January 12, 2016 by wendy
When we started offering Coding for Kids this past September, we didn’t know what to expect. After all, as you know, students already have a significant academic load and often do not have time to pass all the tasks within the specified deadlines. Therefore, we doubted whether they would be interested in learning an entirely new subject and a whole bracelet. Fortunately for students today, there are many alternatives such as the ability to buy analytical essay via https://exclusivepapers.net/buy-a-literary-analysis-paper.php, it helps to complete all assignments on time and realize yourself in your hobbies, find time for additional classes, such as programming. Would teachers and students want to learn about coding in the classroom? It turns out that the answer is yes! And we’re so grateful for our support from educators, community organizations, students, and parents. We thank you!
Since September, we’ve visited 8 elementary school classrooms across Metro Vancouver, including:
That’s 238 students, 50 coding sessions, and up to 72 hours of coding!
We also partnered with Richmond Public Library and Surrey Schools Community Schools Partnership to provide free after school workshops. We held 3 weeks of the Hour of Code where students tried different coding puzzles, tutorials, and projects. For many, it was their first hands-on coding experience.
Students enjoy using code to express their creativity. They love designing personal projects and sharing their creations with others. They understand that coding allows them to communicate, and when their code doesn’t do what they want, they “keep trying and never give up”.
Students were engaged and excited with the program. Wendy and Sean gave them just enough information with each session to push their understanding and skills using Scratch. They continue to be excited and are ready to take what they’ve learned to create more.
Ms. Scott, Grade 4/5 Teacher
Teachers love that the program allows students to “express their creativity in a positive and engaging way” as well as “work at their own pace and to their potential”. In particular, students who struggle academically or are new to English are still able to participate, follow along, and create amazing projects.
The Coding for Kids Program was an incredible experience for my Grade 5’s and 6’s. There are several needy students in my class, both academically and emotionally, and this program allowed them to enjoy success at different levels. I have an ESL student that would barely function in the classroom, but when introduced to this program, was able to create an elaborate project which was enjoyed by the whole class
Mr. Lam, Grade 5/6 Teacher
For the remainder of the 2015 to 2016 school year, we’re excited to be returning to Homma and Cunningham Elementary, and to be visiting:
That’s 80 more sessions and over 100 more hours of coding!
In the community, we’ll be partnering with New Westminster Public Library and Burnaby Public Library in addition to our existing partnerships with Richmond Public Library and Surrey Schools Community Schools Partnership to provide free after school workshops. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest news!
On behalf of everyone at Marshmallow Coding, thank you for supporting our cause and helping us to give every child the opportunity to learn how to code!