Coding for Kids
Meet our newest Featured Maker, 7th grader Jordan from Wisconsin! He wants to be a football player when he grows up, but he’s also interested in computer science because he likes to be able to make things. Jordan talked with us about his experience coding with Tynker:
How did you get introduced to Tynker?
I got introduced to Tynker when I was in the 3rd grade.
How did you learn to use Tynker?
Well, first I started out by doing some of the courses from my school Tynker account!
Have your coding skills improved since you started using Tynker?
I think it worked out really well. I guess I’m getting the hang of it!
How did you feel when you found out your project had been featured?
I didn’t really know it at first and then when I heard about it, I was amazed. I was very impressed!
What’s your favorite project you’ve made so far?
I think it’s one of my Python things which I like because it helps me learn more Python!
Where did you get the idea for your project?
Well, I got the idea from some tutorials on Tynker, and it didn’t take very long to make.
How do you get inspiration for your projects?
Most of the time I’ll see other projects!
Why do you like to code?
I like to code because I enjoy it, and it’s fun to be able to create your own games!
Do you have a favorite code block?
I definitely like the broadcast block.
What do you do with a project when you’re done with it?
I normally test it a couple times and then I share it!
What’s the best thing about Tynker?
There’s many coding languages like Python and JavaScript!
Do you think learning to code has prepared you for the future?
It’s definitely helped a lot!
Do you think other kids should try coding?
Yes, because coding is good for creativity and your imagination, and it can be really fun!
What advice would you give to kids starting out with Tynker?
If they’re new to coding, or only know a little bit, they should follow some tutorials, so they learn how to make something better!
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Math and science! I like the experiments in science and I like math because I’m good at it.
Bonus: What’s a fun fact about you?
I beat Mario Odyssey in 5 days! I like to write my own books! I have about 100!
Jordan’s mother, Jamie, spoke with us about her son learning to code.
When he first talked about coding I knew that it would be a good fit for him because he’s always loved video games since he was very young. I knew that he’s really strong in math and very strong in science. He’d spend hours on the computer, building and wanting to learn. I knew it was huge for the future so if that’s what he wants to do we’re happy about it.
What benefits do you think coding has for Jordan?
He’s definitely become creative and I’ve watched him get frustrated when he codes something into a program and then it doesn’t work, something’s glitching. But then I’ve watched him problem-solve and go through each step or each plugin or something. He’ll go through it and then when he finds that he seems so relieved and so accomplished.
Do you feel that he’s better prepared for the future?
I definitely think he’s better prepared and I’m very thankful he found Tynker because it just opened up that avenue that I knew would be such a good fit and make him happy.
He’s definitely happy learning and watching and wanting to do more and I’m just thankful that his school first introduced him to Tynker. I’m just glad that kind of got his foot in the door and since then ran with it.
Thank you!
We want to thank Jordan and his mother for taking the time to speak with us about coding with Tynker. We can’t wait to see what Jordan creates next – HAPPY CODING!
