Explaining to the older generation what code is and how it works can be a challenge! However, if you approach this with humor and stock up on simple analogies, you can make the process fun and the explanations more than understandable. We'll tell you more in this article! And if your child is eager to learn how to code, welcome to Progkids!
Code — this is a recipe
Tell grandma that the code is like a recipe, just for a computer. It's simple: she uses recipes to cook delicious dishes, and programmers write code to “cook” programs and “bake” applications. Each line of code is a step in the recipe.
A letter to a friend
Imagine writing a letter to a computer. Code is the language you can use to communicate with it. You give him instructions on how to deal with different situations. For example, if you want him to say “Hi!” , we need to convey this idea in a language he understands. The code is the text of the letter, and the programming language helps you choose words and create the right sentences.
LEGO parts
Tell grandma that programming is like building a LEGO set. Every detail is a piece of code. When you put them together in the right order, you get something complete — a program or a game.
Notes for orchestra
The code can be compared to the notes on a music sheet. The notes tell the musician what to play and when. Similarly, code tells a computer what actions to perform and in what order.
Robo explanation
If you have a robot vacuum cleaner or other “smart” device at home, explain to your grandmother that it works thanks to a code. The code explains to the robot where to go and how to avoid obstacles.
Jokes are the best way to remember new things
You can make a joke at the end of your IT conversation. Here are some jokes about programmers that are suitable for talking not only with grandma =)
Programmers and nature
— Why don't programmers like nature?
— Because there are too many bugs there!
Tea for a programmer
— How does a programmer make tea?
— He writes the code: `if (teapot == 'on') {water = 'boiling water';} `
Programmers and bugs
— What does a programmer say when he manages to fix a bug?
— Oh, it's not a bug, it's a feature!
Programmers and life
— How does a programmer measure his life?
— In the number of lines of code!
Programmers and success
— What did the programmer say after a successful day at work?
— Today I finally found all the missing brackets!
Programmers and farming
— Why will programmers never become farmers?
— Because they can't make their “variables” grow!
Programmers and love
— How does a programmer confess his love?
— He writes: “You're my if in the else world.”
Programmers and overweight
— What does a programmer do when he wants to lose weight?
— It deletes all its “temporary files”.
Programmers and coffee
— What kind of coffee do programmers prefer?
— Java!
It's great when the whole family supports a child in his endeavors! It's important to be interested in his favorite activities and motivate him to become a better person!
Does your child want to learn programming? Then quickly write it down to free trial lesson at Progkids!