How to Teach Kids to Code: Strategies for Every Stage of Learning

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Today, we’re exploring one of the most exciting and relevant topics in education—teaching kids to code. Featuring insights from leading computer science educators, this episode provides actionable strategies, tools, and ideas to make coding education engaging for all ages.

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Featured Guests

This episode showcases insights and expertise from these amazing educators and leaders put together with highlights from their interviews that combine to add meaning to the topic of coding. If you want an overview on this topic, watch the whole show. If you want to dig deeper into one of the full interviews excerpted in the show, visit one below.

Felinne Hermans: Discover the Hedy programming language, a free tool accessible in 50 languages. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/e847
Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers: Learn seven key strategies for introducing coding in early childhood. Visit www.coolcatteacher.com/e202
Aditya Batura: Explore simple steps for teaching coding, including unplugged activities. Check it out at www.coolcatteacher.com/e262
Doug Bergman: Gain insight into trends like AI, cybersecurity, and computational thinking. Full episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e433
Angela Cleveland: Learn how school counselors are helping more girls pursue careers in computer science. Visit www.coolcatteacher.com/e254
Omar Shepherd: Find out how California is advancing computer science teaching. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/e860
Alfred Thompson: Discover practical teaching tips for computer science educators. See the episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e182
Vicki Davis: Explore 12 creative ways to teach coding during the Hour of Code. Full episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e871

Episode Highlights

1. Coding Across the Curriculum

Explore how coding can integrate with art, science, and math, creating interdisciplinary learning experiences that engage students.

2. Unplugged Coding Activities

Not all coding lessons need screens! Activities like “Code with Hot Wheels” and outdoor chalk grids are great for teaching sequencing and logic to young learners.

3. Early Childhood Coding

Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers shares seven practical strategies for introducing coding concepts to preschoolers, helping to build problem-solving and logical thinking skills early on.

4. Promoting Diversity in Tech

Angela Cleveland highlights ways to close the gender gap in computer science, from building awareness to creating opportunities for girls and underrepresented groups.

5. Emerging Trends in Computer Science

Doug Bergman discusses how schools can prepare students for the future of coding, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and computational thinking.

Get Ready for the 2024 Hour of Code

Mark your calendars for December 9–15, 2024! The Hour of Code is the perfect opportunity to introduce students to the world of coding. With resources available at code.org, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced educator.

In 10 Quick Minutes You Can Learn about 12 Easy Ways for Students to Code

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Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis has been an educator and IT director in Georgia since 2002. Today, she also works as an instructional technology coach, staying side-by-side with active teachers and students so her work stays grounded in real classrooms.

She's a mom of three, wife of one, and loves talking about the wise, transformational use of technology for teaching and doing good in the world.

She has blogged at the Cool Cat Teacher Blog since 2005 and hosts the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast and Cool Cat Teacher Talk (radio, public access TV, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms), interviewing remarkable educators around the world. Vicki focuses on what unites us — a quest for truly remarkable, life-changing teaching and learning. The goal of her work is to provide actionable, encouraging, relevant ideas for teachers, grounded in truth and shared with love.

If you talk to Vicki for long, she'll encourage you to "Relate to Educate," to "innovate like a turtle," or to be "a remarkable teacher." She loves homemade sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls and runs half marathons with her sisters. You can usually find her laughing with her students or digging into a book.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and telling your friends about the work we do here! - Vicki

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