For years I taught kids using conventional programming languages, such as BASIC, C++, Java, and Python. In 2005 I discovered and started teaching Squeak, a wonderful environment with features created specifically for kids.
In 2007 I found Scratch. Scratch is limited compared with Squeak, but is still feature rich and is far easier to use. Squeak and Scratch are great for making games, stories, simulations, and multimedia projects in a two-dimensional environment.
In early 2008 I discovered Alice, which is something like Scratch brought into three dimensions. I enjoy explaining that unlike in Scratch where you paint two dimensional sprites, here you model three-dimensional objects. I've been teaching Alice along with Scratch at Rheem Elementary School in Moraga, California, in an after-school program. I am working on expanding the class to a second school in Moraga, and I will teach it this summer at DVC College for Kids.
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