If you missed Hour of Code Week 2013, like I did, visit LearnCode.org because you can still view and download the resources. Why is it important to be able to read and write code?

On the website you will find a Code Maze game which teaches students the basic concepts of computer science through a drag and drop programming interface. “This is a game-like, self-directed tutorial starring video lectures by Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies. Learn repeat-loops, conditionals, and basic algorithms” (reference). It is very similar to the free iPad app called Daisy the Dinosaur.

This app also has an easy drag and drop interface which allows students to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. Students are able to grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this app’s challenges. Another well known free app with very similar functionality is called Hopscotch.

 

Hopscotch requires students to program their  characters to move, draw, and collide with each other, and use shaking, tilting, or even shouting at the iPad to control them.

Now, back to LearnCode.org. On this website you will also find tutorials which teach JavaScript, making your own apps and building games. There is even an activity designed to teach coding without the use of any device! Below is a video introduction and you can actually download the entire lesson plan for free from LearnCode.org.