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"But the earlier we introduce children to coding, the more comfortable they will be when presented with more in-depth learning opportunities in middle and high school. Also, early exposure to coding helps teach children how important it is to understand computers as the valuable tools they are rather than merely fun playthings."

Resources and rationale

"Code.org has developed a free elementary school curriculum that allows even the youngest students to explore the limitless world of computing. The courses blend online, self-guided and self-paced tutorials with "unplugged"activities that require no computer at all. Each course consists of about 20 lessons that may be implemented as one unit or over the course of a semester. Even kindergarten-aged pre-readers can participate."

"CodeHS courses teach students applicable computer science skills. With a focus on helping students develop problem solving and computational thinking skills, students come away both with a knowledge of professional programming languages and the conceptual understanding needed to learn new languages."

Poland's education system has always been strong on hard science and computing, but looming skills deficits are calling for an even more radical approach. While a Samsung-sponsored initiative has been aiming to bring skills in coding projects to even the youngest pupils since 2013, next year the country is planning to test a new primary- and secondary-school curriculum that focuses on software development.

Coding isn't just for computer science any more. Educators are finding that teaching students to write code and design games enhances learning and creates engagement. These examples illustrate how coding and games are being used across the curriculum and at all levels, as well as why great teaching is at the very heart of this innovation.

20 hour courses for Elementary students