Target Audience

The workshop targets kids between 10 and 14 years old, with the following set of skills:

• Computer usage
  Launching and terminating programs.
  Moving and resizing windows including, for example, placing two windows side by side.
  Basic typing skills, using a word processor, for example, and the ability to copy and paste text.
  
• Maths and geometry
  Integer arithmetic, including negative numbers.
  Familiar with decimal numbers.
  Knowledge of the greater than and less than comparison operators, and the symbols < and >.
  Ideally, familiar with the cartesian coordinates.
  

Basic understanding of the English language, while not strictly required, will help significantly: even though kids are encouraged to use their native languages, Python and some of the used modules are English based. Thus, knowing a bit of English lowers some barriers, and makes the learning process easier.

Of course your mileage may vary. Different cultures and educational systems teach kids different things at different times. Maybe English native kids have it easier on one hand, while some others may have very advanced math and geometry skills at an earlier age. My experience is based on working with Portuguese kids which, I suppose, have the same general skills as other kids throughout Europe.

Workshop Delivery

In preparing for the workshop, I do recommend a serious amount of planning and thinking, especially for the first time. Other than, of course, going through the materials, here are a few things you may want to consider:

• The space
  How welcoming and friendly does it feel? Think desks with enough room for computers and paper sheets around them. Think nice chairs and natural light.
• Teaching assistants
  How many kids will be joining? They will all need assistance at some point. Can a single person handle all of them? More people might be helpful, including working through the preparation process.
• The computers
  Will you provide them or will kids bring their own? Think power distribution. Network not needed. Use the amazing Mu Editor: it’s all you need and is easy to setup on Windows, macOS, and the Raspberry Pi.
• Sharing your display
  There’s bound to be some code along moments. Will you be using a projector? A big screen TV?
• Printed materials
  I find them very useful, print them well ahead of time. Print the cheat sheets in color and laminate them: makes them beautiful and resistant to constant manipulation. Bind the experiments guide somehow.
• Duration, breaks, snacks.
  In my experience, these materials support 8-12h of workshop sessions. How long will each session be? Think about breaks, maybe every hour or so. Think about drinks and food: in a separate table or room!

Talking with the kids’ parents and/or educators ahead of time is precious: what are they looking for? Who is each of these kids? Do not disregard that. And there is certainly more. Give it some thought and please let me know what you would include in this list, will you?