Hour of Code is Coming!

December 4-10, 2017, Computer Science Education will host the Hour Of Code–a one-hour introduction to students on coding, programming, and why they should love it, designed to demystify “code” and show that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator, and an innovator. Throughout participating websites, you’ll find a variety of self-guided tutorials that say “anybody can do, on a browser, tablet, or smartphone”. You’ll even find unplugged tutorials for classrooms without computers. No experience needed.

Here’s a video to kick things off–you can’t watch this and not get motivated:

Coding is a great tie-in to Common Core Math Standards. Anytime I can show students how to complete math skills without doing math, it’s a plus (because it surprises them. They don’t expect a discussion on problem-solving or modeling to help them with math).

Over the next few weeks, I’ll share ideas that will get you ready for your Hour of Code. This includes (links won’t work until the articles are posted):

Here are a few of Code.org’s suggestions on teaching Hour of Code in your classroom. If you have a favorite tool, they likely will guide you in using it for this amazing week. Check out this list:


Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Author: Jacqui
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

7 thoughts on “Hour of Code is Coming!

  1. Great video and post. I watched the video with grand kids while waiting for the bus. It kept their attention and we got to talk about that is what their Aunt does:)

  2. Is there a reason that many of these links do not work? Will they start working when Hour of Code starts?

    1. Hi Gloria–yes, they will work once the article is published. I have that note but I can see it’s a bit difficult to find so I’ve highlighted in red. I’m sure you aren’t the only person wondering!

  3. Thanks for the info. This is the best intro to Coding and tech for even the youngest students. I’ve done hour of code with my 6th graders every year since it’s inception. How far it has come since Angry Birds. All the additions of new activities each year keep it fresh. We’ve signed up, on the map,
    and my students can’t wait.

    1. Great to hear. There’s just nothing wrong with Hour of Code. I hope you like these activities. Making macros, Alt tags, shortkeys, pixel art–fun critical thinking activities!

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