Grade 5 | Coding in Grade 5

By Ibu Sarah

This year, Junior School has initiated a new curriculum for Computer Technology. Students are not only learning to type and use Microsoft Office applications, but they are also learning a variety of other skills such as:

• Safety and well-being when using computer technology

• How the digital world online has impacted our lives

• Simple coding

Many students in Grade 5 have taken an interest in coding. Every two weeks, students have been given time in class to practice typing skills and learn coding. Both skills are independently paced to meet the needs of our students. Since this is the first year, we have offered coding to students, the Grade 5s have started together at Course C in a program called code.org which is offered through Microsoft. We are challenging the students to complete Course C by the end of October.

While some students are slow starters and not so interested in coding, we are finding that most are engaged and excited during the time given in class. Other students thoroughly enjoying coding and are asking if they can code during times that they are finished with their class work. Currently, there are four students that have finished Course C and two of them are almost finished with Course D!

Coding is not only fun but there are many educational benefits as well. Some of the many benefits are:

• Performing better in other subjects

• Exceling at problem-solving

• Increase in reading comprehension

• Better planning skills

Who knew learning could be so much fun! I encourage you to sit down with your child and see what they can do.

“Learn Computer Science. Change the World.” Code.org, 2019, code.org.