Coding for Kids
Meet our newest Featured Maker, 6th grader Yash from New York! He wants to be an astronaut when he grows up, but in the meantime, he likes playing with Legos and drawing with his brother. Yash spoke with us about his experience coding with Tynker:
How did you get introduced to Tynker?
I was on this website my school gave me, just checking out the games and they had a coding game called Lost In Space so I’m like okay let’s see what this is. It’s a coding game. I’m like, okay cool, this is with Tynker let’s see what Tynker has. And I showed my mom, and she was like whoa this is a good website. And then we got started on Tynker!
How did you learn to use Tynker?
Well, the first course ever was Turing’s Tower, and then I loved it and that got me hooked on Tynker and I wanted to learn more. So. I learned more and then I started coding my own games. And I realized I was getting better at coding games!
Have your coding skills improved since you started using Tynker?
Well, I used to suck at coding, like I used to remix projects and share them. Then, when I started coding with Tynker, I became better. I started making my own projects.
How did you feel when you found out your project had been featured?
When I first found out I won I went straight onto YouTube and I started watching the stream, I think his name is Mickey. When he presented my project I kept on watching that part over and over and over again!
What’s your favorite project you’ve made so far?
My favorite project is the Crossy Road I used to win. And what I like about it is that it’s an arcade game but that’s typically what my most favorite thing about it is.
Where did you get the idea for your project?
I was just making a project, so I was scrolling through what I needed in order to win. It said 25% creativity & originality. Okay, then let’s use an original game. So, then I thought of many different original games that were Pac Man, Crossy Road, and all those original games so I chose Pac Man.
How long did it take you to complete it?
About a week!
Did you have any interesting challenges?
The only challenge I had was trying to grab that chicken. I’m like, how to place them correctly, and where to place them. So, it actually is even harder and not that easy.
Will you do other Tynker Code Jam Challenges?
Definitely, yeah!
How do you get inspiration for your projects?
Usually, it just pops into my head or usually I just go scrolling through my mind and see what games there are that I can make that haven’t been made or they just use the community and see what they make and then add a little spice to their own game.
Why do you like to code?
I just like to code and stuff! I like fun games and I learn along the way!
What’s your favorite way to use code?
My favorite code block would be the forever loop. So it’s like, on and on and on like it never stops. Unless you’ve stopped the project or you tell it to stop!
What do you do with a project when you’re done with it?
I usually show it to my mom, and then I publish the game. And then, as it’s published I usually tweak it and stuff like either add more skins or add more levels and stuff like that!
What’s the best thing about Tynker?
The best thing about Tynker is there’s more varieties of code blocks that I can use and make my games even better. No other coding platforms have these types of blocks, but on Tynker they do!
Do you think learning to code has prepared you for the future?
Even if I don’t become an astronaut, or I don’t want to become an astronaut, because I can change my mind whenever I want. So, if I wanted to create games or something for a living, then I could use what I learned from Tynker to help me create games!
Do you think other kids should try coding?
Yes, they should! It can help them in their future too.
What advice would you give to kids starting out with Tynker?
Start your projects out simple, and as you get used to the code blocks, start tweaking, and improving your games and getting more advanced!
Do you like to code and will you keep learning more about coding?
Yes, I want to learn JavaScript and Python as I progress through!
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Math, I just like how it’s hard, calculations give me a challenge and stuff. I just love challenges.
Yash’s mother, Sunita, told us how she feels about her son learning to code with Tynker:
Very proud because he’s coding a lot. He’s in sixth grade right now. That’s why he’s doing like half an hour per day. That’s why he’s doing good.
How do you support his coding endeavors?
Whenever he shows me a project I always give him feedback and tell him how he can tweak it and make it better.
What benefits do you think coding has for him?
Because he’s so quiet, he’s using his mind is the big thing for me right now.
Do you feel that he’s better prepared for the future?
Yes, I hope so!
Thank you!
We want to thank Yash and his mother for taking the time to speak with us about coding with Tynker. We can’t wait to see what Yash creates next – HAPPY CODING!
