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10 wait 20 if age < 7 then goto 10 I think you can introduce programming concepts into play, but I would leave (and have done) actual programming until they a

10 wait 20 if age < 7 then goto 10 I think you can introduce programming concepts into play, but I would leave (and have done) actual programming until they are a bit older. There was a good example possibly linked on here a few days ago, where with a group of kids, one of them pretends to be a robot (they can take turns), and the others "program" the robot with simple commands (forward, turn left, pick up, etc, etc). It can be step-by-step to start with, and then they have to write down the steps in advance, etc, etc.

HorizonXP 8y ago
Disagree. I started programming when I was less than 4. My Dad had an Atari, and I would sit and copy the code from some books. I didn't know what I was doing, all I knew is that I wanted to play the game, since I saw my Dad do it. He didn't force me at all, I just wanted to. So I would modify your pseudocode and add a branch for the kid's interest/aptitude.
- jacknews 8y ago
  I think you weren't really programming in that case, but I agree if the kids shows an interest it's worth steering them toward more advanced activities. On the other hand I think at this age it's much more important to be playing physically and socially, than to be buried in a screen.
- pc86 8y ago
  Sorry, you were definitely not programming at 3 years old. > I didn't know what I was doing At most you were developing fine motor skills. Maybe.
andrei_says_ 8y ago
I agree with this. The main question for me, is: programming in place of what? Free play which involves the whole body and develops balance, motor skills etc.? What is the brain development cost of replacing this with a frozen position in trance-like state in front of a screen? Instead of socializing, or in any way interacting with human beings, picking up empathy, humor, refining public speaking, leadership, communication skills? Because these are the skills that lend VC capital, C suite jobs and fat exit checks. Lastly, after working with a few high quality offshore teams, the future market for programmers is very likely in China, Russia, Ukraine etc. and the pay will sooner or later equalize.
freediver 8y ago
This. Programming involves developing comprehension for the ability to strictly follow rules. Kids should not be exposed to this too early. You want kids to be as unbound as possible at early age.

HorizonXP 8y ago

Disagree. I started programming when I was less than 4. My Dad had an Atari, and I would sit and copy the code from some books. I didn't know what I was doing, all I knew is that I wanted to play the game, since I saw my Dad do it. He didn't force me at all, I just wanted to. So I would modify your pseudocode and add a branch for the kid's interest/aptitude.

jacknews 8y ago
I think you weren't really programming in that case, but I agree if the kids shows an interest it's worth steering them toward more advanced activities. On the other hand I think at this age it's much more important to be playing physically and socially, than to be buried in a screen.
pc86 8y ago
Sorry, you were definitely not programming at 3 years old. > I didn't know what I was doing At most you were developing fine motor skills. Maybe.

andrei_says_ 8y ago

I agree with this. The main question for me, is: programming in place of what? Free play which involves the whole body and develops balance, motor skills etc.? What is the brain development cost of replacing this with a frozen position in trance-like state in front of a screen? Instead of socializing, or in any way interacting with human beings, picking up empathy, humor, refining public speaking, leadership, communication skills? Because these are the skills that lend VC capital, C suite jobs and fat exit checks. Lastly, after working with a few high quality offshore teams, the future market for programmers is very likely in China, Russia, Ukraine etc. and the pay will sooner or later equalize.

freediver 8y ago

This. Programming involves developing comprehension for the ability to strictly follow rules. Kids should not be exposed to this too early. You want kids to be as unbound as possible at early age.