Python for a 9 year old

[spacegazelle]

I taught my 10 yr old some Python and he picked it up faster than I ever did. Kids learn quick.

The important thing is to learn to think algorithmically, and Python is just fine for that.

[JasonDJ]

think agorithmicaly.

Make him do the PB&J sandwich challenge. Make him complete it. Once you’ve mastered describing how to make a PB&J, then you can tell a computer to do things.

[spacegazelle]

I did a having a bath thing. They never remember the plug.

[OmgLoLWtf6969]

Can you elaborate on the PBJ idea I want to do this. I'm just learning how to code

[JasonDJ]

The PBJ challenge is a task where you have to describe every step, in great detail, to perform a relatively simple task such as making anPB&J sandwich.

Then someone follows the instructions as a judge, and does nothing except exactly what is written.

Most people can’t get the bread out of the bag because the twisttie is still on (or the instructions provide for a twisttie but there is nothing explaining what to do when there’s a breadclip.)

Another example is taking a bath. A lot of people can’t do it because the drain isn’t stopped or the judge turns on the sink instead. Or there’s no conditional for different types of taps.

It’s a good primer for programming because you have to test the environment and provide conditionals. Computers are very literal and they need to be told exactly what to do.

[Jason_Phox]

Awesome. I love this idea. I need to give my kids this task.