To teach a programming language, I would recommend using a touchscreen device, because mouse is too complicated for little kids. Start with something that teaches the basics of interaction, for example Tux Paint (at 2-3 years). Later introduce Scratch (at 4-5 years).
In parallel, introduce math and reading. Math starts with memorizing “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” kinda like a poem, and later explaining what it means. When the child can count items reliably, ask “if I take 2 apples, and then 2 more apples, how many apples will I have?” (at 4-5 years). Reading… uhm, I suppose in English, that complicates things a bit, you probably want to use phonics.
When you got the prerequisites, show your daughter how to use Khan Academy...
...and that’s as far as we got, so my advice ends here. Importantly, keep it fun, no pressure. On the other hand, as long as the daughter is interested and has fun, don’t worry about whether you are “ruining her childhood” with too much knowledge. Actually, try to answer her questions truthfully using the language she understands, even when things are difficult to explain. (It is okay to say “I don’t know”, or only explain a part and say “and then it is more complicated”.) This is how you teach the implicit lesson that curiosity is okay, and things are not mysterious.
It is difficult to predict which skills will be useful in 20 years. Maybe it’s better to teach things that you understand best; and later find tutors or online resources for the rest. My guess is that maths, computer usage (not necessarily as a software developer, but as a better-than-average user), and rational thinking in general will be useful. Also social skills, but I don’t feel qualified to give advice on this.
For more ambitious parenting, you may like this: 1, 2.
Also, I hope you won’t hate me for saying this, but cooking is a useful skill (for both genders).
To teach a programming language, I would recommend using a touchscreen device, because mouse is too complicated for little kids. Start with something that teaches the basics of interaction, for example Tux Paint (at 2-3 years). Later introduce Scratch (at 4-5 years).
In parallel, introduce math and reading. Math starts with memorizing “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” kinda like a poem, and later explaining what it means. When the child can count items reliably, ask “if I take 2 apples, and then 2 more apples, how many apples will I have?” (at 4-5 years). Reading… uhm, I suppose in English, that complicates things a bit, you probably want to use phonics.
When you got the prerequisites, show your daughter how to use Khan Academy...
...and that’s as far as we got, so my advice ends here. Importantly, keep it fun, no pressure. On the other hand, as long as the daughter is interested and has fun, don’t worry about whether you are “ruining her childhood” with too much knowledge. Actually, try to answer her questions truthfully using the language she understands, even when things are difficult to explain. (It is okay to say “I don’t know”, or only explain a part and say “and then it is more complicated”.) This is how you teach the implicit lesson that curiosity is okay, and things are not mysterious.
It is difficult to predict which skills will be useful in 20 years. Maybe it’s better to teach things that you understand best; and later find tutors or online resources for the rest. My guess is that maths, computer usage (not necessarily as a software developer, but as a better-than-average user), and rational thinking in general will be useful. Also social skills, but I don’t feel qualified to give advice on this.
For more ambitious parenting, you may like this: 1, 2.
Also, I hope you won’t hate me for saying this, but cooking is a useful skill (for both genders).