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Just re-introduced my kids (8 and 10) to Scratch:

http://scratch.mit.edu/

Drag and drop visual programming. Its good for kids because it allows them to quickly create things that they're used to seeing/using (graphics, animations, sounds), but still uses real programming concepts.

At 5 you're going to have to sit with her and help guide her on concepts, but she'll pick it up quick.

Edit: Err, 5th grade, I see, not 5yo... sorry.




My son loved Scratch. The other thing that is great about Scratch is the built-in mechanisms for sharing your creations with friends. Tapping in to that popularity contest mentality can either be a motivation or a distraction depending on the kid, but it's there as an option not a core part of the tool.




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