How to Code in 10 Easy Lessons: Learn how to design and code your very own computer game

Super Skills

by Sean McManus

By breaking this daunting subject down into the 10 "super skills", young readers can get familiar with computer coding and build on their skills by progressing through these projects!

How to Code in 10 Easy Lessons starts by asking the question, "What is coding?”. You’ll get to know the super skills of coding, then get to see how to use Scratch coding software to write simple code, use loops, and debug, to create a webpage, and even make a computer game.

Perfect for middle-school aged kids, this guide is filled with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step graphics.

Genres: Nonfiction, Coding, Technology, Childrens

64 pages, Spiral-bound

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Sean McManus writes inspiring books about technology and business.

Many of his most popular books introduce children and adults to programming, including using Scratch, Python, and the Raspberry Pi. Sean's novel for adults, Earworm, goes undercover in the music industry, exploring what happens when music, AI, and business collide.

Visit Sean's website for free book chapters and details of Sean's copywriting services for tech companies.

Reviews

[Ameya Warde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than my 7 year old, I think. It makes Scratch fun and easy to learn!

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for introducing first time coders to the basics of programming. The book is built in a straightforward way, with simple lessons and helpful illustrations. Much of the book works with Scratch, the excellent, MIT -designed, free programming language aimed at students, educators, and those seeking an introduction to more advanced programming.

Rather than just having answers to how to accomplish different things when programming, explanations of how and why are provided clearly, as well as options and encouragement to let programmers experiment and discover new ways to use code.

I like that the theme of this book is never condescending. Readers are treated respectfully. There is also a helpful section on building websites. Highly recommended for students interested in programming, or to offer to children to see if they are interested in programming.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty easy to follow instructions. I made a cat jump so that's something.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for those who are interested in coding and creating webpages and games, not for me. :)

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well broken down intro to coding for kids. I bought the author's new book updated to Scratch 3.0 to continue the learning.

[Paper Clippers]

Learn how to code in 10 easy lessons, and become a computer pro in no time!

From writing simple coding instructions using Scratch software, to learning the coding skills to create your own computer game and even design your own website, this book leads the way. By breaking this daunting subject down into the 10 "super skills" needed, young readers can get familiar with computer coding and build on their skills as they progress through the book. Starting off with a short introduction that poses the question, "What is coding?," the super skills of coding then explains how to use Scratch coding software to give coding instructions, write simple code, and use loops; debug and fix code; and use coding knowledge to create a simple computer game and a webpage using simple HTML. With easy-to-follow explanations accompanied by clear, step-by-step graphics throughout, this is a great first coding book for middle-school children, ages 8+ interested in learning about computer science and web design.

[Deleana]

The lessons are relatively easy to understand. But ten lessons is not enough.