Programming Classes

Coding Classes for Kids in 2024

As we near the end of the current school year, we are getting more questions from parents about our Coding Classes for kids. So we would like to summarize our approach to learning:

In today’s digital age, coding has become a crucial skill for children to learn, providing them not only with career opportunities but also with a solid foundation in logical thinking and problem-solving. Coding classes and camps designed for kids are specifically tailored to introduce them to these skills in a fun and engaging way. Among the organizations excelling in this educational field is Panda Programmer, which has distinguished itself through its comprehensive and enjoyable coding classes and camps designed for children.

Overview of Panda Programmer

Panda Programmer is an educational company that focuses on teaching children how to code in a supportive and interactive environment. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Panda Programmer offers a range of coding classes and camps that cater to young learners of various ages and skill levels. The goal is to make coding accessible and fun, encouraging kids to explore and develop their interest in computer science and technology.

What Makes Panda Programmer Stand Out?

1. Curriculum Designed for Kids

  • Panda Programmer’s curriculum is specifically tailored for young minds. It uses languages and tools that are appropriate for children, such as Scratch, Python, and robotics programming, which simplify complex concepts and make learning to code enjoyable and accessible.

2. Engaging Learning Methods

  • Classes and camps are designed to be interactive and hands-on. Instructors use a project-based learning approach, meaning students can work on exciting projects like video games, animations, and even simple websites. This method helps children see the practical applications of their coding skills and keeps them engaged through creative expression.

3. Experienced Instructors

  • Panda Programmer places a strong emphasis on the quality and experience of its instructors. Most of the instructors teach throughout the year after school, and during our summer camps as well. This ensures they can offer expert guidance and make learning both effective and enjoyable for children.

4. Flexible Learning Options

  • Understanding the varied schedules and commitments of families, Panda Programmer offers a variety of learning options, including weekly classes, weekend sessions, and summer camps. This flexibility allows parents to fit coding education into their child’s life in the way that works best for them.

5. Positive Environment

  • The learning environment at Panda Programmer is designed to be supportive and inclusive. Instructors encourage collaboration among students as well as independent thinking. The aim is to build not only coding skills but also confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Kids hard at work!
Panda Summer Campers collaborating on their projects

Unlocking Creativity and Innovation: Robotics for Kids at Panda Programmer

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for STEM skills is higher than ever. At Panda Programmer, we believe learning robotics is an excellent way for kids to develop these essential skills while having fun and engaging in hands-on learning.

The Power of Robotics and Coding

Our robotics for kids program sparks creativity and innovation. It teaches kids to build and program robots to solve real-world problems. By combining robotics and coding, kids gain a comprehensive understanding of how technology works. They can easily learn coding basics using drag-and-drop programming languages, making learning fun and accessible for kids of all ages and skill levels.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Learning robotics fosters creativity and innovation. Building robots allows kids to see their ideas come to life, encouraging them to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to problems. This hands-on approach makes STEM subjects more engaging and helps kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the 21st century.

Preparing Kids for the Future

Our robotics for kids program goes beyond building robots; it prepares kids for the future. They develop teamwork, communication, and adaptability skills highly valued in today’s job market. These skills are not only important for future STEM careers but also for success in any field.

Hands-On Experience

In our robotics for kids program, kids work with a variety of robot kits, from simple robot toys to more complex robots that can perform tasks like driving cars or navigating obstacles. This hands-on experience allows kids to see the real-world applications of robotics and gain a deeper understanding of how technology can solve problems.

Fun and Engaging Learning

At Panda Programmer, we believe learning robotics should be fun and engaging. Our program is designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing kids to learn through play and exploration. Whether they’re building a robot from scratch or programming a robot to perform a specific task, kids are sure to have a blast while learning valuable skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, robotics for kids is a fantastic way to introduce children to the exciting world of STEM. By learning robotics, kids can develop essential skills in coding, problem-solving, and creativity, all while having fun and engaging in hands-on learning. If you’re looking for a program that will inspire your child and prepare them for the future, look no further than robotics for kids at Panda Programmer. Enroll your child today and watch as they unlock their potential and become the innovators of tomorrow.

