Merlin Programmer for Kids is a simple program to help kids, ages 5 - 8 (ages prior to their moving on to more advanced languages such as Scratch), learn about the concept of sequential programming by allowing them to make Merlin or any of the other Microsoft Agent characters perform actions, move, speak, listen for and make sounds in a predetermined manner. They will learn about do loops, conditional program continuation based on time, key strokes, spoken words, and more! I wrote it in 2003 for my twins, Tommy and Betsy, ages 7 then (now 16!), and although they enjoyed it most for making the characters speak naughty words and make silly sounds, they learned more. I am sure your kids will have fun with it!

It is a totally FREE program.

This help file is intended for you, the parents. You must explain how this program works to your child, in a manner appropriate for his/her age. Obviously, the ability to understand and work with some features in this program will depend on your child’s age. Soon enough he/she will amaze you! In order to help you, several example scripts are included. Please read the sections on Menu and Programming. They are very short, but informative.

Merlin Programmer for Kids home: SciSoft Company

My home page: Yale University Ear Lab