All students will be introduced to computer programming in library classes using various websites and programs. They will be using "block" coding which involves stacking blocks of commands to solve puzzles. They will learn how to "debug" problems with their coding and also how to work as a team.
The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. Check out the tutorials and activities below. (Hour of code website)
Code.org offers free courses in computer coding for students starting in Kindergarten to University. You can create an account to save your progress or just start coding without an account.
Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century. With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community. Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is provided free of charge. (From Scratch website)
ScratchJr, is designed for young children (ages 5-7) to program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
