Code Piano Review - Teach Kids Coding, From @LetsStartCoding! #LetsStartCoding #Coding

This was the first year Isaak didn't believe in Santa. I should be thankful that he believed, for so long. He's in sixth grade, and I stopped believing in fourth grade. I wanted it to be a special Christmas for him. I kept reminding him that the spirit of Santa is still real. You can look up Saint Nicholas, and he was in fact a real, and giving person.

One of my favorite gifts that Isaak got, was Code Piano from Lets Start Coding. 
  

I was going to put it in his stocking, but decided I wanted to make it a bigger gift than that. I put it in a big box, filled with confetti, a note in there that he'd start actual Piano Lessons towards the end of January, and wrapped it. Code Piano is a perfect stocking stuffer size.

Learning how to play the piano has been therapy for Isaak. If he gets frustrated with his homework we tell him to go play his keyboard. It takes all frustrations away. It's the only thing I've found that works to calm him down, when he's really frustrated. I knew Code Piano would be up there on his list!

If you don't like to play the piano, that's ok. It's really mostly about coding. Lets Start Coding does have other sets!

• Code Piano $44.99
• Code Speaker $19.99
• Code Rocket $44.99
• Code Car $44.99

I have to admit I was apprehensive about Isaak starting to use Code Piano. I just kept thinking, What if we can't help him? The product was new to me as well. 

If there's one thing I disagree with, it's the age range 8-12. I think it's for ages 8 and up! It would be good, for a lot of adults to use.

Isaak kept saying, "I know how to code. Let's do this." So we did. The cards can seem like foreign language if you're not familiar with coding. They are helpful when you dive in to the project.

We read all the cards, and just decided to begin. They have everything you need to get started. It will work on my Macbook from work, but not my newer laptop I own. The newer one has no USB ports. There are adapters, but as is it won't work. 

Once it's plugged in, a download comes up, for the application. That was the one thing I wasn't sure where to put the coding in. It simply worked right after it was plugging it in.

From there are tips, videos, quizzes, and sample code to use.

If you code wrong, your code highlights in red. That way you know to fix it.

Isaak started out just like me, knowing what to do, but really knowing nothing. Ha! He got lots of code that was red, and not working. Thankfully they do have a refresh button.

We left him home alone, to do his thing. He called when we got a few blocks away. "Dad! I did something! Listen!" A few notes chimed in. He called a few more times after that. He was excited about his accomplishments!

I got home, and we did our video. He learned a lot in the few hours we were gone. He still needs to learn more. If he knew everything, Code Piano wouldn't be as fun. He'd have nothing to learn.

What I really loved, was that there was notes from Isaak all over my note page about the product. He said, "Mom I had to do some math to figure out some of the coding. You need math to code." I said, "Remember that when you tell me that you will never use math in the real world." 

I'd say Code Piano is a success! It's a toy, but also a learning device. 

Questions for you:

Do you know how to code well? Do you find it challenging? 

Out of all the sets they have, Which one would you choose: Code Piano, Code Rocket, Code Speaker, or Code Car?

Disclaimer: I got this product for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Protect Your Laptop With a SHIELDON Bag

I just got my first call from Isaak's school. I wasn't thinking I'd get a call this early in the year. Apparently on Monday he tripped, fell, and along with him falling so did the school's laptop. It's broken. They won't charge us, but will charge us if it happens again. He did show the teacher right away, and apologized. Accidents do happen, but I was hoping nothing like that would happen this early. To be honest I didn't even know they got laptops. Had I known I would have made sure he got a laptop case/or bag!

He gets a sleeve, and will carry it in his padded backpack.

Travis gets this SHIELDON Bag, for our Macbook that he carries to and from a class he's in. 

We're doing our best to protect our laptops.

Size:

I have to be honest it's hard to find a case/bag big enough for a bigger laptop. I'm glad this one fits!

It's 16.5 x 12.6 x 5.9 Inches.

It can be strapped in:

Lots of Pockets!

I do like the many pockets it has. I try not to fill mine up too much, as I have had straps break at the clips where the straps clip on before.

If you carry just a few things it doesn't get too weighted. If you have a lot to carry, just hold it by the handles.

There's a pen/pencil section, a spot for a book, a spot for a notebook, and even a spot for printer paper. It holds paper bigger than the standard 8 1/2 x 11 inches. You could put in a small umbrella, and a water bottle. Best of all it has pockets for chargers!

Strap:

There are handles if you have it loaded well. Again I've had on other bags the metal where the strap is attached break. If all you have is your laptop, a notepad and some pens you're good to go. It can be carried around Indian Jones style.

