Coding and Educational Games

The sites below are free, but do have options to buy. BE SURE TO ASK PARENT PERMISSION BEFORE YOU USE THE SITES AND ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANT TO BUY ANYTHING.

Coding is a relatively new development that began about 5-6 years ago in response to the lack of computer science classes in schools. Many future-ready jobs require computer savvy techie skills that kids were not getting in school. Business leaders, educators and many more saw the need for teaching kids these valuable skills in a relatively easy way.

Sites like code.org developed an easy to use platform through the use of "block coding." The codes act like blocks or game pieces that fit together. One half of the screen is a work space where students can choose from an assortment of block codes to pull into their work area in order to make a character carry out a set of functions. If the code doesn't do what the creator set out to do, one must go back and try either a different series of codes or pull in new codes to carry out that function. The other half of the screen is where the character is acting in response to the code the creator wrote for it. While this type of coding isn't technical with numbers and letters, it is a step in the right direction for more and future complex coding.

New coding is being developed constantly and in different ways. The sites below are just block coding that students can try out for themselves, however there are other types of coding that students can try: such as robot coding (Botley or Ozbot) or powerboards that attach to computers and have wires that can attach to everyday objects like clay or fruit that can make noise called "makeymakeys." This type of coding necessitates the use of those above mentioned materials in order to try out. While "block coding," websites do not.

7:45-3:45 for students

7:45-4:30 for staff

This is my 17th year teaching. I have a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Early Childhood from Texas State University. I also have a Masters degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University. I hold certificates in ESL, Early Childhood, General Education and Library Science.

Email: abirmingham1@saisd.net
Location: San Antonio, TX, USA