Coding Workshop at SMP Taman Sastra March 2023

If your kids are fascinated by the world of technology, they’ll be excited to explore coding and create something they can interact with. And guess what? Coding isn’t as intimidating as it may seem! It’s a fun and educational learning experience that both you and your kids can enjoy together. At Timedoor Academy, we believe in the power of hands-on learning. DIY coding projects not only teach kids essential coding skills but also spark creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Why not dive into the world of coding and engage your child in exciting learning activities today? To get started, we’ve compiled a list of fun coding activities that are perfect for kids aged 6 to 12. Let’s make learning and coding an adventure right at home! 1. Create a Simple Animation Using Scratch Learning by Coding Scratch is a beginner-friendly visual programming language that allows kids to create their own stories, games, and animations. This coding tool uses blocks of code that kids can drag and drop, making it easy to build interactive projects. Project Idea: • Create a simple animation where characters move across the screen or interact with one another. For example, you can create a story where a cat talks to a dog, or have a dancing sprite! Why It’s Great? • Scratch teaches kids basic concepts like sequencing, loops, and event handling. Plus, it’s a fun way to let their imagination run wild! 2. Build Your Own Interactive Coding Website with HTML & CSS Learning Want to introduce your child to the world of web development? Start with the basics of HTML (the structure of websites) and CSS (the styling). These simple tools lay the foundation for most websites and are an excellent way to teach coding while building something tangible. Project Idea: • Help your child design their first interactive website—perhaps a personal homepage, a family blog, or a site about their favorite hobbies. Add fun elements like color changes, buttons, and images to make it unique! Why It’s Great? • HTML and CSS are easy to learn and give kids a sense of accomplishment once they see their website live. It’s also a practical skill that could inspire future web development projects. 3. Create a Virtual Pet Game with Scratch or Python Coding Learning For a more advanced project, you can introduce your child to a text-based or graphical game. You can either start with Scratch for a simpler, drag-and-drop experience or move to Python for a more detailed, code-based game. Project Idea: • Make a simple virtual pet game where players can feed, play with, and take care of their pet. The game could involve a timer for pet care and scoring points for actions completed correctly. Why It’s Great? • This project teaches game design, logic, and conditionals (e.g., “If you feed the pet, it gets happier”). It’s a perfect introduction to more complex programming concepts, all while having fun creating a game! 4. Make a Digital Art Project by Coding with Tynker Learning Tynker is another great coding platform that teaches kids how to code using fun, interactive lessons. It’s perfect for visual learners and offers a wide range of activities, including digital art creation. Project Idea: • Use Tynker to create your own digital drawing or animation. You can have your child make a picture come to life by using basic coding blocks to animate shapes or objects. Why It’s Great? • Tynker makes learning coding feel like a creative art project. It’s also a wonderful way for children to combine their interest in drawing with coding! 5. Make a DIY Robot with Coding Kits Learning If you have access to coding kits such as LEGO Mindstorms, LittleBits, or other programmable robotics kits, this is a fantastic hands-on project to get kids into coding. Project Idea: • Build and program a robot that can move, detect objects, or follow simple commands. You can even create a challenge where the robot has to navigate a maze or complete a task, like picking up small objects. Why It’s Great? • Robotics introduces kids to both hardware and software, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds. It encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. 6. Create a Music Maker with Coding Learning If your child loves music, why not combine it with coding? There are several tools and platforms that allow kids to make music through programming. Project Idea: • Help your child create a simple music generator where different sounds or beats are played based on certain inputs. Platforms like Sonic Pi let kids create music with code, and they can even create rhythms and melodies! Why It’s Great? • This project combines creativity with coding and gives kids a fun way to engage with both music and technology. 7. Design a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Story by Coding Learning A fun way to learn coding is by creating an interactive story, like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” game. You can use simple platforms like Twine, which allows kids to write stories with code-based choices. Project Idea: • Write an interactive story where the reader can make choices, and each choice leads to different outcomes. For example, “Should the character go left or right?” The story branches out from there! Why It’s Great? • This teaches kids logic, sequencing, and how their decisions in coding can affect the outcome. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to practice their writing and storytelling skills. Coding is Fun and Rewarding Learning! At Timedoor Academy, we believe that learning to code is not only about the technical skills—it’s also about sparking curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. By taking on these DIY coding projects, you’ll not only teach your child valuable programming skills but also bond through shared, creative experiences. So, gather your tools, start coding, and most importantly, have fun with your child! Remember, the best way to learn is by doing—and what better way to learn together than through fun, hands-on projects? Ready to dive deeper into coding learning? Join one of Timedoor Academy's online coding classes and support your child's learning journey in a structured, fun and supportive environment. We offer a Free Trial to provide a no-cost first learning experience, so your child can try our classes before deciding to continue.  Our courses are designed to help children develop their coding skills while still enjoying every step of the way. Visit our website for more information here!

