Star Wars and Critical Thinking Skills! Who Could Ask for Anything More?

Over the past two days the Green Learners have had a ball with learning the basics of computer programming coding.  The reason for this departure from normalcy is that this week (12/7-13) is Computer Science Education Week.  The Green Learners all explored coding courtesy of code.org and their #HourofCode program.  Coding teaches important skills and concepts such as critical thinking, logic, conditional statements, and problem solving as well as expanding a student's vocabulary.  I was shocked to see how many students didn't know what a tauntaun or a mynock is.

All kidding aside, the students worked through the Star Wars hour of code doing amazing things such as programming BB-8 to collect scrap metal while avoiding bandits or having R2-D2 deliver important messages to Rebel pilots.  They worked through 15 puzzles culminating in taking everything they had learned so far and creating their own games for which they made the rules.

I chose the Star Wars Hour of Code because of my love for Star Wars and the joy I received from hearing dozens of droid beeps and whistles echoing throughout my room, but there are many more Hours of Code to experience at home or even on a smart phone or tablet.  Keep your child coding at home by paying a visit to code.org.