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Usborne Quicklinks
Quicklinks for internet-linked books
Click on the links to visit the recommended websites.
Websites to visit
Fun with Scratch
Watch a video with examples of what you can do with Scratch.
Download Scratch
This enables you to use Scratch without an internet connection. (Choose your operating system the click on the link for the app.)
Set up a Scratch account
Click on "Join Scratch" in the top menu and follow the instructions. An account allows you to save your projects and comment on other people's. Children please check with an adult before joining. (Please note, you can use Scratch both on and offline without joining.)
Parents' guidelines
Find out how children benefit from learning to code with Scratch.
Websites to visit
Code a flappy game
Watch the video for helpful hints then try the first puzzle. (Click on “Flappy Intro” at the bottom left to watch the video again.)
Emojify yourself!
Design an emoji and learn some coding basics as you go. (Follow the instructions step by step.)
Tomb-exploring robot
Build a robot and code it to move through an ancient tomb. (Click on "Get Started", then choose "Tunnel Explorer".)
Another coding game
Give Lightbot the correct instructions to light up all the blue squares. (The Flash version may not work on all browsers. Please ask a grown-up before clicking on the links for the iOS or Android apps.)
Can people talk to computers?
Cartoon friends learn about computer programming, or coding.
What is an algorithm?
Psst - an algorithm is a set of instructions for a particular task. (See page 8 of your book. Scroll down to watch a video. This clip may not be available where you are due to BBC copyright restrictions.)
Websites to visit
Starting from Scratch
View or print out a pdf with step-by step instructions to build the simple Scratch program on page 10 of your book.
Make the Scratch cat dance
Watch the video tutorial to get started. (For more games and activities, click on "Tutorials" in the top menu.)
Starter projects
Once you feel confident with Scratch, try creating animations, games and interactive art.
Websites to visit
Code Club UK
Find a Code Club near you, for ages 9-13. (Scroll down and enter your postcode.)
Scratch and Python courses
Try sample projects online.
Code Club International
You don't need to be a member to download projects.
Projects in 28 languages
For lots of Code Club projects, click on the "Go to the projects" button.
CoderDojo Club
CoderDojo is another worldwide group of volunteer-led, community based programming clubs for children, aged 7 to 17, where they can learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore technology in an informal setting.
Websites to visit
Parts of a computer
Try a simple game about the different parts of a computer.
History of computers
Watch a video about how computers have changed. (This clip may not be available where you are due to BBC copyright restrictions.)
Main uses of the internet
Explore a clickable picture about things to do on the internet.
Staying safe online
Simple tips about using the internet safely.
Personal information
How to take care of your personal information and passwords.
Searching the internet
Read the cartoon descriptions to find clips with helpful tips on how to search the internet effectively.
Children, make sure you follow these three simple rules when using the internet:
For more tips, see Internet safety for children.
Adults - we recommend that children are supervised while on the internet. The content of a website may change at any time and Usborne Publishing is not responsible for content on sites other than its own.
For more on internet safety, see Internet advice for adults.
Websites with interactive content may not work on your tablet or smartphone, but you can view them on a computer. Find out more…
Coding books for kids
Lift-the-flap computers and coding
“Brings a really difficult topic to a level children can master.”
LoveReading4Kids
“A really first-class introduction for a wide age group.”
Books for Keeps
Rosie Dickins grew up in England and Hong Kong. An avid reader, she always loved making up her own stories. After studying literature at Oxford University, art in Paris and plenty of travelling, she settled in London, where she now works for Usborne Publishing. She has written over a hundred children's books, including award-winning non-fiction.
A fun introduction to what can be seen as quite a technical subject.
LoveReading4Kids
I really liked the lift the flap game on the giving instructions page, which is where Pixel the Pirate has to be helped to find the treasure by following the instructions. Computer languages, such as Scratch, are very well introduced, and at a level that would be suitable for any junior school child (aged 7-11). There are links to Usborne's online activities too - very useful.
Reader review, Toppsta
With its equal mix of quirky facts and puzzles to try, Lift-the-flap Computers and Coding provides a whole new technique for learning how computer coding runs... The use of flaps and colourful cartoon-style illustrations helps bring a really difficult topic to a level children can master and many adults will find it useful too.
LoveReading4Kids
A good, useful guide and helpful for young coders.
Evening Standard Christmas Gift Guide
A colourful and straightforward introduction to computers and how they work...There is a light touch throughout, with plenty of humour and quirky facts, games and puzzles. A really first-class introduction for a wide age group.
Books for Keeps
The lively and highly visual presentation makes sense of what can be a tricky and complex topic - many adults will find it of interest too. It's an ideal way to foster children's interest in computers and to help their understanding so that they can get the most from their computing lessons at school.
Parents in Touch
A child-friendly intro to how computers are built, what they do and how they work.
Nursery World
Introduce your child to a vital subject the fun, (old school) interactive way with this colourful lift-the-flap guide to computers and the basics of coding.
The School Run
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