Code Wizard Academy: Journey Into the Digital Realm

In this camp, students will learn the fundamental principles of coding, including concepts such as algorithms, sequencing, debugging, loops, conditionals, events, functions, and more. They will explore the building blocks of coding through engaging projects and activities designed to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

Rest assured that your child will be guided by an experienced and dedicated instructor in our 3-5 Coding Fundamentals Camp. Our teacher brings extensive expertise and a passion for teaching elementary coding to create a nurturing and enriching learning environment. Here are the teacher's qualifications and experience:

Our instructor is a certified K-12 Business Technology Teacher with a specialization in elementary coding fundamentals. With seven years of experience specifically focused on teaching coding to young learners, they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage and educate students in this domain. Their expertise in delivering coding instruction to elementary-aged students ensures that the camp curriculum is tailored to meet the needs and learning styles of this age group.

As your child progresses through the coding fundamentals class, they will have engaging and interactive homework assignments to reinforce their learning. Initially, they will complete hands-on lesson assignments in Code.org, which will provide them with a solid understanding of coding concepts.

To further practice their skills, learners will have the opportunity to independently create animation projects using Scratch.edu.mit, a user-friendly platform that allows them to bring their ideas to life through coding. This will encourage their creativity and enhance their problem-solving abilities.

For the final project, your child will have the freedom to choose between two options. They can either complete an "Hour of Code" project in Code.org, which offers a variety of exciting coding challenges, or they can take their skills to the next level by creating their own game or animation using Scratch. This final project will allow them to showcase their coding proficiency and demonstrate their understanding of the concepts they have learned throughout the course.

At our 3-5 Coding Fundamentals Camp, we believe in providing effective and timely feedback to help students track their progress and enhance their coding skills. Assessments play a crucial role in understanding learners' comprehension and identifying areas for improvement. Here's how assessment works with the platforms we utilize:

Code.org: Code.org offers immediate feedback to learners through a color-coded system. A dark green circle indicates success, meaning the code runs correctly and accomplishes the desired outcome. If a light green or white circle appears, it indicates that the learner's code may contain errors or bugs that need to be reviewed and revised for optimal functionality. This instant feedback allows students to assess their work in real-time, make necessary adjustments, and reinforce their understanding of coding concepts.

Scratch: In Scratch, the assessment process is slightly different. Learners evaluate their code based on whether it produces the intended results. If the code performs as expected, indicating a successful outcome, it demonstrates that the learner has achieved their coding goals. However, if the code does not produce the desired outcome, it signifies the presence of bugs or errors that need to be addressed. Learners are encouraged to review and debug their code to resolve any issues, promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Throughout the camp, instructors will actively monitor students' progress, providing individualized feedback and guidance. Learners will have opportunities to discuss their projects, ask questions, and receive support in identifying and resolving any coding challenges they encounter. By promoting a feedback-rich environment, we aim to foster continuous improvement, boost confidence, and encourage a growth mindset among our young coders.

Our assessment approach emphasizes the importance of reflection, iteration, and self-correction, allowing students to take ownership of their learning and develop resilience in the face of coding challenges. By equipping them with the skills to identify and troubleshoot issues independently, we empower learners to become proficient coders who can tackle complex coding projects with confidence

2 hours 30 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 1 - 2 hours per week outside of class.