As a parent it’s always important to me to let Charlie know when I don’t know something which can turn into a #teachingmoment and that is what happened on September 13th when we celebrated a #Holiday that fell on National Programmers Day #ProgrammersDay.
I would like to invite you to celebrate National Programmers Day with Homeschool Coding Fun! Before you ask me what #coding is I honestly can’t say so it would also be another teaching moment for my family. First let’s do this Lesson Plan on programming before we move on to coding.
September 13th gives us the excuse to dive into the world of programming with homeschoolers. Whether you’re raising future software engineers or just want to spark curiosity, I’ve put togethe lesson ideas and resources to mark #ProgrammersDay:
Lesson Ideas for All Ages
1. Code Your Name in Binary (Grades 3+)
- Teach kids how computers use binary code.
- Let them convert their names into binary and create a fun poster or bracelet.
2. Build a Simple Game (Grades 5+)
- Use platforms like Scratch or Python to create a basic game.
- Great for logic, creativity, and debugging practice.
3. Explore Algorithms with Everyday Tasks
- Have students write step-by-step instructions for brushing teeth or making a sandwich.
- Then “run” the algorithm and see what happens if steps are missing!
4. Programming History Timeline
- Research key milestones in computer science.
- Create a timeline or scrapbook featuring Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, and modern innovators.
🧑💻 Top Homeschool Coding Resources
| Resource | Highlights | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Homeschool Code Academy | Self-paced video lessons, hands-on challenges, no prior experience needed | Middle to High School |
| Create & Learn | Free live classes, structured curriculum, real-world applications | Elementary to High School |
Bonus Activities
- #Programmers Day Poster Contest: Let kids design posters celebrating programmers and their impact.
- Coding Scavenger Hunt: Hide clues that require logic or simple code to solve.
- Interview a Programmer: Reach out to a local developer or family friend and let kids ask questions about their job.
If you want help tailoring a lesson plan to your child’s age or interests? I’d love to help you build one! Just leave me a comment below with what you need and I will get to work on it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