In today’s increasingly digital world, coding has become an essential skill that opens up many opportunities for the future. For kids and teens, learning coding for beginners is a great first step to understanding how technology works and starting to build their own digital creations. Why Should Kids and Teens Learn Coding for Beginners? Starting to learn coding for beginners at a young age offers many benefits, not only technical ones, but also for personal development and social skills. Some key benefits include: Improving logical thinking and problem-solving skills Boosting creativity and imagination Building a structured way of thinking Gaining confidence through creating real projects Understanding the technology they use every day First Steps to Learn Coding for Beginners To make the learning process more effective, it’s important to use a fun, engaging approach that matches the child’s learning level. Here are some steps to get started: Introduce basic concepts with interactive gamesApps like Scratch Junior or Code.org help kids understand the logic behind programming through visuals and games. Choose the right programming language based on ageAges 5–9: Scratch Junior, BlocklyAges 10–14: Scratch, basic PythonAges 15 and above: Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript Start small with simple, fun projectsFor example, making a basic game or an animated story on Roblox or Minecraft Education Kid-Friendly Platforms to Learn Coding for Beginners There are many online platforms available to help children understand programming step by step. Recommended platforms include: Scratch – A visual programming tool perfect for beginners Code.org – Educational coding challenges with fun themes Tynker – A subscription-based platform with interactive content Minecraft Education – Learn coding through building and playing Timedoor Academy – Project-based coding courses available online and offline, perfect for kids and teens across the world! Make Learning to Code Fun and Enjoyable Kids are more likely to stick with coding if it’s connected to things they already enjoy. Here are some project ideas that make learning to code more exciting: Create interactive games using Scratch Build a short animation or digital comic Design a personal website with HTML and CSS Make a basic app using Python When children can see and share what they’ve created, they’ll feel proud and motivated to keep learning. Combine Kids' Interests with Learning to Code One effective way to encourage your child to learn coding for beginners is by tying it to their hobbies and interests. For example: Kids who love drawing can try digital animation Kids who enjoy gaming can learn to create their own games Kids who like writing can make interactive stories or visual novels This personalized approach makes the learning process feel more natural and enjoyable. Learning to Code is Better with Mentors Although self-learning is possible, coding for beginners is often more effective with a mentor and a supportive environment. At Timedoor Academy, kids and teens can join: Coding for Kids (ages 5 to 12) Coding for Teens (ages 13 to 18) Courses in Scratch, Python, HTML/CSS, and more All classes focus on hands-on practice through age-appropriate digital projects. Parents Play a Big Role in the Learning Journey Parental support is key, especially when children face challenges or lose motivation. What parents can do: Set aside time and space for learning Celebrate their child’s achievements, big or small Have conversations about the projects they’re working on Enroll them in a trusted program with the right learning style When parents show interest and encouragement, kids feel supported and excited to learn. Tips for Choosing the Right Coding Course for Beginners With so many options available, how do you choose the best one? Here are some factors to consider: Age and skill levelMake sure the course matches the child’s stage of development. It should be challenging but not overwhelming. Teaching methodProject-based, interactive learning is often more engaging than memorizing theory. Mentor availabilityHaving a mentor helps children when they get stuck or need guidance. Flexible schedulesA flexible program works well with school and other activities. Parent reviewsLook for testimonials or reviews to get a sense of the course’s quality and impact. At Timedoor Academy, every aspect is carefully designed to help kids learn coding for beginners in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and future-ready. Ready to Start Your Child's Coding Journey? Learning coding for beginners is an investment in the future, and it can start today. With the right approach, kids and teens won’t just understand technology, they’ll be able to shape it with their own ideas. Looking for a fun, project-based, and child-friendly place to start? Join Timedoor Academy’s free trial class available offline all around the world!

