The new focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) includes efforts to get kids involved in computer programming. Coding builds logical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's also creative and collaborative! Find out how you can introduce your child and toddler to the basic concepts of programming.

Today's parents may have had some exposure to computer programming during their high school or college career. The logic probably surrounded the use of "if-then" statements and maybe even the use of punch cards. Those days are long behind us, and there are new and serious efforts to get kids — even very young kids — involved in computer programming. 

Why computer programming?

In recent years, there's been an increased focus on STEM subjects in schools, including science, technology, engineering, and math. Computer programming is an extension of that focus. Many new careers use coding skills, including web development, game development, and Internet security. President Obama and some celebrities have joined the call to get young kids involved in programming. Coding is based in technology, something that we all depend on in our daily life.

What skills are learned through coding?

Computer programming relies on the use of sequencing and logic, skills that are useful throughout a student's school career. Many subjects, including history and math, consistently ask students to methodically and critically analyze content to find answers. Coding can also be a very collaborative and creative venture, with students working together to solve a problem or create an action. All of these skills extend far beyond the classroom. 

Can we try it? Where can I get more information?

A simple search will turn up many resources on this topic. Most of the apps you'll find are centered more on graphics and animations than actual code. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Code Monster is a site where your programming provides instant results. You and your child may have fun manipulating the code and seeing the immediate changes.
2. Daisy theDinosaur (available from iTunes) is a free app for the iPad. Kids use a drag and drop interface to animate Daisy and make her dance across the screen.
3. Scratch is designed for kids 8-16. It's free to use, and users can create stories, games, and animations. Scratch is used around the world and in thousands of classrooms.
4. Code is a non-profit organization working to ensure that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science.

 Via ReadingRockets.org

Read more...

With flexible fingers play the mouse to unlock features performance of computer program. Every now and then he pressed the keyboard to write letters and numbers .

Toddler and Computer

Although there are pros and cons about computer use by toddlers, but we can see the positive values of this computer things, beside it can accelerate toddlers to familiarize letters, also he used to take advantage of advanced technology in early age. Then we'll want to identify the needs of children and toddlers and try to select the programs that benefit them. Also we need keep in mind, toddlers should be pleased with its activities. So no need to focus on Our desire for them to master the programs we offered .

Play and Learn. While playing the computer, toddler easier ferreting simple math program with images and color. This way is necessary to make a toddler like math and calculation things. Toddlers can learn to read through a variety of computer programs that many in the market now. Guided worth using this technology in order to develop a wide range of skills. But behind the positive values earlier, It remain aware of the downside of this kind of technology. Toddlers can be addicted to playing games to forget time, forget eating, or other physical activity and become lazy. This is definitely not healthy. 

So then here the ideas of how to choose a program that can make a good impacts for Toddlers and Children when they are start to experience computers:

• Make it appropriate for toddlers. He was interested in simple math, for example the introduction of shapes, numbers and letters.
• Interactive and encourage children that they can play together with their friends.
• Allows toddler drawing and coloring. We can print the picture and making it a book. They would be proud of his work .

Read more...

Winter comes early and relatively cold this year in all over the world. But having fun with our children and toddler must be going on as one of step of early age education process for them. Of course all of the Winter creative activities aims for toddlers must be to give them positive values in their early ages.

Winter creative activities for Toddlers

Many activities come in mind if winter come, like playing snow in the garden or so, but here Edutoddler team, come up with idea how about making winter crafts. Cited from Babble site, winter craft is one of a perfect way to celebrate this year cold winter.

Here are several ideas about Winter creative activities for toddlers :

1. Making Puffy Snowfalkes

Snow Flakes Craft

Kids will love using a flour mixture in a dish soap bottle to paint fun snowflake designs. Make them puffy by heating them in the microwave!

2.  Making Pom Pom Snowman

Pom Pom Snowman Craft

 Kids can create pom poms for the base, then decorate their snowman with their favorite embellishments.

3. Making Paint Stick SnowMan

Paint Stick SnowMan Craft

Use paint and fabric scraps to turn paint sticks into winter characters - make several and act out a puppet show.

4. Making Pretty Gloves Toys

Glove Toys

Have a collection of extra gloves without mates? Kids can turn them into fun characters with hand sewing.

5. Making Handprint Tree

Handprint Tree Craft

Let kids paint a winter scene, then add a handprint tree and decorate.

For more information how about to make these kind of craft you can visit the Beeble website here

Read more...