Colors:

This bag only comes in black. I do wish it came in a few other colors. I'd pick brown if given a choice. I got brown wood for my keyboard cover. 

Cost:

$59.99 on Prime. 

You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TZPF9CC

Durable:

• It's waterproof
• It's scratch proof
• It feels durable

I'm so glad I got a laptop bag that I've been needing! Do you own a laptop?

Adjustable Tablet Stand, Phone Stand Review

Do you ever want to watch a video on your phone, Kindle or a tablet?

At times I show the boys YouTube videos on my phone. Other times the boys watch Minecraft videos on their Kindles. It's kind of annoying that my phone or their Kindles won't stand up on their own to watch a video. I wouldn't expect them to, but would like them to.

I recently just got an adjustable tablet or phone stand. There's actually 2 in a pack! One for me, and one for the boys to share. You can get them here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071XCW67R for $8.99.

They came in a tiny box. A few things that are great about these stands is that they don't take up a lot of room, they fold up, and they are super light weight!

In Use:

I used them for my phone and Isaak's Kindle. One problem: I had to take them out of their cases to use it. 

What I thought:

They were easy to use. There really isn't very much setting up to do. They are made of a thick plastic, but have metal screws. I tend to think plastic is cheap, and doesn't hold up well. Because they are so thick, I think they'll be fine. About the only thing that's annoying is taking the devices out of their cases. I could see my boys doing this, and dropping their device in the process.

I thought it was great that it came with 2 stands. I have to be honest that I didn't really read the description all that closely when I got them. It was a surprise (in a good way) when I got 2. It's nice that 1 is black and 1 is white.

It's great that you can use the same stands for different sized devices. The stands condense down, and expand as well.

I think the overall price of $8.99 is great.

Do you watch very many videos?

Disclaimer: We got this product in exchange for our opinion on them. The company in no way told me what to write, or influenced me in any way.

Random Tid Bits

This post is going to be about taking two steps forward, and two steps back. Does anyone have the Paula Abdul song stuck in your head now? Has the world actually gotten better as time moves forward?

I think about this every single time I watch Little House on the Prairie.

1. Health Care used to be more for the people. Now it's more about business. A long, long time ago you could get healthcare in return for eggs, chickens and more, doctors made house calls, and everyone was guaranteed care. Costs went up dramatically because of technology. CT scans, MRI's all cost money.
   
   Pharmaceutical companies and Health Insurance companies are much of the problem.
   
   
   
   
   I think good doctors have always cared about their patients well being. A long time ago I think people had other people's backs way more than they do now. On the flip side our life expectancy is longer than it used to be because we have the tools to prolong life. Back then if doctors had the tools they would have used them. Right now many aren't getting the care they should have. I don't have the answers. I wish I did. In your opinion is healthcare better now than it was then?


2. Let's talk about food. Our food is so good. We have more gluten, nut and dairy allergies than ever. Where are all these allergies coming from? Is it antibiotics, and growth hormones that are given to animals that in turn hurt us? Is it the pesticides that are sprayed on our crops that weaken our immune systems? I have to admit that it's handy to have pre-made snacks. There's something to be said about how REAL food shouldn't last as long as it does. Are we better off, or worse off when it comes to food today compared to the olden days? 






3. I remember the the 70s and 80s where many moms would stay home with their kids. If my mom was working; there was surely a mom down the street that was around to help watch me. Yes I'm all for women making just as much as men in the same job. The women's right movement did do one thing in a not so positive way. We've gotten to the point in our culture where both parents have to work. I think kids are way better off if one parent is home with them. It could be the dad or the mom. The trouble is, most families can afford it.
   
   In my opinion: We helped equality, and at the same time we smashed child development in the process. 


4. There's always this argument about racism: Is it better, or worse now than it was many moons ago? Keep in mind that racism isn't only about race anymore. It's really about anyone that isn't like you. While it's true that black people do not have to sit on the back of the bus and women do have the right to vote, we still have racism in the world. I think we always will. I don't think we're born with it. I think it's a learned trait. Oftentimes those that learn it from their parents, will carry it to their children.
   
   If you've never listened to Jane Elliot teach about racism look up her name on YouTube. Her talks are very eye opening.


5. Technology! I have to admit I'm guilty of being addicted. I blog, I check emails, I check social media outlets. For work I run the school's facebook page. I'm on there a lot. If I didn't have all the technology I couldn't keep up with past students, friends and family. At the same time I wouldn't have my mouth drop when it comes to those people as well. I have a different view of some people because of what they post. Maybe they do of me as well.
   
