CodeMonkey: Advanced
Intro to text-based coding for
Grades 3-5
About This Course
Starts July 23rd Wed/Thurs 3-5pm for 4 weeks
This exciting course combines the award-winning CodeMonkey platform with guided instruction, group projects, logic worksheets, and screen-free programming activities that will help your child advance their coding, problem-solving, and critical-thinking.
Advance your child's coding skills with CodeMonkey's blend of computer science, math and game creation features! The course provides an entry into text-based coding, fostering problem-solving skills through creative play. We’ll start with a slow introduction to text-based coding by doing in-class demos, group work, and focused instruction on one programming concept at a time.
We’ll use Dodo Does Math which offers highly engaging challenges and provides students a memorable way to practice math as they code in an intuitive JavaScript-like language. The rest of the class we’ll be playing with Coding Adventure which provides a game-based environment where students learn to code as they help a monkey catch bananas.
We provide a supportive environment where kids will be encouraged to ask questions and process emotions such as frustration, surprise, and confusion in a healthy way. Paired with CodeMonkey’s fun and educational game-based environment, kids will become master problem-solvers through creative play. View all details about the courses here.
What You'll Learn
Analyze and evaluate multiple functional code solutions for a given CodeMonkey challenge, justifying which solution is more efficient based on criteria such as the number of steps or clarity.
Design and decompose complex CodeMonkey challenges or real-world problems into a logical sequence of smaller, manageable steps that can be translated into code.
Optimize CodeMonkey solutions by applying the concepts of loops, functions, and variables to reduce redundancy and minimize the total number of commands required to achieve a desired outcome.
Define and explain the fundamental programming concepts of loops, variables, Boolean logic, and functions, illustrating their purpose and application within the CodeMonkey environment and Dodo Does Math.
Articulate and justify the step-by-step logic of their coded solutions for both CodeMonkey challenges and Dodo Does Math problems through clear verbal or written explanations to peers and instructors.
Create original game designs or modifications within the CodeMonkey "Challenge Builder" environment, effectively applying learned coding concepts and demonstrating an understanding of event-driven programming.
Hands-On Projects
We reinforce programming concepts with screen-free, hands-on experiences like games, worksheets, and collaborative projects. This enhances the learning experience by providing multiple means by which students learn programming concepts - increasing their ability to retain, apply, and demonstrate mastery.
Examples of Logic Worksheets We’ll Use:
"Debugging Detective": These exercises have block-based code snippets that have errors. Students need to identify and correct the mistakes to achieve the desired outcome. This reinforces the importance of precise sequencing and logical thinking.
"Algorithm Architects": Students will work in groups to write down the step-by-step instructions (an algorithm) for a simple task (e.g., drawing a shape, making a paper airplane) using simple language or symbols.
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Games:
"Variable Vessels": We’ll use containers (cups, bowls) and small objects (blocks, beads) to introduce the idea of variables holding information.
"Function Fun": Using index cards with a set of instructions on each (a simple "function," like "jump twice," "spin around"), students will pick a sequence of cards to demonstrate functions.
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Teacher Demos and Class Presentations:
Explaining Conditionals: Use real-life examples of "if-then" statements (e.g., "If it's raining, we will stay inside").
Student Showcase: Encourage students to explain their CodeMonkey solutions to the class, focusing on their problem-solving process and the coding concepts they used.
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Our 6-Week Course Plan
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![code-monkey]()
Week 1 - Foundations and Efficiency
Week 1 focuses on building upon existing block-based coding knowledge by emphasizing the importance of writing efficient code. Students will learn to analyze different solutions and strive for those that are concise and clear while continuing their adventure in the first part of CodeMonkey's challenges and engaging in a hands-on activity to understand algorithms.
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![For loop and functions in CodeMonkey CoffeeScript]()
Week 2 - Organizing Code with Functions and Variables
Week 2 delves into organizing code effectively through the introduction and application of functions and variables. Students will learn how these fundamental programming concepts help in creating more structured and reusable code within the CodeMonkey environment, complemented by hands-on games to solidify these abstract ideas.
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![Dodo Does Math]()
Week 3 - Decisions and Introduction to Math in Code
Week 3 introduces the crucial concepts of Boolean logic and conditional statements, enabling students to create code that can make decisions. They will apply this knowledge in the later stages of CodeMonkey's adventure. Additionally, this week marks the exciting introduction of Dodo Does Math, demonstrating the practical application of coding in solving mathematical problems.
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![Beaver Achiever]()
Week 4 - Creative Application and Sharing
Week 4 centers around creative application and sharing. Students will get to unleash their creativity by designing their own coding challenges using the CodeMonkey Challenge Builder. The session culminates in a student showcase where they present their creations and discuss their learning journey, possibly with a glimpse into multiplication tables through Dodo Does Math, depending on the class's progress.