News Jan 26, 2023

Panda Programmer is happy share some good news about the FTC robots competition team that is sponsored by Panda:  Last weekend, on Jan 21st, Team #21814 (team ROR) had a great showing at the Qualifiers competition in Laurel, and advanced to the Regionals competition on Feb 11th

Out of 28 teams, the team took first place for the “Innovate” award, 2nd place for the “Design” award, and 2nd place for the “Inspire” award.  Good job team members!  Both captains of the team are graduates of Panda Programmers Coding classes for kids.  Good luck team ROR at the Regionals!

The Winners!
Team ROR advances to compete in the Regionals competition on Feb 11th.
The competition field.
Each team consists of 2 robots and played against another team of 2 robots.
Last minute fixes to the robot
The team made some last minute fixes to the robot.
Judging session
The team described the design process for the robot
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1 Hour Classes

1 Hour Classes

1 hour classes may be the answer! Are your children all “Zoomed” out from remote schooling?  Is the typical 2 hour Panda Programmer class just too much time for your child during the pandemic?

No problem! As of December, 2020 Panda Programmer is offering 1 hour classes to our students.  Simply choose the “1 hour” format when you sign up for the class, and your child will be registered for this newer, shorter format.  It’s a better way to do coding classes for kids.

We still teach the same material in the same fun environment-  it’s just shorter!

And if you prefer our traditional 2 hour format, that is still offered as well.  Call or email us with any questions on the length of our classes.  

Update for summer 2021:  We will continue to offer a choice for the length of our online classes.  Students may opt for the shorter class (60 minutes) or the longer traditional class (120 minuts).  And of course there’s our kids programming summer camp!  Our in-person summer camp is offered in half-day sessions, which are 3 hours long.  Or students can come for the entire day.  Full-day camp is 7 hours long.  Often kids have more fun in the in-person environment.  They can chat with their friends.  They can meet new friends.  And they have plenty of peers to show off their work to!  That goes the other direction as well, as students can learn from the peers too.

Regarding the fall for 2021:  Panda Programmer is hoping to once again offer in-school after-school classes.  Our traditional classes are taught in MCPS elementary schools.  1 hour classes are not part of this curriculum.  The in-school after-school classes are typically 2 hours long.  

Hoping to see you and your children in the fall!

1 hour classes

Learning Scratch

Panda Programmer:  Do you just teach Scratch for programming?  What if my child learns Scratch, is there anything else she can study?   Bob (Parent at Diamond ES)  
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My son plays too many video games!

Hello Panda Programmer, It seems like my son just wants to sit on the couch and play video games all the time! Does a child need to want to program in order to succeed in your classes? Linda B Gaithersburg
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What ages are your programming classes?

What ages can take programming classes at Panda Programmer? I have an 8 year old boy, and a 10 year old girl. They are very interested in computers.   Wendy Gaithersburg
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Scratch Programming in the Rockville area

Hello, I am looking for a programming class for my 12 year old son. Is there anywhere that offers Scratch Programming in the Rockville area? Sarah in Rockville
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After-School computer classes?

Hello Panda Programmer (after-school),

Do you offer computer classes as an after-school activity? For instance, in the schools after school?  I am particularly interested in having my child learn Scratch.  Also, my 11 year-old son is interested in robotics.  Do you offer any classes in robotics?

A few years ago my son attended your summer camp at an elementary school in Gaithersburg.  This was not an after-school program.  He loved it!  He was able to learn with his friends.  They played outside on the playground.  They even learned Spanish.  Every day he came home telling us stories about the fun things they did in summer camp.  

I believe that he studied Scratch computer programming.  He made games and educational projects.  He showed his friends all of the progress that he made.  I am hoping that my daughter can participate in an after-school program by you and learn the same things.  

Linda

after-school classes
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