First Session Down, A Zillion to Go!

Jay Jennings — 2006-11-18T08:17:24+00:00

Okay, it took us a few more days to get going than I expected, but Tom and I did most of the Fish Demo Tutorial this evening. It was interesting how whenever it was time to type in code it was my turn at the keyboard, but whenever it was time to add another fish and hit the Play button, it was Tom's turn. Hmmm -- I'll have to watch for that next time.

It seemed kind of weird to just jump into the programming end of things without explaining variables, and parameters, and all those other cool things we use everyday, but I think if I keep talking through things ("minSpeed is like a drawer and we're going to put a 5 inside of it -- then whenever we need to know what the lowest speed should be, we can look in that drawer and see what's in it") that he'll grok it.

We talked about the idea of adding a second config datablock with different world limits so some fish swim along the bottom and some fish swim up higher, so he's getting the idea of reusable blocks and such.

We still have to add the waves, bubbles, and light to the demo and then move on to the next tutorial, but Tom's already thinking of ways we can add a diver with a speargun, and a shark that swims in and tries to eat the fish, etc.

Starting at our next session we're going to keep a "game log" so we can keep track of how much we're doing and the new things we're learning. I figure it'll help Tom retain more, and it could be used as "proof" for other homeschool parents that TGB can be a real asset to their curriculum. =;)

Jay

TGB + Homeschooling

Jay Jennings — 2006-11-12T04:53:37+00:00

My kids are homeschooled and my son Tom (age 12) is a game freak, which is typical. What's not typical is that we're doing a rather "eclectic" version of homeschooling, almost "unschooling" and so we don't have a formal curriculum.

Which means that writing a game with TGB can count towards actual schoolwork. Which is cool for me, because I really won't mind helping him with his homework. =:)

So the plan starting Monday is to map out a game, design the whole thing, build it, and then (assuming it's good enough) sell it. Think of all the school-type subjects that can be incorporated in such a fun task.

I'll try and post here at least once a week with our progress, and I'll even have Tom throw in a post every once in a while (that's spelling, English composition, typing, and who knows what else!).

Blog for Jay Jennings at GarageGames.com

First Session Down, A Zillion to Go!

TGB + Homeschooling