Gifted kids programs...???

[mbb]

Wondering if anyone has any online resources...

Our two boys have autism...they're 6 yrs old and in Gr1.
They've been able to read(hyperlexic) since they were 2.5...
Math is - for them - a breeze.

They both want to design video games...we've started writing down their ideas (Part of increasing their printing skills - which aren't so great, but they are interested in printing their "instruction manual")

We live in a very rural area - in NS, Canada - and our elementary school is very eager to help the boys from becoming bored...but their resources are limited...

Any suggestions are sooo very much appreciated!

 

[klmklm]

Please check this out:

http://www.softronix.com/logo.html

This is a programming language designed to help young children learn how to program. It is free. It may take you a little while to get started with it, but soon your children will be able to create their own programs. It can be used to create interesting visual designs, to explore mathematics, to make animated pictures, or even to make games. Here is an example:

http://www.seansastronomyshop.com/~dan/Asteroid_Miner/Asteroid_Miner.html

Good luck!

 

[mbb]

please remember that the following questions are from a woman who hasn't figured out how to post a picture yet...

OK, so I can download the Great Logo Adventure Book, and let the kids go from there...???

The whole "move the turtle" and rt90 is learning the basics of program writing.., right?(I did watch a *little* of the tutorial)

The program writing tool is LOGO...

And once the boys understand the LOGO language and the command functions, they can create and play the "asteroid miner" type games...practice LOGO with artwork, and math functions...

Have I got it?

What do I download first?

Thank you so much!

 

[klmklm]

Hi, mbb. Yes, I think you've got it. I'll give some details.

There are a variety of resources.

One is the Logo operating system that lets you run other people's programs, and also create and run your own programs. Download this first. If you are using Windows, you should be able to do this by downloading the file named "setup kit." Let me know if this doesn't work. More details below.

A second type of resource is tutorial files, like the Great Logo Adventure book. These walk you through the process.

A third type of resource is programs written in Logo, such as Asteroid Miner. You can download these and run them, for fun and to get ideas.

A fourth type of resource is source code: Some authors provide the source code for their programs, so you can both run the program as the author wrote it, and also make some changes in the instructions and see how it runs with the changes. This is a great way to learn how things work.

OK, now more details on installing the operating system. Once you have downloaded the setup kit, it should create an entry in you list of program files (Start, All Programs) called "Microsoft Windows Logo." Open this, click through the message screens, and you should get a screen with two windows. The big window is the "turtle" window (the turtle is just a triangle). The little window is the "commander" window. At the bottom of the commander window is a white text box. Click in this box and type "forward 100" (don't type the quotation marks). Then click on the "execute" button. That should make the turtle move forward, drawing a line behind it. If that works, then you are ready to start working with the tutorials.

I am so impressed by such young children being able to read and enjoy math. I hope Logo is useful and interesting for them.

 

[missypie]

Contact the Duke University TIPS program
http://www.tip.duke.edu/about/ContactTIP.htm

Duke has a talent ID program for 7th graders. They publish a lot of resources for gifted children...lists of programs, etc. Explain your situtation and see if they will send you some of their materials.

 

[mbb]

Duke is referring me to some other programs - that may be available here in Canada! Thanks missypie

klmklm,
I think we're in for a whole restructuring of the boy's IPP...their resource teacher is going to do some "homework" and get the boys going on the LOGO program at school...My babies are just going to "eat this up"!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you...
...from this mom -
who believes that giving my children challenges and learning opportunities, with lots of love thrown in
- is just what a mom is supposed to do...