Coding–that mystical geeky subject that confounds students and teachers alike. Confess, when you think of coding, you see:
…when you should see
It feels like:
When it should feel like:
December 4-10, Computer Science Education will host the Hour Of Code–a one-hour introduction to coding, programming, and why students should love it. It’s designed to demystify “code” and show that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator, and an innovator.
They provide a variety of self-guided tutorials that say “anybody can do this on a browser, tablet, or smartphone”. They even have unplugged tutorials for classrooms without computers. No experience needed.
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 Minecraft to help them with math).
Over the next week, I’ll share ideas that will energize your Hour of Code. They include (if the link doesn’t work, it’s because the article hasn’t posted yet):
- Hour of Code Website Suggestions by Grade Level
- Hour of Code App Suggestions
- Projects for Hour of Code by Grade
- Coding and US Security (Navajo Code Talkers)
More Hour of Code resources
K-8 Lesson bundle of coding projects
3D Tin website review
Hour of Code: Primo–Programming
Building a website (from a student)
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 15 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, CSG Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, CAEP reviewer, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a weekly contributor to TeachHUB. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
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