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International Hour of Code Week
by STEAM Education Coordinator Paula Sharpe
It's International Hour of Code Week, and children all over the world, including WMS, are trying their hand at practicing coding.
At Wilmington Montessori School, we start coding in our Toddler Maker (STEAM) Studio, but what is the importance of teaching children to code? Teaching young children to code provides a foundation for various skills, including counting, following instructions, and understanding cause and effect. As they progress into the elementary years, coding enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and collaborative abilities. Fostering these 21st-century skills is essential for their future success. The excitement during Hour of Code reflects and research confirms the positive impact coding has on cognitive and executive functions in children.
When I walk into the classroom, I get to hear children say, "Is that Bee-Bot? Are we going to code today? Can I try Scratch? Where is Osmo? May I try Python?" And my answer is always enthusiastically, "Yès, it’s time to code."
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