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Ask HN: Best tools for 4/5 year old to learn programming?

by cacois on 12/6/23, 12:06 PM with 10 comments

I'm looking for the best systems to help a 4/5 year old get the basics of programming. My daughter has shown interest in what I do, and loves puzzles and building things. Looking for something visual and fun that can start her down the path of logic and creating with computers.

I have a passing familiarity with Scratch [1], which I'm now looking into more, but am hoping others can share their knowledge and experience in this area.

[1] https://scratch.mit.edu/

  • by loloquwowndueo on 12/6/23, 12:14 PM

    Scratch is probably the gold standard for a kid with enough motor skills and abstract thinking to transfer what she’s thinking to the computer.

    Scratch works reasonably well on a tablet though it limits the kinds of inputs you can use a bit - keyboard/mouse events require a bit of extra hoop jumping.

    Physical programming toys may be better for some kids since they are more tangible. Things like Botley and other programmable robots, and physical logic engines like Turing tumble have great illustrative value.

  • by brudgers on 12/6/23, 1:09 PM

    The best tools for your child are the tools you use together.

    Your child can learn programming when they are fourteen or fifty-four.

    They can only spend their childhood with you right now.

    And you with them.

    They are interested in what you do because they are interested in you. Put them on your lap and pair program...

    OK so there's a tool, pair programming.

    Good luck.

  • by uf00lme on 12/6/23, 12:49 PM

    Maybe try paper and pen? Some simple fun exercises. Documenting cooking or making simple food, like the logic behind making a sandwich and then make it. As a bonus, you get to eat some food, and the kid learns some life skills. I guess that is not really programming, but the process, organisation and problem-solving skill set isn't that different for a kid.

  • by sn9 on 12/7/23, 12:29 AM

    At that age, board games can be more effective: http://www.robotturtles.com/

  • by bencelaszlo on 12/7/23, 1:58 PM

    Rust