Today kicks off Computer Science Education Week! Held every December in honor of the computer science pioneer Admiral Grace Hopper, this global grassroots movement is designed to raise awareness and encourage computer science education.
Every Computer Science Education Week, Code.org organizes the Hour of Code™ to get kids around the world coding for at least 1 hour during the week, a mission close to our hearts at Launch. To make the most of the week and take advantage of the Hour of Code™ movement, we’ve collected compiled you need to know in one place!
1. Use free resources to spend an hour learning to code with your child
The Hour of Code™ is a great way for a child to dip their toes into coding. Browse Code.org’s free coding activities here to choose one to work through with your child.
Want to get more involved with your child education? Some schools need volunteers to help with activities! Check the map of schools who have registered to participate with at least an hour of coding to see if your child’s school is represented.
2. Host your own Hour
Lots of resources are available for educators, but if you didn’t see your child’s school listed, consider volunteering to help organize an hour of coding programs for kids at the school, or at your local church or community organization. Here is a guide on how to get started as a parent. It’s as easy as coding in HTML! (After your hour of coding of course.)
3. Launch offers free hour-long classes for first-time coders
In the Austin area? Come by Launch this week to take advantage of our free coding sessions! Our teachers are geared up for the Hour of Code with Chromebooks, unique coding programs and intimate instruction for each student. Being built on the “flipped” classroom model that HOC is designed for, Launch allows students to progress at their own pace, with experienced teachers available to help at every step.