Coding Lessons

[SymphonyofShadows]

I recently started to teach DS2 coding as his school haven't even touched on it and he is in yr 5. He is quite techie though and only really needed pointing in the right direction and given the odd bit of help when he goes wrong. I didn't want him to get to secondary and be left behind. We have started with Scratch but will also cover Python and then plan to move on to Raspberry Pi.

I work in IT, mainly through agencies, and my speciality is dying out so I wondered about the possibility of teaching coding in the same way that children have private music lessons etc. There does seem to be a gap in the market in my area as the schools aren't really prepared.

I already have the CRB checks as I do some other unrelated work for a local school sometimes. There are lots of study guides on the net and guidance for teachers so I could draft teaching schedules and study materials quite easily. Has anyone heard of people teaching this sort of thing? I'm not a teacher but I have done a fair bit of IT training in my time. Any opinions would be most welcome. Thanks.

[eddielizzard]

i think it's a great idea. i've not heard of anyone offering this yet, and i think you'll get interest.

[MangoBiscuit]

Both DH and I work in IT, but I'm part-time self-employed, so we're planning on teaching both DDs ourselves, starting with DD1 this summer. While I think all kids should learn coding, or at least a firm base of computer science, my concern for you would be that those parents who would be interested in their kids learning, would probably be able to start them off themselves. Although I reckon DD1 would take it more seriously if someone else was teaching her!

I like the idea as a whole though. Perhaps you could also offer one-off group activities too. Like some of the things I've seen on the dreaded Pinterest, teaching binary using beads, or coding games with lego for primary ages. Then offer these courses to schools, or cub scout / brownie groups etc.

[DancingDinosaur]

I'd be up for it. Great idea.

[SymphonyofShadows]

Thanks for the replies. I was going to start off by perhaps offering a friend's DD a free session and see if she learns something and enjoys it. Then I'll take it from there. I was determined that DS wouldn't be left behind, he has health issues that are a barrier to learning but IT is definitely one of his strengths. I get the impression that the other parents aren't really aware of the need for coding/programming and that it's on the NC, so I wonder if they would be motivated to teach their own children. All I can do is make them aware and offer the service I suppose. It's cheap to set up andI have the tech so I really don't have much to lose.

[thereinmadnesslies]

there's an organisation in Cambridge called HackLab hacklab that offer this, have a look at their website for ideas.

[SymphonyofShadows]

I will, thanks!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

My eldest has been taught coding at school since yr5. He is pretty good but has a lot of assistance from my DH who works in IT. I thought it was part of the national curriculum?

I'm sure that are 'code clubs' being run through out the country here

[Paperkins]

There are a few coding clubs about using volunteers who work in IT to support a qualified teacher. But, depends on your geographical area I think as to how easy they are to find.

DS has also been to a couple that have been sponsored by Barclays which he really enjoyed.

What I would really love is an after school club and/or holiday club for that sort of thing. Around here we are lacking in holiday options and those that do exist are really focused on football/mixed sports. Not saying that's a bad thing, but so many kids these days are interested in tech, that it seems sensible to have that sort of thing offered too, but the nearest one to us is an hour away.

However, not much use to you if you're looking for family friendly as after school and school holidays are not much use to you! Just thought would throw it in as as a parent, that's what I'd be most interested in paying for.

[fargone]

Hi - I run tech camps and clubs like the ones you are looking for! The camps are on our website - //www.firetechcamp.com. Where are you located? We are always looking for teachers if you are looking for a group to join. Feel free to get in touch on info at firetechcamp dot com. Paperkins where are you? We have lots of locations around the Uk and are working hard to get the word out! :)

[Titsywoo]

My DC attend one in the holidays called the Pixel Gang. They love it and it is very popular. They have been on a waiting list for the weekly group for nearly a year. It was especially good for DS who has ASD and loves coding but school are still struggling to teach it (the club teacher says anyone who can code well enough is earning lots doing that not teaching kids!).

The one we go to uses scratch. I wish there were clubs that moved on from that but I suppose since DS is trying to teach himself java etc now we might be an unusual case!

[Titsywoo]

That all looks really interesting fargone! Unfortunately my son is only 9 and the stuff he would be interested in you are aiming at teens :( I suppose that will be the same with anything like this which is a shame.

[fargone]

Feel free to get in touch if you want more info - we have lots of courses for 9-12 year olds and we don't use Scratch - all of our courses are in small groups and meant to be challenging and able to accommodate all abilities. We do gets kids with ASD and they do great, as long as we know so we can help them be comfortable. Sorry not trying to do a sales pitch but happy to talk to anyone who wants more info. The office number is 020 71934002 if you want to talk to me personally, I'm the founder and you should ask for Jill (not fargone).

[Sumeladream]

In terms of what year a child is in before they start coding, programming is largely about problem solving, so the argument runs that children can start quite young - age 7 and above - because it can help them with their cognitive and intellectual development. At the London School of Mathematics and Programming we teach coding to children aged 7 and over and find CS Unplugged to be a useful resource. It's a collection of free learning activities that teach computer science through engaging games and puzzles. For example, their worksheets on binary numbers and sorting networks activity are hugely popular with our pupils. As long as children are having fun while learning, they engage with the subject and it's easier to teach them algorithms, Scratch, Python and more.

[northbynorthwesty]

Why don't you become a STEM ambassador ? Google it .

[Zipitydooda]

Or start a code club? I started one at my local school with www.codeclub.org.uk
I also teach Python on Pis and it has led to paid work in the school.

I was thinking of running a club at weekends or holidays; local parents have requested it.