Homeschooling Dad and longtime teacher, Jeremy Moritz has authored a fun coding book called Code For Teens: The Awesome Beginner’s Guide to Programming (Volume 1). Code for Teens is written directly to teenagers in a fun, conversational tone. His intention was that he would write a book that we could hand our kids and they could learn to code even if we don’t have a clue. Thank you, Jeremy, because I really don’t have a CLUE! His wife, Christine, even illustrated the book for him.
There are several things I learned from Code for Teens. Like, did you know “that software engineering (aka coding) is one of the most in-demand, high-paying careers in the world right now?” I sure didn’t! I also didn’t know that JavaScript is the most common programming language and is used in 90% of all website!
Code for Teens requires that you to have the internet browser Chrome downloaded on your computer (don’t try to use a smartphone or tablet for this class!). The computer can be a PC, Mac, Chromebook or Linux based operating system.
There are 10 chapters in Code for Teens:
- Hello World!
- Time to Operate
- Comment on the String Section
- Have Some Functions
- Shall I Compare?
- Logically Operational
- Projects Galore
- Hip Hip Array!
- Loop a Round
- Make a Hangman Game
The Introduction and A Word for Parents sections provide valuable insight into the why and how of the book. While it is written for teens to understand and complete, Jeremy does encourage parents to ask to see completed work and act excited. Ok, I know that coding doesn’t sound that exciting but Brock really did like telling me all about it.
Since I wanted to know more about what Brock was talking about I tried some of the concepts out for myself. Let me tell ya, the course is so easy to follow along and understand that even I was able to learn! I always say that I am technilogically challenged so this is kind of a big deal. Brock had fun working on the concepts taught in Code for Teens! We both liked how the book is written. It’s very conversational and easy to follow along.
At the end of each chapter there are Quizzes, Key Concepts and Drills. Don’t worry, the answers to the Quiz questions are in the back of the book. There is also a Glossary which includes many terms introduced throughout the course.
Brock hasn’t yet finished the entire course but he is intending to because he enjoys it so much. I think that some of my kids that aren’t as excited about coding would also enjoy learning with Code for Teens. I’m glad we had the opportunity to review Volume I of Code for Teens. As much as Brock likes it, we may have to check out the next volume also.
Do you want to learn more about Code for Teens? Check out their website. You can even read the Introduction and first chapter for free. What a great way to see if Code for Teens would be a great fit for your family.
Connect with Code for Teens on Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CodeForTeens/
I encourage you to read reviews from other members of the Homeschool Review Crew by clicking the banner below.
Jennifer
