Youth patrons learn basics of coding without a computer

If you thought there's no way to learn coding without a computer, think again! At the Bartlett Library, youth patrons learned coding skills while enjoying the game called "Robot Turtles" on Monday, June 20.

The game started out with players picking which colored turtle they wanted to be. They all started off in the corners of the game board, and their objective was to make it to the center of the board in order to get to their colored gems.

There were different cards depending on which way the players want to move (forward, left and right), and when they chose which way they wanted to go, the teen volunteers moved their turtles, acting as the 'computer.'

Because of the teen volunteers moving all the pieces, the children were able to see that when they made a choice, the 'computer' reacted. Much like with coding on an actual computer.

As the games went on, they became increasingly difficult. Players could block others' paths to the gems with ice walls, stone walls or wooden crates. When they were faced with any of these obstacles, players had to overcome them with lasers or moving around the objects.

The children had a fun time; all were getting really into the games.

An upcoming Youth & Teen Services program is "Drop-in Crafts" on Friday, June 24 at 3 p.m. Join us for a fun summer craft! Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver age 16 or older.

For more information and a complete listing of scheduled programs, call 630.837.2855 or visit www.bartlettlibrary.org.