Ask HN: How do I talk to 2nd graders about code?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5375576
by jader201 • 13 years ago
6 8 13 years ago

In a few weeks, I will be talking to my son's 2nd grade class about what I do: coding, with a focus on building web sites. What should I talk about?

I'm not as interested about them knowing what I do, though I will talk about that some. I will probably talk about a web site I created (www.animalcrossingcommunity.com), mainly because it's about a video game franchise that many of them may have already played, and thought that is at least something that I do that they can truly connect with.

But I'm more interested in planting an age-appropriate seed about the world of coding, so that if this is something they're inherently interested in (but may not realize it yet), this will help them realize that and pursue that interest.

I historically have a hard time connecting with younger kids -- or other people, in general -- that are on a different level, particularly when it comes to code. So I thought I would seek out the help from the HN community.

Particularly, I'd like to talk about things that might be interesting to them. I also would like to give them something to take home, like a list of sites (just a few to get them started) that talk about coding on their level.

What have you guys seen that would be good to share at this age? What suggestions do you have?

If it matters, I have 30 minutes or less to talk to them.

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