   I do have to say that I have had positive things happen through social media:
   
   Someone posted that a family wanted to get rid of special needs equipment. I told my sister. Now my sister has a new friend + used/new equipment for Emerson.
   
   I also got a ton of baby food jars for my Color and Design Theory class because someone was getting rid of them.
   
   Is social media a good thing, or not?

I'm in a Video

At the beginning of the school year I was asked to be in a video for Common Sense Media.

What is Common Sense Media?

"Common Sense is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives." - Taken from their website.

I was asked a series of questions, and came up with some answers. The video took place at our technological library - Do Space. Two other people were also in the video. The video was shortened down to just a few minutes long.

Screen Time - Digital Age Recap

This session called Screen Time - Digital Age at Do Space was put on by Common Sense Media.

Common Sense Media isn't about trying to ban kids from being online. It's about opening up lines of communication between parents and kids.

Technology is innate in kids. It's important to try and eliminate screen time as much as we can for kids under the age of two. I'm not saying to avoid it all together. Taking an iPad on an airplane may be a great tool to keep them occupied. On a day to day basis let their brains expand with cognitive play.

Kids should learn from you as a parent:

• What to avoid online
• When to come to you with questions
• What not to put online

Do Space was kind enough to watch my kids, while I was in this presentation.

With Common Sense Media You as a Parent Can:

• See what ages kids should watch movies on DVD and in the theater
• Educate - there's a video on their site in the theater section that talks about Batman V Superman
• Advocate - to help with K-12 being safe online

What is screen time?

I think we all know what screen time is, but how has it changed throughout the years. Parents used to be glued to the TV when we were younger, now kids are glued to smart phones, iPads, Kindles, games systems and more. 3/4 of the kids today have access to mobile devices at home. That number keeps growing.

You have to decide with your family at what age is getting a mobil device the right age. Talk about why they are getting a digital device.

Teens have what is called FOMO, which stands for Fear of Missing Out. They want to keep up with their social media accounts. What used to be long night conversations on the phone is now long night social media checking. Vamping is staying up all night checking social media.

As a family come up with a rule to possibly have a charging station somewhere other than bedrooms. Then online time is reduced, so you and your children can get proper sleep.

Discuss what you as a parent are doing on your phone, so kids understand. Often times I talk to my kids about how I'm reviewing this product, or that product. I'm rarely online to play games.

Download online agreements that the whole family can adhere to.

TodaysMeet:

We used TodaysMeet.com to put in how much we use our Smart Phone. I don't use my Smart Phone a lot, but I sure do use my laptop a ton! Not only do I blog, but I also teach technology related things.

TodaysMeet.com is free to join, and you can create online engagement in the classroom.

What I Learned:

There was some repeat from the week before about Cyber Bullying. I think it was great to give a recap. Not everyone was in on the lecture before.

I learned a lot of teen lingo. I've heard some of it in the classroom, but didn't know what it meant.

I love the online forms you can download!

It just reassured me about opening up those lines of communication that we already have.

My kids loved it because they got to go to Dunkin Donuts after to have a donut of their choice. It's connected to Do Space. Do Space is a great spot for families that want to learn about technology!

Have you introduced your kids to a technology device? 

My kids got Kindles this year for Christmas. So far all the do is watch Mine Craft videos and play the game. They have a DS as well that they really only play once every few months.

Disclaimer: This event was free. It was provided by Common Sense Media.

Cyber Bullying Recap

On Saturday I went to Do Space for a workshop on Cyber Bullying. 

It was put on by Common Sense Media.

Here's a recap as to what they talked about, or you can read my post. :)

Bullying is a repeated aggression directed to 1 or more person.

• Physical 
• Verbal
• Relational - Manipulating someone's social standing, or destroying their family

Boys in general are more physical, and girls tend to be more relational. Really either sex can do any of the above.

Cyber bulling is the same thing as bulling, but it's online. 1/3 of 10-18 year olds have had some kind of problem with cyber bulling. The biggest problem is that only 1 in 10 tell a teacher or a parent. They hide it. Many feel like if they tell they are going to make the situation worse.

1. Target - The person being bullied. Offer support to them. You may need to talk to the bullies parents, a teacher, or principle. As a parent talk to your kids even when they are younger about bullying. When or if bullying occurs discuss all steps you as a parent will take to stop the negative behavior. Otherwise it may cause added anxiety for your child.


2. Bully - Acknowledge the problem. Try to get at the core of their feelings. Oftentimes a bully has been bullied themselves, or were only given negative attention as a child.


