Computers and programming are a major part of our lives, as both Dan and I work in the wonderful world of computers. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about teaching Jacob this year how to navigate the internet, possibly let him start his own private blog, just for the family. He just has a knack for anything related to the computer, and he loves writing, which is why I’m so excited to have introduced him to Logo Adventures from Motherboard Books.
Just to give you a little overview of Logo Adventures before I tell you how Jacob has done with it. Logo Adventures is an introduction to Logo computer programming language and is meant for kids, ages 8-12. It makes a great homeschool computer curriculum, which is how we are using it and will continue to use it throughout this next school year, which sadly, starts in just another month. The program starts out teaching the child how to draw really simple geometric drawings, and it gradually increases to higher levels, to where eventually, Jacob will be able to draw an animated figure and make his own board game.
Right now, we are still on the really simple stuff, and at first, with each lesson, I have to step in quite a bit and help Jacob, just to kinda help remind him. When he starts out with his screen, he has to launch a new turtle. That turtle is the focal point for all of his drawings and shapes that he’ll make. He can move that turtle with code; for example, if he wants to make a square, he’s learned how to draw that square 2-3 different ways with different code commands. He learns the long way first, and then the book teaches him the short, easier way. I love how the book goes through lessons with him step by step. Once you’ve installed the program on your computer, you just launch it every time you want to do your lesson, and follow the steps. It really makes it a little bit easier for both of us, because at times I help him figure out what he has to do next….but at other times, he’s got it, and I can step away to deal with my toddler or fold that basket of laundry.
So far, Jacob’s been working on drawing basic shapes and learning how to add color and different sizes to his drawings. He’s had a lot of fun with this. When he gets stuck, I sometimes have to explain to him what code has to come next or help him figure it out, but for the most part, once he does a line of code, he’s got it. The book also has answers in the back of the book, so if we just get so stuck, we can’t figure it out, we can always resort to our cheat sheet.:) I myself have noticed that the book uses a lot of repetition, which is good, to sort of ingrain the steps into the child’s mind. There are also reviews and challenges throughout, so he can reprocess everything he’s learned up to that point.
As a homeschooling mom, I search for programs and curriculum that are going to help my child down the road, and this is one program that deals with so many different aspects of education. From geometry to math to logic and reasoning skills, to computer science, this is something that has definitely given Jacob a thirst for more. He’s anxious to do more lessons and learn how to navigate his way around a computer. I also appreciate how the program has given him a chance to be creative. Sure, there are steps and things for him to follow through on, but it also gives him a chance, usually in each lesson, to add his own creativity and explore what more he can do. Whether he’s learning how to use the color charts or experimenting with the turtle and new coding, he has the option to learn even more through trying out different things. He’s able to use a pen, a pencil, a brush, or even a paintbucket; he’s able to add backgrounds; he has figured out how to put shapes within shapes. I’d love to show you some of the things he’s made, but for some reason, I can’t get it load into Photoshop, so I can crop it.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about Logo Adventures. You can purchase Logo Adventures and MicroWorlds EX for $129.99. Right now, you can also experience The Internet Scavenger Hunt with your child. This gives you a free lesson in exploring the internet. You can follow Phyllis Wheeler on both Twitter and Facebook.
You can read another review from fellow MamaBuzz reviewer, Jenn, on her blog, Classless and Lovin’ It.
(Disclosure: I received Logo Adventures, free of charge, from Motherboard Books, for the purposes of this review.)
Hi! Is this book available on Amazon?
I just authored a fairly exhaustive article for the SmartBean magazine on the joys of programming for kids, and the imperative to introduce kids to computational thinking. Do check it out – http://www.thesmartbean.com/library/computational-thinking-programming-and-the-google-app-inventor/