Coding Classes for Kids
Sunday Coding Club
Fall 2023 Dates: Sunday 9/17, 9/24, 10/15, 10/22, 11/5, 12/3, 12/10
Location: 52A Ervin St, Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: $15 per child per session (attend as often as your schedule permits)
Times:
1:00 – 2:00pm 2nd – 3rd Grade Parent Child Session
2:00 – 3:00pm 4th – 6th Grade Session
3:00 – 4:00pm 7th – 12th Grade Session
2nd – 3rd Grade Parent & Child Session: Learn to code in the Scratch programming language! Each week we will build a new game or animation. Students customize their games and animations by picking their own theme and characters. Parents / guardians help their kids along the way. We provide each child with a laptop. Parents are welcome to bring their own laptop and code alongside their child(ren). Please register each child attending the session. As children gain skills and demonstrate a readiness to learn on their own, they will be invited to join the 4th – 6th grade coding club. ***Parents / guardians are asked to participate with their child in the 2nd – 3rd grade session.***
4th – 6th & 7th – 12th Grade Sessions: Coding is more fun in a group! Build up your coding skills by creating video games and animations. Share your creations with other kids in the club and learn from each other. Each week a new programming concept will be taught and kids will be challenged to create or modify a game or animation using what they learn. All levels are welcome. No experience necessary. 4h – 6th Grade Club focuses on the Scratch programming language. 7th – 12th Grade Club adds in JavaScript and Python. Offered in partnership with TechWorks Gaston.
Girls Who Code: Cramerton Middle
Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:00am
Cramerton Middle School Students
Free School Enrichment Activity
Boys and Girls Club Greater Gaston
Returning in 2024
Boys and Girls Club Participants
Free Program
Group Lessons (4+ Students)
Location: Flexible
Cost: $15 / student per hour (discounts for larger groups)
Audience: Great for Scout Troops (earn badges), Homeschool groups, Families interested in cost sharing arrangements, etc.
Details: Customized lessons based on the interests of the group. Choices include Scratch, JavaScript, Python, Sphero, or code.org. Videos of some example project results are below.
Private Lessons
Location: Flexible
Cost: $25 / 30 minutes
Details: Customized lessons based on the interests of the student. Choices include Scratch, JavaScript, Python, Sphero, or Lego EV3. Mock interviews and tutoring for AP Computer Science A available.
Classroom Hour of Code
Location: Gaston County Public School
Cost: Free
Details: An “Hour of Code” session to introduce students and their teachers to either code.org or Scratch. Sessions are conducted in the classroom during school hours. Generally multiple classrooms are involved. School must provide students with Chromebooks for the session.
Family Code Night
Location: Gaston County Public School, Public Library, or Non-Profit
Cost: Free
Details: An “Hour of Code” session to introduce students and their parents to either code.org or Scratch. At public schools, the session is conducted in a large room such as a cafeteria. School must provide students and their parent(s) with Chromebooks for the session. Non-profits must either provide devices or require attendees to bring their own device (laptop, chromebook, or tablet).
Example Topics
Chase Boredom Away By Learning Scratch
By the end of this class, students will have a functioning “Chase” game and will have learned about moving characters around on the screen, conditionals, and loops. No prior experience necessary. Scratch is a block based programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Code a Space Blaster Game
Learn to program a Space Blaster game using the Scratch programming language. During this class, students learn how to (1) use the paint function to draw a basic blaster and missile, (2) drop an object of choice from the top to bottom of the screen, (3) launch missiles from the blaster, (4) control what happens to the object when it is hit by a missile, and (4) keep score. No prior experience necessary.
Code a Brick Breaker™ Style Game
Learn to program a Brick Breaker™ style game using the Scratch programming language. During this 4 class series, students learn how to (1) move a paddle using arrow keys, (2) bounce a ball around the screen, (3) control the interaction between the ball and paddle. (4) build a wall of “bricks”, (5) control the interaction between the ball and the “bricks”, and (6) add additional features voted on by the class. Examples of additional features include adding levels of difficulty, keeping score, flashing up game over and you win, etc. This class is intended for students who have already learned the basics of Scratch.
Code a Crossy Road™ Style Game
Learn to program a Crossy Road™ style game using the Scratch programming language. During this 4 class series, students learn how to (1) move a chick using arrow keys, (2) build alternating rows of streaming trucks, (3) control the interaction between the chick and the trucks, (4) setup multiple “lives”, and (5) keep score. This class is intended for students who have already learned the basics of Scratch.
Code a Jeopardy™ Style Game
Learn to program a Jeopardy™ style game using the Scratch programming language. During this 4 class series, students learn how to (1) use paint to build blocks with monetary values, (2) build out a board of monetary valued blocks, (3) associate a list of questions and answer with the wall of blocks, (4) control what happens when each block is clicked, and (5) keep score. This class is intended for students who have already learned the basics of Scratch and are ready for more advanced concepts.
