How to Get Started with a Google CS First Coding Club | Toronto Teacher Mom

How to Get Started with a Google CS First Coding Club

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

How to Get Started with a Google CS First Coding Club

Earlier this year, I decided to start a coding club at my school to provide an opportunity for students to explore computer science. I had looked into Google CS First and decided it was the easiest way to start a club, seeing as it offered free curriculum, training, and materials, and required no experience whatsoever. It was perfect! I also loved that it uses block-based coding via Scratch and offered a variety of themes. I decided to go with the Music & Sound theme and opened it up to grade 8 students only for the first session. I had about 20 students sign up and their overall feedback was great. Some of their projects were really impressive, especially given the time constraint of 45 minute blocks during lunch hour. While I would recommend at least an hour block, I was just so happy to see an interest among students who had never before coded a program. Not to mention having some girls show up to coding club!

Getting Started - Google CS First Coding Club

As a TCDSB 21C innovator, I prepared a presentation to share my experience hosting a Google CS First Coding Club with my colleagues. Below you will find a copy of my slideshow in which I cover the following:

  • Pre-planning
  • Planning
  • Preparation
  • Technology Requirements and Other Materials
  • First Day
  • Typical Agenda
  • Before the Next Activity



If you have had any experience with this type of coding club, or any computer science club, I'd love to hear about. As always, feel free to comment on this post if you have any questions about CS First.

G Suite for Education Resources - Diana Mancuso

Click on the thumbnail above to access additional resources, tips and tutorials.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. Coding is definitely something that would be interesting to learn how to do. (Judy Cowan)

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  2. I don't think I need to learn about coding - 2 of my sons are in IT so they are the ones who solve any problems for me, I consider myself lucky in that respect. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great idea! I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in this club!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't know about coding but sounds like something fun for the kids to learn and do!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. this is the first I'm hearing of the coding club!

    ReplyDelete

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