June 17, 2024

Google’s Terysa Ridgeway Creates YouTube Coding Lab Series For Kids

Terysa Ridgeway, a Tech Program Manager at Google and author of the “Terysa Solves It” book series has launched a new YouTube series aimed at introducing young children to the world of coding. 

Ridgeway actively engages in educational programs focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

She recently authored a children’s book, “Think Like A Computer,” and created a toy robot, Alilo the Explorer, designed to teach coding to children as young as three.

Ridgeway’s new YouTube series continues her commitment to making coding accessible and fun for the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

Terysa Solves It Coding Lab

The series, titled “Terysa Solves It Coding Lab,” is designed to make complex programming concepts accessible and enjoyable for children ages 3 to 8.

Ridgeway’s first episode, released on #InternationalDayOfPlay, focuses on loops, a fundamental programming technique that allows computers to perform repetitive tasks efficiently. 

To help young learners grasp this concept, Ridgeway compares loops to dance routines. 

“Just as dancers repeat steps in the Cupid Shuffle, computers use loops to repeat instructions,” Ridgeway explained on LinkedIn

This analogy makes the lesson relatable and engaging for children, showing them how coding concepts apply to activities they enjoy.

Empowering Parents and Educators

Ridgeway’s YouTube series isn’t just for kids; it’s also a valuable resource for parents and educators. 

Understanding loops and other coding basics is crucial for developing problem-solving skills and fostering creativity.  Ridgeway breaks these complex ideas into simple, enjoyable lessons that spark curiosity. 

“From the games we play to the apps we use daily, loops are a core part of how technology works,” she says. 

By learning about loops, kids think like programmers, developing innovative and efficient solutions to problems.

The “Terysa Solves It Coding Lab” promises to be a regular source of inspiration and education, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday and Thursday. 

Each episode features interactive examples and engaging activities, ensuring that young learners understand and enjoy coding.


Image credit: Terysa Solves It/Facebook

Sara Keenan

Tech Reporter at POCIT. Following her master's degree in journalism, Sara cultivated a deep passion for writing and driving positive change for Black and Brown individuals across all areas of life. This passion expanded to include the experiences of Black and Brown people in tech thanks to her internship experience as an editorial assistant at a tech startup.