Coding for Kids
Featured Maker: Diva Wants To Keep Coding!
Meet our newest Featured Maker, 3rd grader Diva from California! She likes to read and play after school. And when she grows up, she would like a career in coding. Awesome! Diva recently spoke with us about her experience coding with Tynker.
How did you get introduced to Tynker?
On the school page it was showing Tynker, so I just tried it out, and then it was really fun, so I kept doing it.
How did you learn to use Tynker?
First, I started off using only projects for the tutorials, and then I eventually found the courses, they’re all really fun.
Very nice. Have your coding skills improved since you started using Tynker?
They’ve improved a lot because I started making my own projects.
How did you feel when you found out your project had been featured?
I’ve published many projects, but I was really amazed that I had one featured.
That’s fantastic. What’s your favorite project you’ve made so far?
My favorite project was DotMania, and I like it because it was really fun coding, and it was also fun playing too.
How do you get inspiration for your projects?
I see other people’s projects [in the Tynker community] and try to see what I can make with their ideas.
Why do you like to code?
I like to code because it was really fun when I started it out, so I kept learning and did new things, and then I started to like it a lot.
What’s your favorite way to use code?
The block I use the most is one of those the move blocks. I use that in almost all of my projects.
Very good. What do you do with a project when you’re done with it?
First, I show it, and then I see if I really, really like it and then I publish it.
What are you planning to make next?
I usually make games, so I’m going to make a new game about something like you have to move and then get something.
What’s the best thing about Tynker?
The best thing is that in some coding things, they don’t really show block coding. But block coding makes it easier to first learn. So, I like that.
That’s fantastic. Do you think learning to code has prepared you for the future?
Because if I want to continue coding, it’s really helping a lot with all those tutorials and then using the video tutorials. All of those do-yourself things. All helping.
Do you think other kids should try coding?
They should for two reasons. If they want to code in the future, they should really start with Tynker. And then the block coding makes it much easier.
What advice would you give to kids starting with Tynker?
They should start out with the tutorials and then start making their own projects.
What’s a fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I’ve published almost half of all the projects I’ve created.
That’s wonderful, Diva. Thank you so much for answering these questions. We’re so excited that you are our new featured maker. Congratulations.
Thank you.
Parent Questions
Diva’s father, Parag, spoke with us about his daughter learning to code with Tynker:
It keeps her very busy. She likes it, and as a parent I feel like it’s a good activity that she does. She is interested in this Tynker programming. Then she has an interest in Lego and origami, so all the positive things she does, which is good.
How does it feel to see the coding projects that she’s making?
They are very nice. Actually, I’m playing some of those games too, and it’s very nice, very exciting.
That’s great. What benefits do you think coding has for her?
Yeah, I think particularly she gets creativity. I feel like that’s the biggest thing that comes to her. Creativity. Thinking about what she can develop with some analytical skills. All those kinds of things. But most importantly, I feel like creativity is good and more importantly, fun. I think Tynker has been designed in a fun way that is attractive to children.
Absolutely. Do you feel that she’s better prepared for the future?
Yeah, I mean, I can say that I haven’t thought about it, but I think yes, for sure.
How do you support her coding endeavors?
I’m curious. I also have an IT and technology background. So I supported her endeavors just to see what language or whatever she wants to do. So whatever I can do to help her get excited and motivated. But mostly 99%, she does on her own.
That’s wonderful. Well, those are all the questions I have for you. You both did a great job. Thank you so much.
We want to thank Diva and her father for taking the time to speak with us about coding with Tynker. We can’t wait to see what she creates next – HAPPY CODING!
