http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Handbook-Encyclopedia-Computer-Language/dp/09327 60333/ for the basics of BASIC http://www.amazon.com/BASIC-Computer-Games-Microcomputer-David/dp/0894800523 / for games he can program in BASIC from there go to http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Adventure-Games-Your-Computer/dp/0345318838/ and http://www.amazon.com/More-Basic-Computer-Games-David/dp/0894801376/
One designed for elementary school kids that does not use BASIC is https://www.amazon.com/Coding-Kids-Dummies-Camille-McCue-ebook/dp/B00MFPZASK which works on a Mac or PC. There is nothing like making your first program work to make a youngster feel like a god! Cindy -----Original Message----- From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Ali Sent: Friday, May 27, 2016 12:29 PM To: 'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts' Subject: Need Rec: Book to teach about computers and BASIC at an eight year old level So somewhat OT - I've setup an 8 year old w/ an IBM PC XT w/ CGA. To say he is less than impressed is understating things :). However, I am determined that he will learn basic computer terminology, architecture, history (i.e. how we got here) and at least get his feet wet with programming by learning BASIC this summer. Apparently teaching is not my strong suite - while I can talk about a larger number of the above topics, especially at his level, organizing them in a way to make sense is the problem. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good book that gets the basic stuff out of the way (what is the CPU, memory, storage, etc. what are different the parts called, etc.) and maybe another one that teaches an intro to BASIC written for a very young reader? It would be nice if the book is in the PD or at least available as a PDF that way he can read it on his Kindle. However, I am not averse to buying a physical new (or used book) either. Thanks. -Ali
