Help with running a computing Clubs

[junz]

Hi,

 

I have been tasked with running a computer clubs for a group Yr 8`s and 9`s but have no idea what to do.

 

Any suggestions?

[elsiegee40]

It might be worth looking at Code Club

https://codeclub.org/en/

@codeclubkatharine moved from being a school NM and EduGeek regular to working for Code Club

@BKGarry has had to do clubs

Edited January 14, 2019 by elsiegee40

[BKGarry]

Hello @junz

That is right, I have had to run some clubs in the past, I stumbled across this a while ago https://www.kodugamelab.com/

 

This is a great resource to use Kodu for programming ideals, they have a bunch of lesson plans on there, which you can use to give them the basics and then you can give your students the challenges they do on there, like programming the Kodu (little in game character) to get it to teleport from on island to another. That way you can get some friendly competition in place.

 

They also have some resources for using the BBC MicroBit as a controller etc, but I haven't had a chance to try them yet.

 

The good thing about Kodu is that it is a visual based programming language, so that you can get all the fundamentals in place without the students having to learn the "language" used first.

[Syman_a]

Code club have a great support network. I run ours here (I have no teacher training at all)

 

You can start with "Hour of Code" then move on to scratch projects. I have access to Microbits as well, and hope to integrate these in the scratch coding later in the term. However as mentioned for the age group you may be working with KODU may be a better option.

 

I only have year 3 and 4 in my group and found KODU a little bit overwhelming for them, however years 5&6 preferred Kodu to Scratch.

Edited January 14, 2019 by Syman_a
re-read original post

[timmy666]

Hi Junz,

 

 

I work with @codeclubkatharine at Code Club, managing Code Club across the Midlands.

 

 

In addition to all the excellent tips and advice above, I will be delighted to help you with any queries regarding getting involved with Code Club.

 

 

Code Club offers the resources you need to start an after-school coding club for your year 8-9 kids.

 

 

- It’s free — there is no cost to participating, and all our resources are free to use.

- It’s fun — easy-to-follow, step-by-step projects guide young people to make games, animations, and websites with coding languages such as HTML/CSS and Python.

- It’s flexible — clubs can be run by a teacher, or with the help of volunteers, or older students.

 

 

 

Get started now at jumpto.cc/teachers — you can be set up ready to go in minutes!

 

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Finally, where are you based? I'll be delighted to put you in touch with my appropriate regional colleague to advise accordingly.

 

Keep us posted and I'll be delighted to support you further.

 

Many thanks,

Tim.