Coding clubs are a great way to get kids interested in tech and teach them about its value. Here are some ways you can start an after-school coding club.
What is a coding club?
A coding club is often run by a network of volunteers or educators who can run free coding lessons for kids and teenagers to take part in. These lessons will often take place after school or during lunch times, or even during the summer holidays if there’s a larger project going on.
Why coding?
Coding is perfect for introducing children and young adults to the world of technology and how it works It gives them important skills that they can use not only in school, but also throughout life. It can be a great social project where kids can make friends, learn to work as a team, and gain a sense of accomplishment. Coding is used throughout many jobs and industries within the western world, so having some knowledge of coding will help participants later in life when they are ready to look for jobs.
How do you put a coding club together?
To set up a successful kid coding club, you’ll want to firstly have the permission of the school and parents to do so. Once you’ve gained permission and decided which day of the week this will work best on, you can begin to spread the word. Start by sharing posters on the school bulletin board, asking form tutors to share the email with their students, and sending out a newsletter to parents to let them know the benefits of the club.
After this, you’ll want to get all of the equipment and programs set up ready for the class, along with a suitable space to teach. You’ll want to invest in coding equipment and micro computers, such as the raspberry pi, from a reputable supplier.
Start simple with a presentation of what is possible with the Raspberry Pi, along with why coding is so valuable today. Finally, don’t forget to make it fun. The beauty of micro computers like the Raspberry Pi is that you can be as creative as you want to. Whether you’re a coding novice or expert, you can create wonderful pieces of technology and learn as you grow. Encourage students who take part in your class to express themselves and always be up for taking on the next challenge, as they will become the innovators of tomorrow.
