and [...]
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to learn independently and adapt to new challenges is more important than ever. As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing our children’s self-directed learning skills, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an era of lifelong learning and constant change. In this [...]
As parents, we’re often inclined to shield our children from discomfort and challenges. However, what if we told you that embracing struggles can lead to profound growth and learning? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of productive struggle and provide you with strategies for nurturing your child’s overall growth through intentional challenge and perseverance, [...]
As parents, one of our greatest desires is to see our children flourish and reach their full potential. We want to nurture their creativity, encourage their passions, and create a safe space where they feel empowered to explore, innovate, and express themselves freely. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies that parents can implement to [...]
Scratch is a visual based coding language that helps young children get started with coding in a fun and kid-friendly way. In the coding classes I teach, I find that kids that have some experience with using Scratch have an easier time learning and applying new coding concepts. Scratch is also great because there are [...]
Being able to creatively problem solve is a critical skill now and will be even more so in the future. Traditional education sometimes teaches students to value getting to the correct answer as fast as possible and mistakes are seen a failures. I see this problem in my coding classes when we are trying to [...]
