by Jennie Dunn, Ontario Branch Youth Services Associate
Computers have been around for decades now, but if you are like me, you only use them on a basic level; you barely scratch the surface of what they are actually capable of! Also like me, you probably never stopped to think of how they actually do the things that you tell them to do. On their own, computers can’t actually do anything! People have to program them to follow instructions, usually in number codes. Most computers have programs already installed in them, but more and more people, especially kids, have become interested in learning how to write these programs, or codes themselves.
Coding is a skill that teaches kids, and adults, creative thinking, logic and sequencing. Through coding software you can program your own interactive stories, games and animations. The library has all kinds of books for kids to learn basic coding techniques.
Books you can find at the library that will help you get started coding:
Coding for kids: create your own video games
Coding for kids 2: Create your own animated stories with Scratch
Coding in Scratch: a step-by-step visual guide to building your own computer games
Awesome algorithms and creative coding
If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to check out Fiero Code. This is a free self-guided online software program for children and teens that teaches you how to code through hundreds of tutorials and dozens of real world projects. Search our library databases for Fiero, or just click on the link below to set up an account and begin coding. You and your avatar can jump into a story based program, or you can build a real website, video game, app or animation. Coders are in high demand; it is a hands-on skill that helps develop creativity, collaboration, teamwork and problem solving strategies. Stop in the library or set up an account on Fiero and begin coding today!
Coming soon: Library Coding Club! Be sure to check our newsletters and website for more information about Coding Club coming in September 2022!
