Five Best Ways to Implement Coding into your Classroom

Teaching students to code is a hot topic these days due to the buzz around rapidly expanding digital businesses and the debates about how to improve our educational system. We envision a time when coding is just as essential to early education as reading, writing, and math.

You are probably considering how to integrate the fundamental ideas of coding in your classroom as a teacher. Depending on the grade(s) you deal with, coding languages could be a little beyond the comprehension of some students.

Still, understanding and using fundamental coding concepts like algorithms, decomposition, sequences, and more can greatly help any student!

Integrating Coding in Classrooms – 5 Ways to Know!

Thankfully, you don’t need to wait for “someday” to start teaching your students to code. Here are 5 suggestions to help you pique and nurture a student’s interest in programming.

1. Stress that Coding Equals Creativity

Coding requires creativity just as much as it does math, science, and problem-solving skills. Many individuals, including students & professionals, are put off coding by perceiving computer programmers as math nerds.

However, coding is the act of creating and giving life to things like robots, games, programs, and drawings. Since most students enjoy creating things, learning to code will come as effortlessly to them as drawing or using Legos to construct a structure.

By focusing on creativity, you may pique their interest and help them naturally pick up some fundamental programming skills. Keep it light-hearted, and don’t push it; not every student enjoys drawing or programming.

2. Focus on Project-Based Learning

You should look into this modern trend if you haven’t already! The premise behind project-based learning (PBL) is that rather than giving students boring lectures and worksheets, teachers should give them issues to solve.

Coding fits very well with this type of educational approach. The ideal way to enthuse your students about project-based learning is through Scratch Jr. (PBL). The Scratch Jr platform offers software aspirants many fun projects to perform.

With the help of this tool, young students as young as 5 or 6 can effectively create their uncomplicated games and stories.

3. Use Makerspaces

Several schools have developed hands-on learning environments for students as well as for teachers to interact with and practice essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) skills and coding. These areas can also assist in bridging the crucial gap left by students who do not have easy access to programs and technologies.

EdTech Magazine says, “For students who want to pursue computer science but lack access to the necessary tools to get started, ‘maker spaces’ are the ideal sites,” as they are constantly open to all students, unlike conventional lectures. Makerspaces offer the ability for practical instruction that can impart coding skills.

4. Harness the Interest of Each Child

Try the programming languages your students find interesting, and don’t write off coding completely if they don’t like one particular version. Coding may be used to develop various programs.

Some apps concentrate on everything, including animation, game design, storytelling, and art. Students can design and program robots using kits like Lego Mindstorms, Sparki, and littleBits.

Voracious readers can create websites to post reviews of books they have read. Sports fans can create websites to follow the statistics of their desired players or teams. Implement something useful for your students who find it enjoyable & teach them how to use coding as a fresh means of achieving their ideas.

5. Keep it Fun

Programmers enjoy problem-solving, and many professional coders base their employment decisions on the difficulties they will encounter. You can always encourage your students to be interested, tinker, and solve issues whether or not they become addicted to any of the applications mentioned above.

Do encourage them to explore new ideas and methods of operation or turn puzzle games into a fun activity. Even if they are not interested now, a student who appreciates creative problem-solving may become interested in coding.

Introduce Coding to your Classroom:

The possibilities for students to get introduced to coding are endless, not to mention how much fun it will be for them to have new tools at their disposal now. But it’s also crucial to remember that not everyone is a good fit for coding.

Rather than forcing them to it, introduce them to it and then let them take the wheel. Even if people don’t express interest right away, they might later! So, which one are you planning to try first?