Move the Turtle. Programming for kids

Name: Move the Turtle. Programming for kids
Item: Move the Turtle. Programming for kids
Rating: 4
Author: Educational App Store

iPhone
iPad

Teacher Overview

Move the Turtle is an excellent app that teaches students the basics of computer coding and programming.

The app can cater for a number of key stages from basic programming to complex procedures. The app consists of three menus. A PLAY mode where the student plays a number of chapters and levels being awarded stars for completing the tasks. A COMPOSE mode where the student is free to design their own programmes and coding, which can be saved and shared with others. A PROJECTS section where students can share project ideas or see projects that have been created by others.

We found the app had a large amount of content but some younger students may need help early on with instructions and procedures. We recommend the teacher demonstrates the apps functions before levels are attempted.

Teacher Review

Parents need to know that the Move the Turtle App is suitable for children aged 5 and upwards and teaches children the basics of programming/coding. A friendly Turtle will introduce your child step by step to the basic concepts of programming in a colourful graphic environment. The app has no in-app purchases with limited first party adverts.

The app is easy to use and navigate and once shown to your child they should be able to progress with the app unsupervised although if your child wishes to create their own programs than they may need some help at the start. As a parent you could help your child design a program via pen and paper first. The app requires no sign in and the child can instantly start using the app. You can create an account if you wish. The app has a parental information button that is secure and enables you to access further support, more apps, privacy policy and app rating.

The app’s displays three main modes;

The Play function – This gives the user access to 3 chapters and 27 levels. We suggest that as a parent you work through chapter one with your child so they have been exposed to all of the functions. You can see from the levels that the child can be awarded 1 to 3 stars depending on how the level has been completed. Once the basics have been grasped they can explore Chapter 2 and 3 unsupervised.

The Compose Function - Your child can be encouraged to explore the app programming features we recommend that this is mapped out on paper at first.

The Projects Function – We love this section of the app and this will give you and your child great opportunities to explore the project ideas. Each idea can be copied to the library for viewing and sharing.

If you are looking for a basic coding program for your children to start coding, then this is by far one of the best apps available. The application has the ability to nurture and expand your child’s learning with some minor supervision, the clear icon directions will allow then to carry on with their own learning. The graphics are excellent and the user interface is very user friendly. This app comes highly recommended by the EAS.

App Details

1396998000

Description

Move The Turtle is an educational application for iPhone and iPad that teaches children the basics of creating computer programs, using intuitive graphic commands.

Do you remember the Logo programming language? A friendly Turtle will introduce your child step by step to the basic concepts of programming in a colourful graphic environment. Who knows, maybe your child will be the next outstanding programmer!

By completing the tasks, one after another, your child learns:

how to plan complex activities composed of simple elements
how to reuse previously completed work
how to use graphics, spatial orientation and sound in programming

Your child will also become familiar with the notions of loops, procedures, variables and conditional instructions.

Programming is about more than completing tasks, it is also about implementing your own ideas using your imagination. With this in mind we give you the opportunity to create your own programs from scratch or based on our inspiring examples.