3. Bystander - Is someone that is around when the bulling takes place. They could be in the friend circle of the target if it's online. Encourage them to keep open communication with you.


4. Upstander - Is a Bystander, but takes their roll and feeds positivity into the situation. They may do this by adding humor to de- escalate the situation, distracting the bully, or standing up for the Target. Encourage your kids to be Upstanders! Work with your kids to instill empathy. 

Signs of a Target getting Bullied:

• Anxious
• Secretive Behavior
• Unusually Defensive
• Change in Behavior
• Spends a lot of time online
• Loss of interest in achievement - such as grades dropping, unwilling to do things they'd normally want to do

What Kids Should be Taught:

• Don't share passwords
• Treat others with respect - Upstander
• Think before you reveal
• Document if they are bullied by taking screen shots, or printing things out

Resource: Common Sense media is free to use. You do not have to have a password to use it.

• Connecting Families
• Digital Glossary - Terms of the tweens and teens that you may not know

There is much more to browse and use on their website. 

Screen Time is the next topic that Common Sense Media is going to tackle. It's next Saturday from 1 -2:30 at Do Space. School aged kids can be brought with you. 

Free - Please register here.

Common Sense Media at Do Space Discusses Cyberbullying

I'm super excited about our new technological library in Omaha called Do Space!

My class is touring there next week to check out all they have to offer.

This Saturday Keegan Korf will be presenting on behalf of Common Sense Media at Do Space. 

The Topic:

Parenting in the Digital Age Series

• This week's topic is Cyberbulling

• Next Saturday's topic will be Screentime

Description:

In partnership with Omaha Public School' "Common Sense Media" program, Do Space will host four facilitated discussions about the challenges of parenting in a technology-rich world and strategies for addressing those challenges. 

Keegan Korf, Omaha Public Schools Regional Manager for Common Sense Media, will lead a discussion about cyberbullying:

• What it look like

• Why it happens

• What kids and parents can do to prevent cyberbullying

You're Invited:

Parents are invited to bring their school-age children for a concurrent session for kids using Omaha Public Schools' "Digital Passport" games to teach digital safety and citizenship. 

• Dates: Saturday, March 19, 2016 and Saturday March 26, 2016

• Time: 1-2:30 PM

• Location: Do Space in Omaha, Nebraska, Meeting Room 2 

Cost:

Free - Please register here.

I'm super excited for this. My boys got Kindles for Christmas. Let's just say that Mica thinks he can play on it whenever he wants. He actually gets angry when I tell him, "Not tonight." 

Disclaimer: I'm posting this on my behalf. I received nothing for this post.

Last Night We Went to Borders

I am completely saddened by Borders closing their doors. I'm sad not only because they are a great store, but also that technology is taking over, it worries me with the future of our kids and all their employee's that will lose their job's in this crappy economy.

I'm for technology. Here I have a blog, I have the latest, greatest laptop and I have a good camera. At the same time technology has hurt bookstores and killed Borders! It reminds me of the book Farenheit 451, where people burned books instead of buying them. Ok, so we're not there, but bookstores and probably publishing companies are hurting.

Illustrator's and photographer's have been hurting the last two decades do to Stock Houses. Why buy original artwork, when you can get cheaper, reproduced pieces online?

Then there's the music industry. I feel for them to! Why buy a CD if you can download the song you want for free or cheap?

The movie industry is hurting too. Hummm...shall I say Blockbuster.

Did you know that they are taking cursive writing out of most schools because they want to push typing?

Yep technology is our best friend and our worst enemy!

Last night I lined up to look through books that were marked down. Many were only 10% off, and others were 40% off.

I called up Aunt Terra to see if she wanted me to get her boy's anything? I got Elijah Usborne's Illustrated Stories for Boy's and a similar book for my own boys.

Mica spotted this comic book (images found here):

Their Christmas stuff was marked down pretty good, so we picked out a few Christmas classic stories. Daddy and I got a few books as well. I also got the original Karate Kid movie.

Other random bits: 

Mica pulled out his comic book to look at first thing when he woke up!

Isaak asked to look in the mirror last night and this morning just to make sure his eye looked normal. It does, but that was scary!

I'm pretty sure I've developed an allergy to latex like Aunt Terra and Grandma Spiehs. I have a burn that I got while making cookies. It is healing, but it also started peeling because my arm rubs against my shirt. When I carry things, it rubs the burn as well. I've put on Neosporin and a Band-Aid. Well I can't stand it because the Band-Aid itches my skin like CRAZY! Band-Aids have itched before, but nothing like now!