This book isn't bad. It tries to explain something that might be better as a web page. But that is also why it has web links. The illustrations make me think this is geared to someone 4-5, but the wording is geared 2nd grade and up. That is something that needs to be explored.
This was such an enjoyable read. I read it with my kids as a resource RA, and I loved how well it spoke on their level. It was colorful, playful with regard to the layout, and incredibly informative.
This books presents a great deal of information for kids about what computer coding is. It introduces the concepts behind a few languages and has a lot of great activities for kids to do to help them understand the concepts. I think the imagery might be targeted at a younger age group than the text, but as my library doesn't have anything comparable I will probably still purchase it.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Heather Lyons and Elizabeth Tweedale introduce our youngest readers to coding, in this book. Filled with colorful and fun illustrations by Alex Westgate, this book explains the basic concepts of coding and its complex vocabulary with entertainment and engagement for all ages. Led by Data Duck, each page is filled with activities that challenge your little coder and help them to understand the basics of coding.
It describes the basics of coding (what is coding, what is programming, which coding languages to use, basics of how to code, debugging, ifi/then/else, locations/movement, giving instructions, loops). Throughout the book it gives ideas of ways you can practice that concept at home in a non-coding activity to help learn the importance of that concept.
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
This book is at a higher reading level than the age group it seems geared toward, but it is a good, basic introduction to programming, and the extension activities appear challenging but useful.
Lyons, Heather and Elizabeth Tweedale Learning to Program (Kids Get Coding Series), Illustrated by Westgate, Alex. 24pgs, Lerner 2016. $19.99. Content: G This book goes over all the coding basics; key terms, the computer languages, rules, writing a program, problem solving and more. Its fun, very informative without being overwhelming, provides simple tasks and tips and even has links to online activities. This book is perfect for 2-4 graders who want an introduction to coding. I even learned a few things reading this book. Its bright and appealing and the authors did a wonderful job creating analogies and providing fun and interesting facts and tasks. This will be a big hit after all the students in my school participate in The Hour of Code event in December.
Coding is becoming a topic for the very young. This book does not teach a computer coding language such as Python or Scratch. It does introduce students to how a computer "thinks" and what steps need to be included in a program in order for the computer to understand what needs to be done. It teaches what computer coding is rather than how to code. The book is basic and easy to understand for most students second grade and up.
Kids Get Coding: Learn to Program gives a step-by-step process for learning to program some basic code. It defines important words and concepts clearly and concisely. Learn to Program is aimed at upper elementary and lower middle grade kids. The pictures were too childish for my liking. I felt like I was reading Eric Carle or a Little Bill book at times.
I loved this book! This is the perfect beginner book for anyone (even adults) to learn to program. This instructions are clear, the activities are cute and interesting and the illustrations are adorable! A wonderful book to have in a home or classroom!
Would like to see the recommended age for this book. It seems like it would need to be middle school. I personally found it to give a very basic introduction to computer programming and a little insight into what my son has been doing for the last 20 years. Hurrah for that information.