Introduction To Coding For Kids With Turtle Grove

What if your very first experience with coding was creating pictures, patterns, and shapes instead of staring at complicated code? This session introduces programming in a fun, visual, and beginner-friendly way using turtles.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

• You are a curious beginner who wants to learn what coding is all about
• You are a child (roughly age 8+) interested in creating things with a computer
• You are a parent, teacher, or mentor looking for a fun way to introduce coding concepts
• You have never written a line of code before and want a friendly, pressure-free introduction
• You want to learn through creativity, experimentation, and play

AFTER 60 MINUTES, YOU’LL:

• Create your first real programs by telling a turtle how to move, turn, and draw on the screen
• Understand the fundamental idea behind all programming: giving a computer clear step-by-step instructions
• Learn how loops allow you to repeat actions and create more interesting drawings with less work
• Discover how to create your own commands so the computer can remember and repeat your favourite patterns
• Build shapes, designs, and simple artwork while learning core coding concepts
• Leave with access to TurtleGrove, our free browser-based coding playground that you can continue using at home

Coding doesn’t have to begin with complicated syntax or intimidating screens full of text. In this hands-on session, we’ll use TurtleGrove to explore programming through drawing and creativity. You’ll guide a turtle around the screen, giving it instructions to move, turn, and create everything from simple lines and squares to exciting patterns, stars, spirals, and more.

Along the way, you’ll discover some of the same concepts used by professional software developers every day. You’ll learn how computers follow instructions, why order matters, how loops help automate repetitive tasks, and how creating your own commands makes programs more powerful and easier to understand.

Best of all, mistakes are part of the adventure. If something doesn’t work the way you expected, you’ll learn how programmers experiment, adjust, and try again. The turtle is patient, forgiving, and always ready for another attempt.

By the end of this free session, you’ll have written your first programs, created your own drawings, and gained an understanding of the core ideas that power all software.

No experience is required. No software needs to be installed. Just bring a web browser, your imagination, and a willingness to explore.

Perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone curious about how coding works.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Pascal van Dam is a seasoned Linux and Kubernetes architect with expertise in cloud technologies. As a certified Linux Foundation trainer and IT Gilde Guru, he excels at making complex concepts accessible through his straightforward teaching approach. Drawing from extensive government and enterprise experience, Pascal bridges technical solutions with business value, helping professionals master essential skills quickly.

HOW TO JOIN THIS SESSION?

This live session is completely free! – A limited-time opportunity before they become exclusive to Living Open Source members.

Click here to enter the Zoom Session
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