How to plan your Hour of Code

The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, using fun tutorials to show how anyone can learn the basics. This year, our campaign aims to showcase how computer science drives innovation across various fields, making it relatable and exciting for students. Whether you or your students are experienced coders or you all are setting out on your very first computer science expedition, this Hour of Code shows you how we're making the invisible, visible with Computer Science.

1

Register your event

Start with a commitment to doing an Hour of Code with your students by registering your event. When you register, you'll receive emails with news and tips for hosting a successful Hour of Code.

Before Hour of Code

Register your event
2

Choose your activities

Explore the coding activity library and choose one based on your group's age, experience, interests and more.

Select a coding activity
3

Plan your event

What: Before your event, try out the activities yourself so you can ensure they work on student devices and you're prepared to answer questions! Have low bandwidth? Plan to show videos at the front of the class, so each student isn't downloading their own videos.

When: People around the world often join the Hour of Code celebration during Computer Science Education Week (September 5 - December 17), but you can do an Hour of Code any day of the year!

Where: Choose a space that works for the number of students and devices you have available. Students can try activities on individual devices, take turns sharing a device, or as a class on a whiteboard. There are even unplugged activities that can be completed with no devices at all, so they can even be done outside!

4

Plan your hour

Here's a sample agenda to get you started:

  • 10:00-10:05am: Begin with an inspirational video
  • 10:05-10:50am: Students do their coding activity
  • 10:50-11:00am: Teacher gives closing remarks
5

Help spread the word

Help us spread the word in your community with these email templates.

  • Ask three colleagues to register and host an Hour of Code activity. They, in turn, can secure three colleagues, who can secure three colleagues, etc.
  • Ask your principal to host a school-wide event.
  • Reach out to your school's Parent Teacher Student Association or share in parent newsletters, letting them know what their children are learning.
6

Get coding!

Direct your students to the activity by sharing the link on the board or through your classroom's learning management system. Your students may encounter challenges—that's okay! Learning to program is like learning a new language; you won't be fluent right away. If you don't know the answer, you can figure it out together.

During Hour of Code

7

Celebrate!

After your event, print certificates of completion and congratulate your students. Share photos and videos of your Hour of Code event and show off your students' achievements using #HourOfCode and @codeorg.

Print certificates
8

Beyond Hour of Code

It doesn't end here!

After Hour of Code

Computer science doesn't have to end with the Hour of Code! While 90% of parents want their child to learn computer science, most schools still don't teach it. Check out the diverse curriculum offerings from Hour of Code partners, and learn how to bring CS to your school today!

Continue learning with Code.org

Additional resources

Hour of Code Resources

Find all the resources you need—print and digital—to bring attention to your Hour of Code.

Discover Activities

Explore a wide selection of one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages.

Register Your Event

Register your Hour of Code event today and join a global movement. Prizes available for eligible events!