Lesson Plans & Project Examples

Welcome to a world of exciting possibilities for your classroom! Teaching kids coding is a remarkable journey that empowers your students with essential skills for the future. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to coding in the classroom including free curriculum, lesson plans, and examples.

Start Teaching Coding in the Classroom

While 90% of parents want their child to study computer science, only 53% of high schools offer computer science. Here’s a quick overview of how to get started.

1. Explore Engaging Platforms

Consider platforms like Create & Learn, Code.org, and Scratch. These offer a wealth of free resources, including live classes, step-by-step lesson plans, interactive projects, and assessments. Award-winning platform Create & Learn offers live online expert-led classes in 40+ computer science subjects (including AP classes) with a curriculum designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT. Pick from 9 fun Hour of Code class options for your students to learn, and get in touch for your free class! You book the classes and we will Zoom in to teach. Students can also join our free live online computer science events with experts from technology companies including Intel, Pixar, NASA, and more. Explore more information on lesson plans, curriculum, and coding in the classroom examples below.

2. Start with the Basics

Begin with foundational concepts such as algorithms, sequencing, and loops. Structure your lessons so that they progressively build on previous knowledge. Start with simple coding tasks and gradually introduce more complex challenges. Creating interactive puzzles and games can make learning these concepts engaging and fun. The logic needed for coding can be applied across many coding languages. Once a student knows the foundation, or learns one language, they will be able to excel at picking up another easier. 

3. Incorporate Creativity

Integrate coding with creative subjects your students already love like sports, art, music, and storytelling. This interdisciplinary approach not only sparks creativity but also helps students see real-world applications of coding.  If students have a choice in what they get to learn or create, it will keep them more interested and engaged.

4. Assess and Celebrate

Regularly assess your students’ progress through project sharing and presentations. Celebrate their achievements to boost motivation. Let them demo their projects to their family and peers. 

Join coding education communities, both online and in your local area. These networks can provide invaluable support, resources, and fresh ideas. And encourage your students to participate in coding contests and challenges, such as the Congressional App Challenge to connect to their communities as well.  Check your local library to see if they offer any computer science or STEM related activities.

6. Stay Updated

Coding is a rapidly evolving field. Keep yourself informed about the latest coding trends and technologies to inspire your students with cutting-edge knowledge. For example, explore the latest ChatGPT AI resources for educators. AI is one of the fastest growing industries and can help enhance student learning.

Remember, teaching coding is not just about instructing; it’s about inspiring the next generation of innovators. Your dedication to providing coding education will equip your students with skills that will serve them well in an increasingly digital world.

Coding Resources and Lesson Plans for Teachers

Coding in the classroom is more than a trend; it’s a transformative educational tool that equips students with vital skills for the future. You’ll be relieved to find out there are even free coding resources for teachers. These platforms offer classes, lesson plans, and comprehensive curricula suitable for all ages, from kindergarten to high school, ensuring that every child can start their coding journey when ready. Explore a complete list of free coding resources for teachers here.

If you need help preparing for classes, AIthena, an AI powered teacher curriculum tool specifically designed for Computer Science teacher can help you figure out how to present materials, what questions students might have, and even help integrate computer science with other subjects such as Math and English.

You can also book free virtual Hour of Code coding classes for your students (groups of 10+) – any time of the year! Create & Learn serves all schools and community organizations, and has even partnered with SMASH and Meta’s Engineer for the Week to teach students across the US. Just pick the activity you’re interested in for your class (from these fun options) and contact us. We’ll get in touch to get you all set up for your live Zoom sessions.

Coding Examples for Coding in the Classroom

Looking for ideas you can implement into your classroom quickly? Here are a few resources to explore.

1. Code.org’s Lesson Plans

Code.org offers a comprehensive collection of lesson plans suitable for different age groups. Engaging videos are also offered to help supplement your lessons.These plans cover various coding concepts and incorporate engaging activities, puzzles, and games. You’ll find coding examples for both block-based and text-based languages. Depending on the age of your students, block-based might be the best place to start. They also have an activity called “Hour of Code” where you can have your students navigate through a fun but short activity to learn some of the key concepts of coding. New activities are introduced each year for varying age levels.

2. Scratch Ideas by MIT Media Lab

Scratch, a widely used coding platform, provides a multitude of creative projects that can be explored and customized. From creating animations and interactive stories to designing games, Scratch offers a wealth of coding examples that promote creativity and problem-solving. Scratch is a block based coding language, which means students can focus on the logic and fun of coding rather than getting bogged down by harsh syntax rules. This is great for beginners and younger students.

On the website there are tutorials students can follow and kids can easily ‘remix’ other students’ projects. They also run a fun YouTube channel chock full of additional ideas and challenges.

3. Scratch Projects from Beginner to Advanced

Check out these 15 Beginner Friendly Scratch Projects with detailed step by step instructions. You can easily turn them into lesson plans or have students use them as self-guided tutorials.

Want to create something that is truly customized based on your own ideas? Our AI powered Scratch Projects tool let you develop project ideas, create outline, and event generate detailed instructions with ease!

And there are lots of independent creators that make even more games kids can try to build, such as Griffpatch. Here are some of the best Scratch games.

3. GitHub Repositories

GitHub is a vast resource where developers and educators share coding projects and examples. You can find repositories specifically created for educational purposes, containing a wide range of coding examples and resources. You can look for Open-source projects that you can have your class build on to learn more.

4. App Development with Thunkable

Teach coding by having your students develop their own mobile apps. Platforms like MIT App Inventor/Thunkable offer intuitive interfaces and coding examples for app creation. Here’s a Thunkable tutorial to try, and a mobile coding class.  Expressing this in a way for students to develop their own games like from the app store, will keep them engaged and interested.

5. Coding Communities

Join online coding communities, such as ScratchEd or the Scratch Educator Community, where educators share coding examples, lesson plans, and best practices.

Now you have a diverse set of resources to inspire and educate your students effectively. Remember, the key to successful coding education is to make it fun, engaging, and relevant to the real world.

Benefits of Coding in Education: Enhanced Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Future-Ready Skills

Coding in the classroom isn’t just about programming computers; it’s about nurturing essential skills. Teaching coding fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, preparing students for a tech-driven future. Furthermore, coding integrates seamlessly with other subjects, enhancing interdisciplinary learning and making complex concepts more accessible and fun for students. Six different studies show that students who study computer science perform better in other subjects! Coding is a universal skill relevant to every student, regardless of their future career path. Happy coding adventures in the classroom!

Bring coding classes to your school easily with classes taught live by Create & Learn experts. We serve all schools and community organizations. Just pick the award-winning coding activity you’re interested in (from these 10 fun options) and contact us to get your students set up.