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11 Amazing Tools and Games That Teach Kids to Code

Parents and educators across the country understand the importance of teaching kids how to code. Not only can it help them learn valuable skills that they can use into their technology-driver future, but it also helps them learn to approach problems differently. But determining the best method for teaching a child to code isn’t always obvious. In most cases, people agree that a traditional textbook approach is insufficient for subjects like coding. While the idiosyncrasies of the language can be introduced that way, it’s hard to assimilate the information until it is in used entirely. But sticking children in front …

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9 Tips for Teaching Coding in the Classroom

As coding becomes an increasingly coveted skill, schools all over the world are deciding to teach their students how to code. This is a excellent idea, as having coding skills could pay huge dividends later on in life. However, pre-service teachers do not usually learn how to teach coding in their college teacher education programs. Many teachers have difficulty learning and then teaching coding skills to their students. In response, we decided to write an article that gives teachers some practical suggestions on how to teach coding in a classroom. Do your research. There are literally thousands of organizations that …

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What Are the Benefits of Learning to Code as a Child?

Coding is becoming one of the biggest trends to hit education since virtual reality. Because of this, parents and schools all over the globe are interested in teaching children to code. While teaching children to code may not turn them into a billionaire like Mark Zuckerberg, it certainly comes with a lot of benefits. Many of the advantages that I speak of are unknown to general public. So instead of watching people jump on the coding bandwagon because we said so, we decided to write an article that discusses the benefits of learning how to code as a child. That …

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Why I transformed my sixth grade science class into a coding class, and how you can too

Originally posted on Chalkbeat by Ruth Mesfun Like many middle school science teachers, I’ve spent more time talking about rocks and minerals than I care to discuss. As a sixth-grade science teacher at Excellence Girls Charter School, an Uncommon school, earth science was an important part of my work. And throughout my career, I have found ways to make those lessons engaging: One day, students were handed a top-secret mission from NASA to create a planet similar to Earth, requiring them to learn about the interior of our planet, its atmosphere, and the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles. Another day, …

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An education for the 21st century means teaching coding in schools

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.** Leon Sterling, Swinburne University of Technology Bill Shorten’s recent announcement that, if elected, a Labor Government would “ensure that computer coding is taught in every primary and secondary school in Australia” has brought attention to an increasing world trend. Estonia introduced coding in primary schools in 2012 and the UK followed suit last year. US-led …

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