I promised my kid they’d get a laptop when they learn to read well enough.

This turned out to be a good motivator and they can now read full books.

The kid likes competitions and challenges. I would like to come up with tasks they can learn to do with the laptop.

The reason I want my children to have access to a computer specifically, is that while TVs and phones are used to consume, computers are used to create.

I will be installing some Linux flavor on this machine, as it is a bit dated.

I was thinking about things like:

  • Write a short story
  • Install a graphics editing program
  • Draw a picture of a cat

To get them started.

Probably I need some easier ones first.

  • pelespirit@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    4 days ago
    • Krita is free and awesome for that age. Maybe install it together. If you have a tablet or touch screen, it’s really fun.
    • How familiar are you with (also free) Blender? You would have to install it and learn the basics. Just the 3d sculpting program might be a blast for him and have him edit a UV sphere. There are a few basic tips to get you going, but kids pick it up way easier than adults do.
      • The object mode is for the overall, individual objects
      • The edit mode is to work on, inside, the object you select
      • You absolutely have to have a scroll mouse
      • There is a description in the lower left corner that lets you edit the mesh you’re “adding” or putting in, then it goes away. This messes up a lot of people.
      • At the top are tabs that let you select a layout for Blender for each focus. There is one for sculpting.
      • The upper right has a lot of icons that let you move around the program (solid, see-thru, etc., and perspective. You would have to know this stuff.
      • This video is for you right now if you don’t know anything, and for him in a couple of years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOmYInaX-wE
    • Have him search Wikipedia on something he loves and to look for the sources.
    • Have him look for, speed up if necessary, and learn from youtube tutorials on topics that interest him.

    Side note: Affinity (photoshop alternative) just became free, but I think that’s too much. Good to know about though.

    • rudyharrelson@lemmy.radio
      4·
      4 days ago

      Have him search Wikipedia on something he loves and to look for the sources.

      I like this idea, but with the additional step of vetting the topic in question on Wikipedia before allowing the kid to read the page.

      e.g.: the kid says, “I love MrBeast!” and wants to research him. That Wiki article, while mostly innocuous, has a fairly lengthy “Controversies” section, including blue links to topics like “sexual harassment” and “homophobia”.

    • wizzor@sopuli.xyzOP
      2·
      4 days ago

      I never learned blender myself, although I can do some cad… Need to include some 3d modeling for sure though.

      I didn’t know about Affinity, need to check it.