What can I explain to students about coding or why it’s important?

Explain it in a simple way that includes examples of applications that both boys and girls will care about (saving lives, helping people, connecting people, etc.).

Try: "Think about things in your everyday life that use computer science: a cell phone, a microwave, a computer, a traffic light… all of these things needed a computer scientist to help build them.”

Or: “Computer science is the art of blending human ideas and digital tools to increase our power. Computer scientists work in so many different areas: writing apps for phones, curing diseases, creating animated movies, working on social media, building robots that explore other planets and so much more."

See tips for getting girls interested in computer science here.

How do I get students excited about Hour of Code/coding?

Show students one of these videos, featuring Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Black Eyed Peas founder will.i.am and NBA star Chris Bosh talking about the importance of programming. (There are 1 minute, 5 minute, and 9 minute versions)

Or use one of these articles to spur discussion.

What if my students come across difficulties in coding?

Tell students, “Ask 3 then me.” Ask 3 classmates, and if they don’t have the answer, then ask the teacher.

Encourage students and offer positive reinforcement: “You’re doing great, so keep trying.”

It’s okay to respond: “I don’t know. Let’s figure this out together.” If you can’t figure out a problem, use it as a good learning lesson for the class: “Technology doesn’t always work out the way we want. Together, we’re a community of learners.” And: “Learning to program is like learning a new language; you won’t be fluent right away.“

Check the Hour of Code forum to ask questions and see FAQs.

What do I do if a student finishes early?

Students can see all tutorials and try another Hour of Code™ activity at http://code.org/learn.

Or, ask students who finish early to help classmates who are having trouble with the activity.