The Kids Start Online Coding Classes With Build A Code

Sulaiman wants to make video games. But also build websites. Anyway, Ayub, Sulaiman, and Aisha all tried one-on-one online coding class over the weekend with Build a Code. One hour each back-to-back.

Ayub and Sulaiman started learning a bit of coding back when they were in LEGO robotics class. They both dabbled in Code.org.

So I signed all three kids up for a free coding class trial with an instructor.

Sulaiman went first.

The class teaches Scratch and is conducted via Zoom. So you need one laptop/PC for the kiddo to run Scratch (the website is free to sign up and use), then another device to see the teacher.

We share screen on our side so the teacher can see what the kiddo is up to, and he shares screen from his side so we can see what he’s doing.

Very simple set up. I like.

Sulaiman gave the class one million stars out of one. So I guess he really liked it. I feel like he could just continue learning by himself, but he wants a teacher to guide him. We signed up for paid classes with the teacher after that.

I think they did basic commands and made a little cat move around the screen or something. I don’t know. But I heard Sulaiman talking and laughing and enjoying the hell out of that class. So I’m happy.

Next up was Ayub

I always worry about Ayub. He gets so overwhelmed and shuts down. So I stayed close from the other room. But he was soon talking and laughing even louder than Sulaiman, which was GREAT.

He loved it too, I suppose. Even though when I asked him, he was like “yeh it was ok.” Haha.

Finally was Queen Aisha

So, because Aisha is in the 5yo category, her class is a little different. She learned ScratchJr. It’s a free app. You can download it on your phone or tablet (tablet is best because on the phone it’s tiny).

I didn’t get photos of Aisha during class because she was using my phone to code. So cute.

Same-ish set up. One tablet/phone to run ScratchJr. and another device to watch what the teacher is doing.

It was a little hard for Aisha to follow. She’s shy with strangers, can’t talk at all. I sat with her throughout and we did the coding together. It’s very cute and fun. She made a cat climb up a tree. Then she coded the cat and a baby to do a dance. Finally, she got a fairy to do some magic and make the cat disappear.

The problem is that we don’t have a tablet and I think ScratchJr. just runs better on tablet? The icons are so tiny on a phone it’s hard to get it to do what you want it to.

All the same, Aisha enjoyed it. But we’ll probably give her a few months before doing a paid class. It’s not quite her thing yet.

Build A Code details:

Coding classes personalised to your child’s interests to get them inventing their own apps and ideas.

• Class type: Online one-to-one with instructor via Zoom
• Class duration: 1 hour
• Programme duration: 3 months
• Fees: RM60 per 1hr class (free trial class available)
• Email: [email protected]

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