Coding for Kids
Meet our newest Featured Maker, 8th grader Danielle from South Africa! She loves to read books, especially ones that take place in the 17th century. She’s also a Junior Black Belt in Karate. When she grows up, she wants to help people by working with a charity. Danielle talked with us about her experience coding with Tynker:
How did you get introduced to Tynker?
Well, since I love math so much, I always have had the software technology. There were coding classes, and my parents decided to send me. And it was through Tynker, and I really did enjoy it. But then COVID hit, and we couldn’t go there anymore. So my parents bought me the whole account and all the courses, and then I’ve been self-teaching myself. I really have loved it.
How did you learn to use Tynker?
Python tutorial! First thing I drew with it was a little house, and I was so proud of myself!
Have your coding skills improved since you started using Tynker?
Definitely have improved a lot since I learned some functions, then learn to use more functions and more syntax. I don’t produce any errors like I used to.
How did you feel when you found out your project had been featured?
I was really excited since I’ve never actually published any of my work before this Tynker Summit. So, it’s kind of like that reassurance that you worked out there, and people actually are seeing it, and it was just that encouragement and inspired me to try and create more!
What’s your favorite project you’ve made so far?
For projects, it’s probably that sunrise Africa one that I did for Tynker Code Jam. We’re on holidays so I could stay up as late as I wanted to animate. I even worked on it until like three in the morning!
Where did you get the idea for your project?
Well, we were on holiday, so I spent a week doing that. I fell in love with the mountains, and I love like the sunrise and over the mountains, and just there’s something about that image that is always so calming. And so I wanted to do something about the sun rather than trying to see if the mountains didn’t look too rocky. They remind me of a sunset in Africa, which reminded me of how beautiful my home is, as well.
How do you get inspiration for your projects?
Just throwing something up there and then trying to make something creative out of it!
Why do you like to code?
t’s just a way for me to sit down and breathe, and to have my thoughts organized and to relax!
What is your favorite way to use code?
Broadcast block!
What do you do with a project when you’re done with it?
I haven’t published one until now, but I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to improve on it!
What are you planning to make next?
I want to learn JavaScript. I know Python, so I want to move on to JavaScript!
What’s the best thing about Tynker?
All the different possibilities, and all the different languages. I think it’s really really nice how there’s JavaScript, C++ Python, and block, but there’s courses as well that teaches you how to use it and have such a variety of different languages.
How do you think learning to code has prepared you for the future?
It’s helped me a lot with problem-solving and seeing patterns. So it helps me a lot to recognize all my subjects!
Do you think other kids should try coding?
Yes, I actually tried to convince my friends to start coding in class. I have a rant on lots of code in class!
What advice would you give to kids starting with Tynker?
Don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to try something new. That’s the best advice. And when I started learning the basics, it can be boring sometimes. But once you get more advanced you can do something with it. It really is fun. And then don’t be afraid to try it. The best way to learn is through trial and error!
What’s your favorite subject in school?
It’s a tie actually between English and math!
Bonus: What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m always positive!
How did you come up with your Code Jam idea?
It was from the sunset in Africa, which I mentioned before, but just trying to make it relatable or putting a personal touch to it!
How long did it take you to complete the project?
About a week, but like on and off.
Did you have any interesting challenges?
Trying to make it interactive. I’d say that was probably the biggest challenge. I had so many variables in between that it made it slow down, so trying to figure out a way to space the variables out without it slowing down the program, that was probably the hardest challenge.
Do you like to code and will you keep learning more about coding?
Yes!
Danielle’s father, Peter, spoke with us about his daughter learning to code with Tynker:
I think it’s fantastic. I mean, everything in business now, the skill sets that you need all involve elements of coding or data analytics. Back in the late 80s, I didn’t have access to, you know, manuals on how to code. Back then it was like Fortran and Visual Basic DOS.
How do you support her coding endeavors?
We very much encourage that and we support it, and, when necessary, we obviously get the help or additional resources, whatever it might be to take that forward.
What benefits do you think coding has for your child?
I think it’s the skill of patience with coding. The skill of problem-solving. Breaking items down and analyzing. There’s communication skill sets with other people. The fact that she’s already conversing with others at school to try and be able to encourage them and problem-solving their problems. So, I think there’s a lot that can be learned from coding for any child, or any person actually, that does coding and certainly provides a stable future in whatever career choice they make.
Do you feel that Danielle is better prepared for the future?
Absolutely, I think coding has taught discipline that you have to kind of manage your time. There’s a certain objective that you want to achieve in terms of coding some program, whatever you say you have to kind of program your time manager to manage your other events around that work efficiently. I think she’s going to be very well prepared in the future based on the experiences of coding and Tynker.
Thank you!
We want to thank Danielle and her father for taking the time to speak with us about coding with Tynker. We can’t wait to see what Danielle creates next – HAPPY CODING!
