Computational thinking helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. And technology is transforming every industry on the planet. Students today should learn how to create technology, not just use it. By starting early, they’ll have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.
Trying an Hour of Code is a simple and fun way to introduce students to computer science, perhaps for the very first time, and it fits perfectly for both in-class and after-school settings. Take a look at our participation guide if you still have questions.
We provide a variety of fun, student-guided tutorials for all age groups and experience levels. It’s popular for students to try self-led tutorials, though many activities include lesson plans for teachers to guide discussion or extend the activity as well.
Explore the activities and decide ahead of time if you want to choose a single tutorial for all of your students, or let each child pick their own.
People around the world join in the Hour of Code celebration during CS Education Week (December 9-13) when the latest tutorials and activities are released. But you can do an Hour of Code any day of the year!
Now that you've planned your event, it's time to start promoting it!
Promote the Hour of Code to other teachers who may want to join in on the fun! This is also a great opportunity to reach out to your school’s PTSA or share in parent newsletters, letting them know their children may come home wanting to try more activities and tutorials!
When you sign-up your Hour of Code event, you’ll receive helpful email communications with news and tips for hosting a successful Hour of Code. It’s also how you can let local volunteers know your school is participating. Volunteers are a great resource and can come speak to your class about computer science or simply help your students with Hour of Code activities.
Lead up to the event by sharing inspirational videos highlighting diverse people and creative ways that computer science can be used. Or order inspirational posters for your classroom! Students are more excited to participate in a subject when they see people who look like them encouraging it.
Learn more about posters, videos, stickers and other ways to promote your event to your community.
Once your Hour of Code celebration has arrived, make sure you start your event strong with some of these tools and tips.
Invite a local volunteer to inspire your students by talking about the breadth of possibilities in computer science. There are thousands of volunteers around the world ready to help with your Hour of Code through either a classroom visit or video chat with your students!
Show an inspirational video:
It’s okay if both you and your students are brand new to computer science. Here are some ideas to introduce your Hour of Code activity:
Direct students to the activity
When your students come across difficulties it's okay to respond:
What if a student finishes early?
Computer science doesn’t have to end with the Hour of Code! Our curriculum is web-based and free to use, forever. Learn how to bring CS to your school and students.