Create an App in AppLab with JavaScript
If you have programmed in Scratch and are ready to explore the power of JavaScript, this class is for you. In this class, students build a quiz game based on a favorite topic, book, movie, etc. that they know a lot about. To maximize learning, students prepare a few things in advance – JPG pictures related to their topic and 2 or more multiple choice questions. During class, these items are turned into a fun, interactive quiz game that will use a variable to present a final score. The app can be shared with family and friends.
Previous Events
June 24
2023
Robots, Rockets, and Rovers
Audience: All Ages!
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Schiele Museum, 1500 E Garrison Blvd.
Description: Visit the Coding Deciphered table at the Schiele Museum event for fun Scratch Jr, Scratch, and Sphero BOLT robot coding activities! Find out how to keep learning on your own at home!
June 5-8
2023
Summer Coding Camp - SOLD OUT
9:00am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8
Location: 52A Ervin St, Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: $120 / session
Questions: Email codingdeciphered@gmail.com
Rising 4th – Rising 6th Grade Session (9am – 12pm):
Learn to code by creating video games and animations using the Scratch programming language! All levels welcome. No experience required. Beginner activities include animation basics, a drop and catch game, a quest game, virtual pet, etc. Advanced activities include space blaster, brick breaker, a vehicle avoidance game, and more.
Rising 7th – Rising 9th Grade Session (1pm – 4pm):
Explore Scratch, Python, and JavaScript through the creation of a game in each language! All levels welcome. No experience required. Games will include Mad Libs™, Choose Your Own Adventure, a Clicker Game, a Quest Game, and more. Participants will be provided with instructions on how to continue learning their preferred programming language over the duration of the summer. Offered in partnership with TechWorks Gaston.
Sep – May
2021 – 2023
Boys and Girls Club Greater Gaston
Thursdays
4:15 – 5:15pm
Boys and Girls Club Participants
Free Program
Dec 3
2022
Robots, Rockets, and Rovers
Audience: All Ages!
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Time: 10:00AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Schiele Museum, 1500 E Garrison Blvd.
Description: Visit the Coding Deciphered table at the Schiele Museum event for some fun coding activities including Chase In Space, Animating Your Name in Space, Click In Space, and programming Sphero BOLT robots!
Sept 14
2022
Library Family Coding Event
Audience: 2nd – 5th Graders Together with a Parent/Guardian
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E Garrison Blvd.
Cost: Free
Description: 2nd – 5th graders are invited to pair up with a parent / guardian / high-school aged caregiver and participate in an “Hour of Code” introduction to coding. During this special event, parent-child pairs will create a video game using the Scratch programming language. Scratch is a block based programming language created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). No prior coding experience needed. Participants must either bring their own device such as a laptop, Chromebook, or tablet or register with a librarian to reserve a library device for the event (first come first served). Phones will *not* work. Personal devices must be able to connect to library WiFi.
June 6-9
2022
Summer Coding Camp - SOLD OUT
Date: Monday, June 6 – Thursday, June 9
Time: 9am – 12pm
Ages: Rising 4th – 6th
Location: 52A Ervin St, Belmont, NC 28012
Cost: $100 **No Refunds**
Description: Learn to code by creating video games and animations using the Scratch programming language! All levels welcome. No experience required. Activities for beginners will include learning animation basics, coding a maze game, coding a drop and catch game, etc. More advanced learners will have the choice of working on options such as space blaster, brick breaker, an adventure animation, or a creation of their own choosing. Offered in partnership with TechWorks Gaston.
***Please bring a snack to class for a short mid-session snack break. Water bottles will be provided.
Wednesdays
Feb – Apr
2022
Girls Who Code at Cramerton Middle School
Free School Enrichment Activity
Mondays
Mar – Apr
2022
Girls Who Code at New Hope Elementary
Free After School Enrichment Activity
Wednesdays
Oct – Dec
2021
Girls Who Code at Cramerton Middle School
Free School Enrichment Activity
23
Oct
2021
Moonlight On Main - Boo Fest
Saturday, October 23
2:00 – 7:00pm
Stowe Park
Description: Coding Deciphered will be at the TechWorks booth on Saturday, October 23. Participate in a robotics session and see what the Sunday Coding Club has been up to! For more information about Moonlight on Main, visit moonlightonmain.com.
30
Sep
2021
Coding at Gaston County Library
Thursday, September 30
4:30 – 6:00pm
6th Graders & Up
1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC
Cost: Free
Learn to code a Space Blaster game using the Scratch programming language. Move a blaster using keyboard keys, fire missiles, and animate explosions when missiles reach targets. Eight (8) library laptops are available on a first come first served basis OR teens can bring their own laptop, Chromebook, or tablet. Phones will *not* work. Any personal devices used must be able to connect to library wifi.
