Research has shown that coding is beneficial for kids for many reasons including improved math skills, building confidence in creativity and communication skills, becoming innovative thinkers, and improving digital literacy. At Washington STEM Academy, coding is implemented throughout all grades, beginning in kindergarten with screenless coding. Second and third graders learn more through Scratch Jr’s icon blocks and LEGO Essentials and move on to word blocks and other coding applications through fourth, fifth and sixth grades.
Adelaide Halferty, a second grader at Washington, has already had a lot of experience with coding and explains that it is something that she loves. “Coding is where you put things together and then it does something special,” she says. “We coded a story with Scratch Jr. and it is like I am the boss because it [the program] will obey what I coded it to do!”
Though Computer Science is something that is required by the department of education, not all elementary schools get such in-depth training in coding, which is a skill requested by many employers and one that will benefit students for jobs that haven’t even been created yet. “As technology continues to grow and become an intricate part of our everyday lives both personally and professionally, it is important that students have a firm understanding of computer science-particularly coding,” says Derek Pike, Washington’s Instructional Coach. “The hard part of modern education is trying to prepare students for careers that don’t even exist yet and almost all are centered around computer science.”
Digital literacy is as important as other critical subjects like reading and math today. Though in the past, coding was a skill needed primarily for web and software designers. However, currently, more network administrators, graphic designers, bookkeepers, musicians, educators and scientists (including social scientists) are utilizing coding in their jobs. According to codewizardhq.com, coding is even becoming a necessity for some trades.
“Washington is continually working to provide education for students to help them grow into future leaders and lifelong learners,” explains Washington’s principal, Cheri Sleighter. “Though the future is unknown, coding is a skill that can be utilized in a variety of ways. I’m excited to see our students learning it now so that they can be equipped for their future endeavors.”
In order to provide even more opportunities in coding, Washington has started the first Girls Who Code club in Warsaw. Girls Who Code is a not for profit organization whose mission is to inspire more girls to become computer scientists and engineers. The club will be available to 3rd through 5th graders and will be facilitated by fourth grade teacher Hannah Baker, PTO co-president, Dr. Julia Porter, and paraprofessional, Amber Paul.
Community members, employers, and parents are all eager to see coding continue in Washington. Dr. Emily Watson of Warsaw Orthodontics has two children at Washington STEM Academy and is excited about the things her daughters have already learned as well as the new Girls Who Code Club. “I think it’s so important to provide opportunities for our girls to learn, know, and feel supported that they can enter whatever field they want to pursue,” Watson notes. “We can help break down the stereotypes of certain fields only being for men or women and empower and support our children to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead.”
Teachers like 5th grade teacher Sarah Tucker note that coding continues to be valuable in her own work within the classroom. “Coding is one of my favorite parts of STEM here at Washington,” Sarah notes. “It allows students to learn things through trial and error and see immediate success in their work. I believe that it helps students to learn how to persevere through challenges because they can see that sometimes when they write a code, it doesn’t work, but they can go back and make changes to try again.”
To see what other STEM activities Washington students are participating in, check out their Washington Facebook page.
