Computer Programming for Kids

Computer Programming for Kids

Are your kids spending too much time playing mindless computer games? Encourage them to use their minds and write their own computer games instead. Of course, they probably won’t be cranking out a competitor to “Angry Birds” right away, but that doesn’t mean kids won’t love to write programs. Just because they can’t play basketball like Michael Jordan doesn’t stop them from loving to play basketball. Computer programming is powerful and fun, and kids don’t need to become professional programmers to learn from the activity. Computer programming teaches kids problem solving, logical (computational) thinking, and determination, and it fosters creativity. The best part is you don’t have to know anything about computer programming to get your kids started. You simply head to the Internet for the software of your choice.

Scratch
Scratch (a programming language developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and supported by the National Science Foundation) is a free, fun, visual, programming language for kids from third grade on up. They can create games, interactive stories, animations, music, and art. They simply drag and drop the code blocks onto the programming area, and then they can instantly see the result. The different commands snap together. This avoids all the frustrating syntax errors of typing computer code while keeping all the mind expanding experiences of computer programming. You can view this short video to see what Scratch can do.

Kodu
Kodu (sponsored by Microsoft Research FuseLabs) is another free visual programming language for kids. It has a very specific video game focus. Kids begin with their own story and develop the characters, worlds, and actions to tell their story as a video game. In Kodu the programming code is icon based. Kodu, which is Windows based, also has an Xbox 360 version available for a fee of 400 Points (about $5).

Ladybug Mazes
Ladybug Mazes (part of a Utah State University collection of interactive math manipulatives) introduces the concept of computer programming to kids as young as kindergarten. Kids make a plan for the ladybug to follow by choosing step blocks and turn blocks, which appear at the bottom of the screen. When they click the play button, the ladybug follows the command blocks they have chosen. Most kindergartners need help getting started, but they generally catch on quickly.  Kids can play Ladybug Mazes online for free.

Programming software designed for kids is a great way to move your student from game player to game designer, from consumer to producer. Try one today; you will be glad you did.

Happy Friday!

I want to thank all of the students, families, and staff that came out to the MLK March on Monday! Please see our Facebook page for more pictures from the march https://www.facebook.com/AnneFrankIA/

Valentines Day Dances

• Elementary School Valentines Family Dance & Crafts
• February 13 5:00-6:30pm 
• Parents: $3
• Students: $1
• Middle School Valentines Day Dance
• February 14 5:00-7:00pm
• Students: $5
• High School Valentines Dance
• February 15 7:00-9:00pm
• Students: $5

AFIA School Clean Up

We will have a voluntary school clean up on February 1 from 1-3pm. We will be beautifying the outside of our campus. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Mrs. Conover at bconover@braination.net  We appreciate all of your support!

AFIA Re-Enrollment Form 

It is time to start planning for next school year's enrollment. Re-Enrollment forms are being emailed and are available at the elementary and middle school receptionists desks. Re-enrollment forms are due back by February 15th. Failure to submit your re-enrollment form by February 15 will result in your student(s) not having a guaranteed spot here at AFIA. If you try to enroll later, you will have to be placed on the waiting list. Please make sure that you turn in your form on time. 

Basketball Playoffs

Congratulations to the AFIA Middle School Boys Basketball Team! They finished the regular season 6-0, won their division, and compete in the playoffs tomorrow. The boys will play Saturday January 26 at 10am. The game will be held at the Jubilee Lake View Main Gym: 325 Castroville Rd,San Antonio,TX,78207. Entry to the game will be $5. Kids under the age of 8 are free.

AFIA Senior Graduation Ceremony

We are excited to announce that our high school graduation will be held at the Retama Auditorium on the UTSA campus. The graduation ceremony will begin at 7pm on June 1, 2019.

MLK March

If you are attending the march today I am located right next to the ATT center in lot 1 at the Freeman Coliseum. The buses are located here and parking is free. If you are having a hard time finding me, please text me at 210-446-8608. 

Have a great day!

MLK March

On Monday January 21, 2019, we will be taking part in the Martin Luther King, Jr. March. We will meet at the front of the ATT Center at 9:00am and shuttle to the event. The signature event, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March, is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the MLK Academy. If you would like your child to come out and march with us, please have them wear an AFIA shirt and meet us at the academy.

We encourage all parents to come out and march with our students as well. If you are able to participate, please wear an AFIA or blue shirt. We have shirts at the school that can be purchased for $5 for all parents and family members that want to participate. 

The March is 2.7 miles and a map of the route can be found by clicking on the link below:
https://www.sanantonio.gov/Portals/0/Files/MLK/MLKWalkingRoute.pdf

To get more information on the march you can click on the link below:
https://www.sanantonio.gov/MLK

Just a reminder that Friday is an early release and Monday is a holiday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will not have pizza or smoothies this Friday or extended day. All students must be picked up at the times below:

K-2: 12:30pm

3-8: 12:45pm

9-12: 1:15pm 

Enjoy the remainder of your week!