Hour of Code: December 8-14

The week of December 8-14 is The Week of Code! 

Here's what you need to know for how to go about completing "An Hour of Code" in your class!

• PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT WHEN STUDENTS USE CODE.ORG THEY LOG IN USING THEIR DISTRICT GOOGLE LOG IN

1. Watch the following "How to" video.

2. TRY THE ACTIVITIES YOURSELF AND CHOOSE THE ONE THAT BEST FITS THE AGE AND ABILITY LEVEL OF YOUR STUDENTS

Please take at least One hour during this week to have your students complete one of the following activities on http://code.org/learn (more activities will be added as the event gets closer). 

All Hour of Code tutorials:

• Require minimal prep-time for teachers
• Are self-guided - allowing students to work at their own pace and skill-level

3. Inspire students - show them a video

Show students an inspirational video to kick off the Hour of Code. Examples:

• The original Code.org launch video, featuring Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and NBA star Chris Bosh (There are 1 minute, 5 minute, and 9 minute versions)
• The Hour of Code 2013 launch video or the Hour of Code 2014 video
• President Obama calling on all students to learn computer science

Most kids don’t know what computer science is. Here are some ideas:

• Explain it in a simple way that includes examples of applications that both boys and girls will care about (saving lives, helping people, connecting people, etc.).
• Try: "Think about things in your everyday life that use computer science: a cell phone, a microwave, a computer, a traffic light… all of these things needed a computer scientist to help build them.”
• Or: “Computer science is the art of blending human ideas and digital tools to increase our power. Computer scientists work in so many different areas: writing apps for phones, curing diseases, creating animated movies, working on social media, building robots that explore other planets and so much more."
• See tips for getting girls interested in computer science here.

4. Start your Hour of Code

• Direct students to the activity
• Write the tutorial link on a whiteboard (http://code.org/learn) 
• Tell students to visit the URL, and direct them to the activity you would like them to complete. 

FAQ?

What should I do when students come across difficulties?

• Tell students, “Ask 3 then me.” Ask 3 classmates, and if they don’t have the answer, then ask the teacher.
• Encourage students and offer positive reinforcement: “You’re doing great, so keep trying.”
• It’s okay to respond: “I don’t know. Let’s figure this out together.” If you can’t figure out a problem, use it as a good learning lesson for the class: “Technology doesn’t always work out the way we want. Together, we’re a community of learners.” And: “Learning to program is like learning a new language; you won’t be fluent right away.“

What to do if a student finishes early?

• Students can see all tutorials and try another Hour of Code activity at code.org/learn
• Or, ask students who finish early to help classmates who are having trouble with the activity.

How do I print certificates for my students?

• Each student gets a chance to get a certificate via email when they finish the Code.org tutorials (STUDENTS MUST BE SIGNED IN THROUGH THEIR @TUCKAHOESCHOOLS.ORG account go receive certificates [as the elementary students do not have access to their email, they will not be able to receive certificated in this manner]). You can click on the certificate to print it. 
• However, if you want to make new certificates for your students (OR YOUR STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR EMAIL), visit our Certificates page to print as many certificates as you like, in one fell swoop!

What comes after the Hour of Code?

• The Hour of Code is just the first step on a journey to learn more about how technology works and how to create software applications. To continue this journey, find additional resources for educators here. Or encourage your children to learn online.