Python Coding for Kids: Puzzles & Creative Projects (Ongoing)

In this weekly ongoing, interactive class, students will learn and develop their coding skills through engaging puzzles and creative projects on Code.org. This class features fun, colorful characters who need code directions to perform game-like tasks, find their way through a maze, or draw a picture. Learners will drag and drop various command blocks (ex: move forward, turn left, turn right, repeat, collect, start, stop, set the background, set size, if/else, while/when, etc.) to guide the characters through each puzzle or to design a project.

During each class session, I will coach individual learners on the puzzle set or project they choose to work on, providing personalized guidance to build their understanding of core concepts such as sequencing, loops (repeats), sprites, events, conditionals, and functions.

Weekly Session Topics (First 4 Weeks):

⇢ Week of 1st: Topic: Introduction to Sequencing
 - Understanding the basics of sequential coding and creating simple animations using movement blocks.

⇢ Week of 8th: Topic: Unraveling the World of Loops 
- Introduction to loops for efficient coding and building projects with repeated actions.

⇢ Week of 15th: Topic: Sprites and Events Exploration 
- Exploring sprite-based coding and introducing events and interactive elements.

⇢ Week of 22nd: Topic: Mastering Conditionals in Code 
- Understanding if/else statements and crafting interactive stories with conditional coding.

Accommodating Late Enrollments:
As noted below, this class is designed to be highly individualized and self-paced. Since learners progress through Code.org puzzles and projects at their own comfortable speed, new students can seamlessly join at any point. I provide personalized coaching each week, ensuring every learner receives support tailored to their current progress and chosen activity, regardless of their start date.

NOTE: Everyone learns to code at their own unique pace and speed. Learners are encouraged to work on the Code.org puzzle sets and/or projects at a pace that feels comfortable to them. By nature of an ongoing class, all learners will likely be working on different and individualized coding activities in each class.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS?:

Students with previous coding experience who want to develop their skills and learn more creative ways to design with code.

Students with no coding experience (or very little) who want to learn the basics and continue practicing each week.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Able to use a computer mouse/trackpad fluently.

Able to read and follow written directions on the screen (audio directions also available).

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

A laptop or desktop computer is REQUIRED for coding in this class. (No tablets, please!)