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.

As with other aspects of tech use in early childhood, deep discussions are underway about the appropriate role coding has in young children's classrooms-and in the library. Sometimes referred to as the "new literacy" in schools, teaching coding means teaching children the language used to operate tablets, computers, and other devices they interact with every day.

Codeable Crafts is an app for kids to create their imaginative stories by drawing and coding. Find a template of your favorite or capture your drawing with the camera, and use crayons and stickers to design your character. Your character will become a hero of your story.

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.

Apparently Code.org's successful 'Hour of Code' event in December was just a warm-up act. The Seattle-based nonprofit on Thursday is announcing the rollout of its computer-science education programs at 30 school districts around the country. Altogether they'll reach more than 2 million students - nearly 5 percent of all K-12 students in the country - starting this fall.