An Easy Way to Get Your Children Coding

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
December 1, 2021 by Leave a Comment

an easy way to get your children coding

160: An easy way to get your children coding

Do you need an easy way to get your children coding? Do you know they need to learn and have no idea where to start?

Well, this episode is for you. In it, I share about the Hour of Code and how it can get children of all ages (even ore-readers) started with coding – or get them to move on to the next level.

FundaFunda’s programming classes mentioned in this episode:

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

an easy way to get your children coding

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Non-tech skills students learn from coding

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August 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Non-techSkills Students Learn From Coding

144: Non-tech skills students learn from coding

There are many non-tech skills students learn from coding. This means learning to program is useful even when students don’t decide to pursue a degree where programming is core to it. These are the skills i talk about in this episode:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Logic
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Planning
  • Perseverance
  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity

Students will also learn humility.

Show sponsor FundaFunda offers the following programming classes:

Special offer for August 2021:

Share about this podcast on any of your social media accounts, or in online forums, Google groups etc OR leave a rating and review on the podcast player you use, then take a photo or screenshot and email it to meryl@fundafunda.com. Everyone who does that can select ANY $20 web-based unit study from sponsor FundaFunda Academy.

————————————————————————————————–
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

Non-techSkills Students Learn From Coding

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Techie Teen Jayda Coding and Digital Art

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July 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Techie Teen Jayda: Digital Art

142: Techie Teen Jayda: Coding and Digital Art

Techie teen Jayda Murray is the guest and talks to us about her interest in digital art and coding.

Jayda’s sister was a guest on this series talking about app creation and her mom, Ayanna was a guest on the podcast in episode 105 and shared Online Resources for Creative Writing.

Jayda answers the following questions

1. What are your interests outside of tech?

2. What tech projects have you done with your sister?
Safety U (made in Tyranno Builder and MIT App Inventor)
A Walk In My Shoes (made in Tyranno Builder and MIT App Inventor)

3. What certifications do you have?
Udacity’s Nano degree program

4. Tell us about your involvement in Ted-Ed and the Games for Change Festival

5. How did you learn digital art?

6. What hardware and software do you use for drawing?
Wacom tablet
Autodesk and Medibang

7. What awards have you won?
Scholastics National Art & Writing Winner

8. Where can we see your work?
Jayda’s portfolio
Instagram

9. What advice do you have for a teen who would like to get started with digital art?

These show notes only cover a small part of what Jayda shares in this episode, so be sure to listen in and be inspired by all she has achieved.

————————————————————————————————–
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

Digital Art

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Techie Teen Anaya: App Creator

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July 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Techie Teen Anaya - App Creator

140: Techie Teen Anaya: App Creation

Techie Teen Anaya Murray talks to us about being an app creator in this episode.

Anaya’s mom was a guest on the podcast in episode 105 and shared Online Resources for Creative Writing.

Anaya answers the following questions

1. What are your interests outside of tech?
Music – Stax Music Academy (SMA)
The book she co-authored with her mom: Bear learns to share
Anaya’s author website

2. How did you get into tech?
Her mom!

3. What classes have you taken?
Javascript, HTML, Unity

4. What apps have you worked on? What did you use to create them?
MIT App Inventor – Code Crew Congressional App – Safety U
Walk in My Shoes
Hackathon “Rock ‘n my issues” visual novel app

5. What classes you have taught?
Code Crew – led a Scratch club
Taught a Game Jam sponsored by NCWIT using Steam Tyranobuilder to create visual novels

6. Where can we find you online?
Instagram – personal account, writer’s account
Facebook
Anaya’s online bio

7. What advice do you have for a teen who would like to be an app creator?
Listen to the episode!

These show notes only cover a small part of what Ayana shares on this episode, so be sure to listen in and be inspired by all she has achieved.

————————————————————————————————–
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

Techie Teen Anaya - App Creator

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Everybody code for one hour this week!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
December 9, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Code for and hour with Hour of Code

111: Everybody code for one hour this week!

It’s time for the Hour of Code again – and in this episode, everyone is encouraged to code for one hour! It doesn’t matter when you listen – the activities will be available free for you to try.

You can find all the Hour of Code activities here.

The ones I mention in this episode:

  • Disney Codeillusion: Media Art Adventure with Mickey
    Grades 2-8 | JavaScript
  • Design Your Own Maze!
    Grades 6+ | JavaScript
  • Code a Grandparent Card in Scratch
    Grades 2-8 | Blocks
  • Codesters: Code Your Own PSA
    Grades 6+ | Python
  • CodeMonkey Jr.: Pre-coding for Preschoolers
    Pre-reader | Blocks
  • Build your own chatbot in Python
    Grades 9+ | Python
  • Space Adventure: Write Code and Catch Bananas!
    Grades 2-8 | CoffeeScript
  • Professor Photon’s Color Conundrum
    Grades 6+ | Computational Thinking focused so no language

Show host FundaFunda Academy has a Christmas contest that includes basic Scratch tutorials.

