Coding for Kids
Meet our newest Featured Maker, 13-year-old Kael from New Zealand! Kael likes drawing and playing video games. Amazing! Kael recently spoke with us about his experience coding with Tynker.
How did you get introduced to Tynker and how long have you been coding?
I found it looking for coding and video game making sites and found Tynker. I have been using it for around 4-5 years.
How did you learn how to use Tynker when you were first starting out? What are your favorite Tynker courses or tutorials?
I tried some of the coding puzzles like Puppy Adventure and Code Commander. Then I started experimenting in the project builder. My favorite coding puzzle was Code Commander.
How have your coding skills improved since you started using Tynker?
I think they have improved quite a lot. It’s helped me to understand coding in other design programs.
What is your favorite project you’ve made so far? What do you like about it?
My favorite project is probably Mario Versus the Blocksteppers, a game inspired by the Super Mario series. It was a lot of fun to make and is very fun to play.
How do you get inspiration for your projects?
I am inspired by the Video Games I play, as well as other Tynker Projects.
Why do you like to code?
I like to code because I have always been interested in game design, and using Tynker, I can make interesting games.
What is your favorite way to use code? Do you have a favorite code block?
I use the ‘broadcast’ and ‘receive’ blocks a lot, because It lets me link things together and it is very useful.
What do you do with a project when you’re done with it? Do you debug it? Show it to someone? Publish it?
When I finish a Project, I usually play it many times, add a few extra features and then publish it. I often like to share it with my brothers once it’s published.
What are you planning to make next?
I have around 5 projects being worked on right now!
What’s the best thing about Tynker?
The fact that I can create short games and animations.
How do you think learning to code has prepared you for the future?
Because I want to be a game developer, coding is an important skill to know.
Do you think other kids should try coding? Why’s that?
Other kids should try coding because it is fun to make things and others should be able to enjoy that too.
What advice would you give to kids starting out with Tynker?
Try looking at the code of other makers’ projects to help you learn how to make interesting code.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m a huge fan of Nintendo. Zelda, Mario, Kirby, the history of the company… I could talk about Nintendo all day!
We spoke with Kael’s parents about Kael learning to code
How do you feel about Kael learning to code? How does it feel to see the coding projects Kael is making?
We love to see Kael having fun with coding. He’s so passionate about game development and his coding projects are an avenue for Kael to share his passion and creativity with the family. We all enjoy checking out his creations and having him explain his process to us.
What benefits do you think coding has for your child? What skills (besides the technical skill of coding) does it help them learn?
Coding helps Kael to express himself creatively. It helps him to explore his love of character development and game design, which brings together so many skills such as writing, designing, maths, communication skills etc. Kael is encouraged to problem solve and try new techniques with his coding and it boosts his confidence as he can then share his achievements, with friends and family, as well as the Tynker community.
Do you feel that your child is better prepared for the future?
Coding is an essential skill for many vocational pursuits, as well as personal interests. Kael can build foundational knowledge that will serve him well in any areas he wishes to pursue in the future.
How do you support your child in their coding endeavors?
As Kael’s parents we support his coding by encouraging him to try new things and inviting him to share any new knowledge he gains with the entire family. We are a creative, arts-focussed family so we love to share our creative projects with each other, even if they are in very different areas.
What do you think of Tynker, and is there anything you’d change if you could?
We think Tynker is a great resource for all families. As a homeschool family, we’ve found it especially useful for engaging with coding and also providing a lot of fun!
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about coding with Tynker. We can’t wait to see what Kael creates next – HAPPY CODING!
LEARN TO CODE WITH TYNKER
