This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
My children love to play online games and have always been curious about making their own animations and learning how to code. But how could I possibly teach my kids how to code when they won’t even make their bed when I ask?
I did a little research online and found this great company, Game-U, which offers online and after-school programs designed by Game Industry Professionals that specifically teach children how to design and build their very own video games! How fun!
Game-U Teaches Children How To Build Their Own Video Games And Robots
It’s not only introductory levels either which I LOVE because children can really get into detail with the following skills:
- Game Design
- 3D Modeling
- Programming
- Illustration
- Sound Design
- Animation
- Creative Writing
- Public Speaking
- Teamwork
Whether you have a 7-year-old or a 17-year-old, it doesn’t matter! There is something for everyone online at Game-U. Select from summer camps, after-school seminars, one on one live chats, workshops, or if you’d like to activate a homeschool circle, there are also resources for you.
Minecraft Nights Are Fun!
I have a family that is obsessed with Minecraft. In fact, we have nights where everyone gets on my son’s server and we build all night long and make sure my little never has any access to lava during our family time. If your child would like to connect with other builders, there are plenty of events to choose from.
Information: The Game-U Minecraft server is a secure, fun, and safe environment where students and non-students can connect socially, play Minecraft together, participate in fun events, and most importantly, have a GREAT time!
Cost: Game-U students get access for FREE!
Non-students: $10 for 1 Week OR subscribe for 29.99/Month ($10/month off!)
Purchasing Server Access will give you access to 9 hours of online Minecraft Nights (That’s just over $1/Hour!) OR subscribe for the monthly package and get an even better deal!
How To Sign Up For A Class
In order to sign up your children for a Game-U class, you first have to decide which pillar interests your kid the most! Have a chat and decide whether they want to dive into the Game Design track, coding track, arts track, or robotics track.
Then select your plan. There are two different ways you can pay for this online service.
Option 1: If you’d like to sign up for Live 1:1 lessons – where your child will be the only person getting specific focus on the lesson of their choice, you can choose weekly payments or 2x a week payments. There’s a free intro class either way! Take advantage and have some fun!
Option 2: A more affordable option (and one that my son has asked to explore) are group lessons. These classes allow multiple children to take the same class at once. Depending on your age determines the price point per class. Again, using this pay scale, you also receive an introductory free class.
Virtual Birthday Parties
Are you looking to have a virtual birthday party and don’t know where to start? Game-U has a variety of packages to consider.
- Among Us
- Fortnite Battle Royale
- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Rocket League
These are all our family’s FAVORITE games! What a lineup!
Robotics At Home
If you are looking for a more hands-on approach to learning, the Robotics class might be a great option for you. When you sign up for this activity, Game-U will ship you a kit for your child to use during class hours. Together with their teacher and other attendees, the group will collectively learn how to put together their build – all while being fully supported.
Prices will vary.
Let’s Talk About Private 1:1 Classes
If your child really wants to make the most out of their time with their Game-U instructor, you might want to consider a Live 1:1 class. With this type of instruction, you will get:
Game-U Live 1:1 classes are taught by industry pros. Classes are virtual, hands-on, and last 60 minutes.
- Flexible scheduling
- Work 1:1 with a U.S. based industry pro virtually
- Choose a track that meets your child’s interests
- Monthly subscription payments with sibling discounts
- For students ages 6 – 21
This means that you won’t have to worry about fitting into a schedule that’s already set. You can work to customize a time that works for you. Have other kids? Get everyone involved! Since I have three kids of my own, I appreciate the sibling discount!!
The Perfect Gift Idea For Budding Programmers
A lot of children love to game. There are some that just like to play and then there are others that want to understand what’s underneath the hood. My father was a programmer and whenever I would get an electronic toy, he would take it apart – usually breaking it. He HAD to see what made it tick. Before I was double digits, I was coding little sequences with him on our Apple computer in the early 80s.
My fondest memories of my childhood were when I was able to make three little pieces of toast dance across the screen. All by myself. He was so happy I did it because I wasn’t even 6 years old and because I just didn’t want to PLAY a game… I wanted to make one!
He sparked an interest in me which led me on a path towards an MIS degree. My first job was building websites for a top 5 consulting firm in NYC and my fingerprints are on major finance companies that most people know and use today.
It all started because a man I loved tore apart my Ms. Pac Man machine on Christmas and made me cry. Many years later, life took me a different way, but my point is… teach your kids to want to know how things work. It will make them look at the world differently. Stay curious. Give your children that gift as well.