In an increasingly digital world, children are not just consuming technology—they have the opportunity to create it. Virtual worlds and interactive experiences are shaping industries far beyond gaming, from education and entertainment to business and social interaction. Teaching kids how to design and build these spaces can open doors to future careers, develop essential skills, [...]
Imagine this: Your child bursts into the room, their face beaming with excitement. “Mom! Dad! I want to start my own business!” they announce. Maybe they’ve been inspired by a school project, a YouTube video, or even a lemonade stand they passed by on a sunny afternoon. Whatever sparked their interest, their enthusiasm is palpable, [...]
When it comes to deciding between live and self-paced classes for your child, understanding their unique needs, learning preferences, and personality can help you make the best choice. Both formats have their advantages, and the right choice will depend on what suits your child best. Below, we’ll explore the benefits of each type and provide [...]
In today’s rapidly changing world, one of the most valuable skills a child can develop is the ability to learn independently. Self-directed learning allows students to seek knowledge on their own, adapt to new challenges, and take ownership of their education. It builds confidence, resilience, and curiosity—qualities that will serve them well in any field [...]
As parents, it’s hard to see our children struggle with frustration. When they’re working through something challenging—whether it’s a tough math problem, learning a new skill, or figuring out how to code—it’s natural to want to step in and make things easier. But what if we told you that frustration is not a sign of [...]
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 [...]