For Computer Education week (ends Sunday 13 December) you can get FundaFunda’s 5-week Beginner Scratch or Python class for just $35 (a $20 saving). No coupon required.These classes are self-paced but are also graded and help is available for students who need it.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool. We would love to hear how you are using tech in early elementary homeschooling!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

Code for an Hour during this year's Hour of Code

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Participate in the Hour of Code

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
December 4, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Participate in the Hour of Code

62: Participate in the Hour of Code

 

The Hour of Code will be held during the week of 9 – 15 December 2019, BUT you can participate in the activities any time during the year.

The goal is not to learn to code, but to learn what coding is and that coding is fun and creative and anyone can do it.

Visit the Hour of Code website to find a wide range of options of short tutorials that will introduce children to code.

Here are a few you will find on the website that I tried out and enjoyed:

Candy Quest

This uses Tynker. The tutorial explains how to use coding blocks and then you use those blocks to solve each challenge.

Kodable – Build your own Fuzz

Start by creating your creature using code, them you use arrows to choose the path for him to move along. There are arrows that show you what to do the first time and it is all obvious. No reading required

The Little Artist In Your Computer Activity Pack

This is a pdf ie unplugged coding. Listen to our episode explaining what that is. You work through it solving each problem with code.

Code it! – Images and Animations

In this tutorial, you learn how to use code to draw and animate

Dance Party 2019

Use coding blocks to achieve dance moves

Banana Tales: Python Coding Game

This activity uses real Python code. You have to adjust it to solve each puzzle.

Minecraft

Use code to make your character move.

Our show sponsor is offering a Scratch Christmas Contest. Students will get access to basic Scratch tutorials and once they have worked through them will be able to create an interactive Christmas scene. Best submissions will win gift cards.

FundaFunda Academy also has an Intro to Game Programming self-paced unit study that provides a gentle introduction to the world of programming.

Don’t forget to Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes and tell your friends about it.

And be sure to join our Facebook group where we can talk about this together.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

 

Thank you to our Sponsor -The Star Movie

 

The Star Is Coming Back To Theaters for a Limited Time!

Experience The Star again December 7 and 8 in select theaters!
Back by popular demand, you and your family can celebrate the true meaning behind the season. Be sure to check out all of the great resources for your family to use this holiday season! There are discussion guides, along with tons of FREE downloadable activities! Don’t wait, get your tickets today!

Participate in the Hour Code #hourofcode #hoc #computereducationweek

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Unplugged Coding

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July 17, 2019 by 2 Comments

Unplugged Coding

Episode 43: Unplugged Coding with Sandra Balisky

 

Be sure to join our Facebook group where we carry on the discussion about Homeschooling with Technology.

Sandra Balisky from Real World Learners is our guest today. She has a background as a math and English teacher and is now homeschooling her own children and working on an online math course for early elementary students. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram

Sandra explained the concept of “unplugged coding” (listen to the episode to hear what it is!)

What coding skills can you learn when you’re not using a computer?

  • Writing a “program” for others to follow that includes giving precise directions. This often entails using positions on a grid or using degrees in a circle to describe location
  • Learning about binary code, how it works and why computers use it, and how to create a simple set of directions with on/off conditions
  • Understanding and coming up with conditional statements (if/then) and playing around with how those affect the overall “gameplay” experience
  • Learning the ins and outs of computer hardware and software
  • Using loops to eliminate repetition and make the code as simple and concise as possible
  • Learning about digital citizenship and how to safely and effectively navigate the online world
  • Developing a growth mindset!! These activities will stretch kids to think and problem solve in new, creative ways. It will also encourage them to persevere and not give up in the face of challenges!

Where can I find resources to help my kids have fun learning these skills without sitting in front of a screen?

Sandra has a post about unplugged coding with a free printable unplugged coding game and she has other unplugged activities for sale:

More Resources that offer lists of activities, printables, and ideas for things to do to practice coding skills offline.

Once your children have learned some principles of coding from unplugged activities, consider signing them up for one of Fundafunda Academy’s Intro to Game Programming Online Class.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

How to practice coding without a computer #unpluggedcoding #codingforkids @codingfun

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

Bridgeway Academy was founded in 1989 in response to the need for more freedom in education as well as the protection that accreditation offers for homeschooling families. Since then, more than 30,000 K–12 students, and many charter and brick-and-mortar schools, have made Bridgeway Academy their trusted education partner.