For many kids, math can feel intimidating, boring, or just plain confusing. But with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be that way. When math is taught in a way that connects with how kids think and play, it can become one of their favorite subjects. In this article, we’ll explore fun ways to help kids learn math that you can try at home. These ideas are designed to build confidence, make learning enjoyable, and show kids that math is more than just numbers and formulas. Why Fun Matters in Learning Math Every child learns differently. Some understand best through visuals, while others learn by doing. Unfortunately, math is often taught through drills or worksheets that don’t speak to every child’s strengths. That’s why fun ways to help kids learn math are so important. When math is presented through games, stories, or real-life situations, it becomes more accessible and less stressful. It also helps kids build a positive attitude toward learning, especially for a subject that often gets a bad reputation. Turn Learning into Playtime One of the most effective ways to help children grasp math concepts is through play. When kids are having fun, they’re more likely to stay engaged and retain what they learn. Games like number bingo, card games with math challenges, or interactive apps make learning feel like part of everyday life. You don’t need expensive tools either. What matters most is creating a space where children feel excited, not pressured, to explore math. Simple Math Games to Try at Home Number Card ChallengeUse regular playing cards to practice addition or subtraction. Flip two cards and have your child call out the total. Make it a race to keep things fun. Hopscotch MathDraw a hopscotch board and add math problems to each square. Ask your child to solve the problem before hopping on. Math in the KitchenCooking is full of measurement and timing. Let your child help measure flour, count spoonfuls, or figure out how many cookies each person gets. Toy-Based CountingUse building blocks or toy cars to teach grouping, multiplication, or division. It’s especially helpful for visual learners. All these activities offer fun ways to help kids learn math without making it feel like a school assignment. Your Role as a Parent Many children struggle with math not because they can’t do it, but because they believe they can’t. That belief often comes from pressure, fear of mistakes, or a lack of confidence. As a parent, you can shift this mindset by encouraging effort and curiosity. Celebrate progress, no matter how small. With fun ways to help kids learn math, your support matters just as much as the method. Use Technology in a Positive Way Today’s technology offers tons of educational tools designed specifically for children. There are countless apps and websites that teach math through stories, games, and interactive challenges. Platforms like Timedoor Academy offer structured online classes that combine fun with effective learning. With the right tools, fun ways to help kids learn math become easier to find and apply in daily life. Make Math Social Kids often enjoy learning more when they can do it with others. Consider setting up math challenges between siblings or friends. You can also try a family game night with a math twist. Learning with others creates a sense of excitement and reduces pressure. It’s another fun way to help kids learn math while also building teamwork and communication skills. Make Math Part of Everyday Life Math is everywhere. It’s in the money you use at the store, the recipe you follow for dinner, and the clock you check every morning. Involving your child in these daily tasks can make math feel useful and natural. Let your child count change, estimate grocery costs, or track time before bedtime. When kids see math in action, they understand that it's a skill, not just a subject. Let Kids Find What Works for Them There is no one-size-fits-all method in learning. Some kids love singing math songs, while others enjoy solving puzzles. The key is to let your child explore different ways and figure out what helps them feel most confident. Fun ways to help kids learn math often come from trial and error. Give them room to experiment, and be there to cheer them on throughout the process. Make Learning Math Fun with Timedoor Academy If you're looking for guided, interactive math learning that your child will actually enjoy, Timedoor Academy offers online classes designed especially for kids. The lessons are built around engaging activities that teach core math skills in fun and creative ways. Try a free class today at Timedoor Academy and help your child discover fun ways to learn math at home with confidence and joy.