29
Aug
2021
Coding Club Open House
Drop in any time between 2pm – 4pm on Sunday, August 29 to learn more about our Fall Sunday Coding Club for 6th graders & up scheduled to begin mid-September. We look forward to meeting you and sharing you how fun coding can be! All levels welcome.
Date: Sunday, August 29
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Ages: 6th Graders & Up
Location: 52A Ervin St, Belmont, NC 28012
26-29
Jul
2021
Coding Camp - Cramerton Parks & Recreation
Chase boredom away – learn to code! Campers will create a “Chase” game or an animated story (their choice). Students will learn about moving characters around on the screen, conditionals, loops, variables, and more. No prior experience necessary. Campers will need to bring a fully charged device with a keyboard (laptop, Chromebook, etc.). Scratch programming software will need to be installed on the device prior to the first class (installation instructions will be emailed the Friday before camp starts).
Dates: July 26-29
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Ages: Rising 4th graders – Rising 6th graders
Location: 1 Julian Street, Cramerton, NC 28032 (map)
Cost: $30 for Cramerton residents / $40 for non-Cramerton residents
21
Jul
2021
Teen Coding @ Your Library
Date: Wednesday, July 21
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Ages: 6th – 12th Grades
Location: 1555 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28054
Cost: Free
18
May
2021
Scratch Week - Lists & My Blocks - Tue May 18
May 17 – 23 is Scratch Week! In honor of Scratch Week, I am teaching a virtual class on the basics of using Lists and My Blocks in Scratch. These concepts are more advanced topics. Students should have a basic understanding of Scratch. The concepts will be taught in the context of dialogue between two characters and then will be extended to a quiz game.
Date: Tuesday, May 18
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Audience: Students Familiar With Scratch
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
Tuesdays
Apr – May
2021
Girls Who Code at New Hope Elementary
Cost: Free
Tuesdays
Feb – May
2021
Girls Who Code at Cramerton Middle School
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
26
Jan
2021
Family Code Night - Pinewood Elementary
(1) Parents and children will learn about Scratch programming
(2) Parents can see if coding is an activity that interests their child
(3) Parents and children will discover how to continue self-directed learning at home
(4) With the pervasiveness of technology, coding is becoming an essential skill for kids to learn and there is a significant demand for these skills.
Time: 6:30 – 7:30am
Ages: 3rd – 5th Grade Students from Pinewood Elementary
Conducted via Zoom
28-30
Dec
2020
Enhance Your Crossy Road™ Style Game
Time: 10:00 – 11:00am
Audience: Students Who Attended Initial Crossy Road™ Class
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
21-23
Dec
2020
Code a Crossy Road™ Style Game
Time: 10:00 – 11:00am
Audience: Students Familiar With Scratch
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
21 & 28
Jul
2020
Code a Brick Breaker™ Style Game
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Audience: Students Familiar With Scratch
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
14
Jul
2020
Code a Basic Chase Game
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
9
Jun
2020
Family Code Night - Learn Scratch
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
29
May
2020
Program a Quiz App in JavaScript
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
22
May
2020
Create an A{maze}ing Maze Game
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
15
May
2020
Create an Animation Adventure
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
9
May
2020
Hour of Code
Time: 11:00 – 12:00pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
21
Apr
2020
Family Code Night - Pinewood Elementary
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
Mondays
Apr – May
2020
Girls Who Code at Cramerton Middle School
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
30-2
Mar-Apr
2020
Chase Away Boredom
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Conducted via Zoom
8
Feb
2020
Code a Brick Breaker™ Style Game
Time: 9:30 – 11:30am
Ages: 5th – 8th Graders
Location: 52A Ervin Street, Belmont, NC 28012
30
Jan
2020
Family Code Night - New Hope Elementary
Time: 6:00 – 7:15pm
Ages: 3rd – 5th Grade Students from New Hope Elementary
11
Jan
2020
K - 3 Coding: Scratch Jr
Ages: K – 3rd Graders
Location: 52A Ervin Street, Belmont, NC 28012
14
Dec
2019
Girl Scout Troop Badge Class
Location: 52A Ervin Street, Belmont, NC 28012
9
Nov
2019
Raspberry Pi, Circuits, and Scratch! Oh My!
Location: 52A Ervin Street, Belmont, NC 28012
19
Oct
2019
Gaston Outside Hour of Code Events
Location: 52A Ervin Street, Belmont, NC 28012
Thursdays
Oct – Nov
2019
Boys Coding Club at New Hope Elementary
Cost: Free
Thursdays
Sep – Oct
2019
Girls Who Code at New Hope Elementary
Cost: Free
Wednesdays
May
2019
Girls Who Code at New Hope Elementary
Cost: Free