Kids Can Develop Coding Skills at The Funhouse Commons

— from Krista Bouchey —

The learn-to-code movement is moving towards teaching kids to code (“program” computers) at younger ages—even as young as preschool.

The Funhouse will be debuting Dash and Dot, two new robots that teach coding to kids as young as 5 years old but also provide coding challenges for all age groups.

These interactive robots respond to sounds, navigate around a room avoiding obstacles, and can even learn to play the xylophone. All this seems like great fun but is secretly teaching coding skills to its young users. Children are learning skills such as event-based programming, sequencing, conditionals, and loops.

We will be offering small workshops this winter to our after-school participants.

“This is the first step in our plan for more intensive STEM-related programming across all age groups that The Funhouse wants to offer in the coming years,” says Executive Director Krista Bouchey.

Dash and Dot will open the door but we are looking into LEGO bot-building and coding kits, and even more adventuresome activities as photo-drones, 3-D printers and regional STEM-focused competitions for kids as they move through the program.

Dash and Dot take direction from iPhones, iPads, and some other electronic devices. The Funhouse would gratefully accept donations of any of these devices from people who have upgraded and no longer want their old devices.

Also, islanders with robotics, math, or coding experience who might be interested in volunteering for curriculum development or workshop time (an hour, a class, or a project), should contact The Funhouse.

Please check www.funhousecommons.org to find out about our Bot Builders class coming in February. If you are interested in kids’ coding classes, engineering workshops or robotics, please contact Krista at krista@thefunhouse.org.

*STEM=Science, Technology, Engineering, Math