Hendrick Hudson Elementary Students Embrace the Hour of Code
Throughout Hendrick Hudson’s elementary schools this week, students participated in the Hour of Code, which occurs each year during Computer Science Education Week. Students across the country and throughout the world participate in a one-hour coding activity that seeks to demystify coding and teach the basics through a variety of activities.
For example, at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School, Danielle Cohen’s third grade class embarked on an activity where the students had to provide instructions to a digital robot in order to secure a present. Those whose robots hit a snag were interrupted by the Grinch.
“I introduced the Hour of Code and talked to them about what it was and tied it to the importance of being able to follow directions,” Mrs. Cohen said. “I told them, ‘You are giving directions to the robot and it will do exactly what you say. But they are only going to do what you direct them to do.”
Making connections between traditional lessons while using digital technology is an important part of the Hendrick Hudson curriculum. For Hour of Code Week, the district’s K-12 Instructional Technology Facilitator Nicki Fischetti created a curated list of activities as options.
“They were age-appropriate and content-aligned to support the work done in STEAM classes and within the students’ regular coursework,” Fishchetti said.
The elementary STEAM classes were an important part of Hour of Code Week. Students enjoyed activities like coding with Ozobots and creating animated Public Service Announcements.
“During their future careers, coding is definitely a skill they will need,” Mrs. Cohen said. “This way, they are able to learn that skill in a fun and engaging way.”
Throughout the week, Ms. Fischetti pushed into several classrooms to support teachers with the coding activity they chose. Of course, Hendrick Hudson students are no stranger to incorporating technology into their schoolwork to facilitate their learning.
“It’s not foreign to them,” Mrs. Cohen said. “In my classroom, I try to get them on their computers and incorporate technology in some way. They are only going to use it more and more going forward. They are learning how to improve at problem-solving with their computers.”