The Confident Coders program supports developing computer scientists and inspires confidence in creativity, decision-making, and critical thinking! It is designed to be used alongside any number of different coding platforms for elementary kids, and is ideal for a recess or after-school program for students in grades 3-5. Download the student workbook and facilitator's guide below!
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How do I start a confident coders club?
The Confident Coders program works well as a recess or after-school club. An 8-week session, with one hour per session, is ideal. Connect with your school leaders to determine what works best for your situation.
How is the program structured?
The Confident Coders lessons are meant to be used at the beginning of each session and are approximately 15-20 minutes in length. The next 30 minutes should be used for hands-on coding practice, using a variety of programs (see next question). Leave 10-15 minutes at the end of each session for a conclusion activity.
What coding platform should we use in conjunction with the Confident Coders program?
There are a number of free coding programs that can be used alongside Confident Coders. Find one that fits your needs and supports the devices you have available. Check out the “Coding Platforms” page in the facilitator's guide for more information.
Who is Coco?
Coco is the official mascot of the Confident Coders program! As students begin each lesson, they will notice that Coco has a new accessory. This accessory symbolizes the lesson for the day. For example, Coco gets a pair of glasses for the “Have a Vision” lesson, and she is wearing flip flops for the “Flip Your Flops” lesson. Feel free to hang posters of Coco up each week so students can see what she is wearing next!
Do I need to know how to code in order to use this program?
Absolutely not! You can learn right along with the kids. Your role is to be a confidence mentor, inspiring young kids to be brave, fail forward, and grow in confidence!
Can boys participate in the Confident Coders program?
Absolutely! Anyone regardless of gender can be a confident coder! The goal of the program is to inspire more girls to explore coding, but that doesn’t mean that boys can’t participate. Do what you think is best and adapt the content for your group!
For statistics on the gender gap in technology, check out this infographic by the National Center for Women in Technology: https://www.ncwit.org/infographic/3435
The Confident Coders program works well as a recess or after-school club. An 8-week session, with one hour per session, is ideal. Connect with your school leaders to determine what works best for your situation.
How is the program structured?
The Confident Coders lessons are meant to be used at the beginning of each session and are approximately 15-20 minutes in length. The next 30 minutes should be used for hands-on coding practice, using a variety of programs (see next question). Leave 10-15 minutes at the end of each session for a conclusion activity.
What coding platform should we use in conjunction with the Confident Coders program?
There are a number of free coding programs that can be used alongside Confident Coders. Find one that fits your needs and supports the devices you have available. Check out the “Coding Platforms” page in the facilitator's guide for more information.
Who is Coco?
Coco is the official mascot of the Confident Coders program! As students begin each lesson, they will notice that Coco has a new accessory. This accessory symbolizes the lesson for the day. For example, Coco gets a pair of glasses for the “Have a Vision” lesson, and she is wearing flip flops for the “Flip Your Flops” lesson. Feel free to hang posters of Coco up each week so students can see what she is wearing next!
Do I need to know how to code in order to use this program?
Absolutely not! You can learn right along with the kids. Your role is to be a confidence mentor, inspiring young kids to be brave, fail forward, and grow in confidence!
Can boys participate in the Confident Coders program?
Absolutely! Anyone regardless of gender can be a confident coder! The goal of the program is to inspire more girls to explore coding, but that doesn’t mean that boys can’t participate. Do what you think is best and adapt the content for your group!
For statistics on the gender gap in technology, check out this infographic by the National Center for Women in Technology: https://www.ncwit.org/infographic/3435