Yesterday I gave another coding class. That time I took another approach.

Reducing distractions

Instead of putting all the tables together, I put them as far as possible from each other. So then, when one group discussed something, it didn’t produce distractions for others.

Planning first

Before the class began, I had put the paper and pencils on the table. I said that first draw me the project. Later they pitched the plans to me, and I gave them the laptops.

More freedom

I didn’t put limits on what we could do. Instead, I told them that they could do what they wanted. Of course, they must have been to draw it first. Someone decided to continue the project simulating a cleaning robot. Another group wanted to create their own Minecraft, and someone decided to make a concert scene with music. That was fine by me.

Lecture on demand

I was waiting until someone asked me for help. Then we were thinking together about how to solve a task. I gave hints when I felt that the kid already knew the solution. If the solution required new knowledge, we did it together.

Summary

The class went relaxed, and everyone was engaged in doing their projects. I feel that we’re going in the right direction.