As part of our commitment to personalized homeschooling, we are proud to offer both secular and Christian options for homeschool families, charter schools, state organizations, co-ops, athletic organizations, arts schools, and others who seek flexible education options for their families.

Click here to learn more!

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HSHSP Ep 148: Coding for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Paul Drake

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
February 12, 2019 by Leave a Comment

This week on HSHSP Ep 148: Coding for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Paul Drake.

HSHSP Ep 148: Coding for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Paul Drake of Code Apprentice. Teens can learn employable coding skills during high school with training and one-on-one mentors.

HSHSP Ep 148: Coding for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Paul Drake

Paul Drake of Code Apprentice joins Vicki for a discussion on ways to introduce your homeschool high schoolers to coding, and to bring them to expertise level.

Paul is a homeschool graduate. He homeschooled all the way through, including co-ops during high school. Paul’s mother believed that it was important to explore interests, so when he asked to explore website building. His mother hopped on it and found experiences for him.

Paul got his introduction to website building from his dad. His dad introduced Paul to John at Samaritan’s Purse, who became his mentor. Paul did a lot of his own personal training, but John inspired him and opened doors for him to work at Samaritan’s Purse as soon as he graduated from homeschooling.

Teens need to learn to network! Paul can attest to that. His experiences with networking made his after-high-school success possible. Paul points out that homeschooling high school set him up for confident networking because homeschool teens are not age-group isolated, but are often having chances to chat with others

  • Talk to people older than you
  • Spend time in different organizations (volunteering, asking questions)

Paul reminds us: You can absolutely get a job in tech without having to go to college and get a degree. 

You absolutely can get a job in tech without going to college and getting a degree. Paul Drake of Code Apprentice tells how to develop employable coding skills.

There is greater demand for coders than there is supply. If you have built a portfolio in high school, you will be attractive to companies that need skilled coders.

Paul organization, Code Apprentice, helps teens build their coding skills, create portfolios AND work one-on-one with an expert mentor. Parents get progress reports and grades so that the training can be recorded on the transcript. Perfect for homeschool high schoolers!

Important goals of Code Apprentice is students obtain a *full stack coding education* and create an *end-to-end application* as they progress semester through semester during high school. Student develop a portfolio through project-based learning that makes them highly employable!

There are many resources for learning coding, Paul says coding training is available at:

  • Code Apprentice
  • Coding bootcamps
  • Co-op classes
  • Online courses
  • Mentoring experiences
  • Community college classes

Contact Paul Drake at info@CodeApprentice.tech

Visit CodeApprentice.tech for more information.

Join Vicki and Paul for an enlightening conversation.

Get more Career Exploration information in these episodes of Homeschool Highschool Podcast:

Career Exploration for Teens who Love Everything

Career Exploration for Teens who Don’t Have a Clue

You’ll also be blessed by these posts:

Homeschool Career Exploration: 5 Steps to Help Teens Find Purpose

Homeschool Career Exploration: Discovering Interests and Skills

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

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Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press

Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!

Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.

Find out more here!

HSHSP Ep 148: Coding for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Paul Drake

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How to introduce your kids to programming

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
December 5, 2018 by 1 Comment

How to Introduce your Children to Programming

Episode 11: How to introduce your kids to programming

Why is it necessary for children to learn to code?

1. This is where the future lies. “Career track” jobs which need coding skills pay $22,000 per year more than jobs that don’t. Half of the jobs in the top income quartile (>$57,000 per year) are in occupations that need coding skills. And, programming jobs are growing 50% faster than the market overall.
Source: Burning Glass Technologies. http://www.burning-glass.com. 2018.

2. Programming teaches logic, problem-solving, learning how to think – and it stimulates creativity. All skills students need.

How can you introduce your children to coding?

1. Hour of Code – one-hour coding activities for all ages levels of experience

2. Offline / unplugged games – Code.org has a number of lesson plans. And here is an offline game where you choreograph a robot dance.

3. Board games – Thinkfun has a number for all ages – RobotTurtles young children, Codemaster and Robot Repair for older)

4. Robotics – WonderWorkshop Dash and Dot, Lego Mindstorms, First Lego League

5. Apps – Daisy the Dinosaur, Lightbot (2.99), Kodable

6. Scratch Jr (iPad) and Scratch are easy drag-and-drop languages.

7. FundaFunda Academy (the sponsor of this podcast) has classes for all levels – Intro to Game Programming, Scratch and Python

Until 23rd December 2018 students from grades 4 through 12 can compete in a Scratch Christmas Coding Contest offered by FundaFunda Academy. There are 2 divisions – one for those who have never coded in Scratch before (instruction will be provided) and one for those who have.

If you found this useful, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

How to Introduce your Children to Programming

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