Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
Coding is something I think all kids should know how to do. Even with just a basic knowledge of one programming language, they are better able to understand what goes into making apps and games, as well as have an appreciation for the logic that makes things work!
We were delighted to have the chance to review Homeschool Code Academy and their Python for Beginners: Learn Coding at Home program. This course was completely online, giving my child 10 months' access to the videos and resources needed to create simple Python programs, as well as set the stage for more advanced knowledge down the road.
What is Homeschool Code Academy?
This course takes students step-by-step through the essentials of learning the Python language. Topics covered include:
- Introduction to Python
- Hardware and Software
- Working with Output
- Working with Variables and Keyboard Input
- Doing Math with Python
- Lists and Tuples
- Turtle Graphics
- Writing Programs that Make Decisions
- Loops - Writing Code that Repeats and Counts
- Re-using Code with Functions
- Getting Unpredictable with Random Numbers
- Space Game Code Along Project
Who is it for?
I didn't first know who would be taking this course in our family. My older boys already code, and the younger son is just 10 years old. The course recommends that kids have a 5th-grade math level understanding, and lays out that they should be comfy with fractions, decimals, finding the volume of an object, etc. My son wasn't quite there with a few concepts, however, we took a chance to see if it would work.
The good news is that the bulk of the first part of the course can be completed by any child who understands following directions. If your child can download and play games on their own, they probably have the capability to get pretty far through the program. I only had to help my son one or two times in setting up the necessary free software (Thonny) so that he could code on our computer. (He needed me to sign in to admin mode and bypass the security software I have on the computer that keeps the kids from downloading anything without my permission.)
To get the most from the program, your child should be at least 10 years old or have completed these math concepts. However, this can also be a good program for slightly younger kids who want to know the ins and outs of coding. With help from a parent or older sibling for the more complicated math tasks, it's a doable program that can help ignite a passion for code!
What we liked about it
My son completed quite a few lessons each day and was very excited to be learning! He would ask me daily if he could do "Thonny" (the name of the free code creator that you're prompted to download during the course.) He explained to me the difference between software and hardware. He continually spoke about what he was learning at the dinner table. We have yet to complete the program, but I am confident it has started him on a path of loving code.
It was a hands-off experience for me, which is good! I don't know how to code very well, and I could feel good about having my child learn from someone who was excited to teach. The activities were really geared toward kids, such as having them name superheroes and come up with fun ways to tweak the code to make it their own.
Homeschool Code Academy Review Summary
There are many coding programs and courses on the market, but Homeschool Code Academy shines in that it is really geared toward homeschoolers and kids who want to learn independently at home. The course assumes you have no knowledge of coding or even how computers work, so it not only gives students the "how" on coding, but it takes them through basic computer theory, so that they know how computers work and why they are essential in our society.
The self-paced nature of this course means you can have kids do it in their own time. I see it being a brilliant reward for completing other courses or tasks. With no need to buy additional software or accessories, it's also a budget-friendly way to get kids into one of the more popular programs out there. Don't discount that it's an excellent choice for older kids and parents, too. With a friendly tone and the ability to pause and repeat any course videos, there's no pressure for even those who struggle in math or need a little extra time to get through each lesson.
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