Ask Slashdot: How Can You Teach Programming To Schoolchildren?

Slashdot reader SPopulisQR writes: A new school year is approaching and I wanted to ask what are appropriate programming languages for children of various ages. Specifically, 1) what coding languages should be considered, and 2) are there are any self-guided coding websites that can be used by children to learn coding using guidance and help online? Let's say the ages are 8 and 12.
I know there's lots of opinions about CS education (and about whether or not laptops increase test scores). So leave your own best thoughts in the comments. How can you teach programming to schoolchildren?

Comments

LOGO writer?

[renegadesx]

Back in the early 90's we were taught with a tool called LOGO Writer. Used a simple syntax to guide a turtle to draw objects and stuff. You could write loop statements that would have the turtle draw a "circle" and other things. It was pretty effective I thought.

Re: They still need to learn math and logic...

[hawkeyeMI]

Code.org seems pretty good actually for teaching programming logic with a sort of visual pseudocode. My 8 y/o has been enjoying it. They use it at her school too.