Category: Parenting

Can you speak the language of code? Here’s a 2-minute guide to get started.

by Scott Si

This post was inspired by the Learn to Code article on Parenting.com.tw.

Programming looks scary! Is it even something kids can learn?

We hear all these terms – C++, Java, Object oriented programming, Resource allocation… words that sound like some sort of alien language.

If your math is not good, can you still learn it?

If you can’t do it, can your kid even learn it?

 

You thought programming was this…

 

complexcoding

 

When in reality, it could be as simple as this:

 

codestudio

Looks fun, doesn’t it?

The key is to use the principles of “Play” to learn programming.

Here’s what Code.org founder Hadi Partovi recommends to coding newbies:

“When you’re learning a language, always start with the visual tools.”

The picture you see above is Code Studio by Code.org. As you can see, it uses visual blocks to write programs. These ‘drag and drop’ tools enable learners to quickly pick up the logic behind programming. Each block represents a different function, turning programming into a puzzle with each block building on top of the other.

Newbies can learn the fundamentals of coding like loops and conditionals. Instead of spending so much time memorizing all the syntax, they can simply connect the blocks. It lowers the barriers to entry for programming, and makes it more fun for beginners who are just trying to understand the principles and concepts behind the language of code.

Plobot is an educational toy robot designed around these principles – making coding fun and accessible to everyone. Check it out here.

Why is play important?

by Pablo Piola

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Child’s play is a spontaneous behavior and typical of the childhood. When children play, they live this activity to the fullest. Playing is their peculiar way of knowing and learning, they learn to discover and experience and how to interact with people and objects.

The game has a therapeutic value. It helps to release tension and eliminate the retained energy. Through play, children can express their emotions. This is a great value for the proper emotional development of our kids, play helps them express their feelings. Besides spending a fun time, to create unforgettable memories in children the act of playing has the following benefits:

  • It allows kids to develop a cheerful attitude towards life.
  • Provides a gateway in and out of reality. Allows the kid be free to decide in fictitious situations without consequence
  • Help to make a test of reality, because it allows be another voluntarily or be yourself acting in a different way or in other circumstances
  • It helps to be active, make decisions, be involved and be motivated.
  • It facilitates the encounter with others and with the environment. It is one of the social events par excellence
  • It stimulates creativity and helps to discover their capabilities.
  • It develops intellectual activities. Reading to children from an early age can be beneficial for them. Also, using educational games, like Plobot, help with the learning process.

How to decrease your kids’ screen time

by Pablo Piola

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Activities you do in front of a screen, like watching TV, being on the computer, using the cell phone and playing video games, are called “Screen time”. On average, American children spend almost 3 hours a day watching TV, together along with other activities, they go from 5-7 hours in front of the screen.

So long in front of a screen, can cause children sleep problems, anxiety, attention problems and obesity. Therefore, doctors and experts recommend no screen time for children under 2 years, and only 1 to 2 hours of screen time for children over 2 years old.

So we’ll give you these tips to reduce the hours of screen time of your children:

  • Set the example, spend quality time with your kids and promote their interest for outdoor activities. 
  • Have no TV areas in the house, starting by their bedrooms.
  • Do not let your children eat while on the computer or watching TV. There is time for everything.
  • Introduce them to other activities such as board games, books, sports or puzzles.
  • Let them play with Plobots and learn to program! Joke aside, there are many tools to awake their interest for science without a screen.