Coding? How do we learn to code in the classroom?

Teaching Kindergarteners through 5th graders to code might seem like a daunting task, but with so many resources available it is actually pretty easy...and fun!

The main resources I like to share with teachers is code.org.  What an amazing progression of lessons for students to learn actual vocabulary for coders while "playing" games.  There are currently 3 levels of lessons for young students to use to build the coding skills.  The levels start with pre-readers and work all the way through for upper elementary students.

If you want to focus on only one hour, code.org also has shorter lessons to peak students' interest in the Learn portion of the website.  One of the popular items is coding with Anna and Elsa!

But, do not underestimate the power of the unplugged activities provided on the site!

Another resource we used during our Hour of Code week came from Made with Code.  

All of our students spent time using Beats during their music class.  And, several classes work on giving directions to Yetie, a monster who can dance!

These are all great web based options for coding.  Next up, apps for coding with the iPad!