Monday – Introduction to Coding and Design
9:00 – 9:30: Welcome and Introduction to the Camp
9:30 – 10:00: Introduction to Block-Based Coding
10:00 – 10:30: Hands-On Activity: Basic Coding Challenges
10:30 – 10:35: Break
10:35 – 11:05: Introduction to Design Concepts
11:05 – 11:35: Hands-On Activity: Basic Design Challenges
11:35 – 12:00: Recap and Questions, Introduce Tomorrow’s Schedule
Tuesday – Deep Dive into Coding
9:00 – 9:30: Recap of Yesterday’s Lessons and Introduction to Today’s Schedule
9:30 – 10:00: Exploring More Coding Concepts
10:00 – 10:30: Hands-On Activity: Intermediate Coding Challenges
10:30 – 10:35: Break
10:35 – 11:05: Introduction to Video Game Design using Kodu
11:05 – 11:35: Begin Creating Their Own Video Game
11:35 – 12:00: Recap and Questions, Introduce Tomorrow’s Schedule
Wednesday – Deep Dive into Design
9:00 – 9:30: Recap of Yesterday’s Lessons and Introduction to Today’s Schedule
9:30 – 10:00: Introduction to Logo Design
10:00 – 10:30: Hands-On Activity: Start Designing Their Own Logo
10:30 – 10:35: Break
10:35 – 11:05: Introduction to T-Shirt Design
11:05 – 11:35: Begin Designing Their Own T-Shirt
11:35 – 12:00: Recap and Questions, Introduce Tomorrow’s Schedule
Thursday – Enhancing Coding and Design Skills
9:00 – 9:30: Recap of Yesterday’s Lessons and Introduction to Today’s Schedule
9:30 – 10:00: Continue Working on Video Game
10:00 – 10:30: Continue Working on Logo Design
10:30 – 10:35: Break
10:35 – 11:05: Continue Working on T-Shirt Design
11:05 – 11:35: Group Activity: Share Progress and Get Feedback
11:35 – 12:00: Recap and Questions, Introduce Tomorrow’s Schedule
Friday – Final Project Presentations and Closing
9:00 – 9:30: Recap of Yesterday’s Lessons and Introduction to Today’s Schedule
9:30 – 10:30: Finalize Projects (Video Game, Logo, T-Shirt)
10:30 – 10:35: Break
10:35 – 11:35: Project Presentations: Each Camper Shares Their Work
11:35 – 12:00: Closing Remarks, Hand Out Certificates and Prizes
9:00 – 9:30: Welcome and Introduction to the Camp
- Welcome and Greetings (5 minutes): Warmly welcome the kids and their parents if present. Thank them for joining the camp and express enthusiasm for the week to come.
- Introduction of Instructors and Staff (5 minutes): Introduce yourself and the other instructors/staff members. Share a little about your background and your role in the camp.
- Overview of the Camp (10 minutes): Briefly explain the purpose and structure of the camp. Outline what the kids can expect to learn during the week, mentioning the introduction to coding, video game creation, logo design, and t-shirt design. Mention the final projects that they will be working towards.
- Camp Rules and Expectations (5 minutes): Discuss the behavior expectations for the week, including respect for others, listening when others are speaking, and safety rules.
- Facilities Tour (10 minutes): Show the kids the facilities they will be using, including where the bathrooms are, where they will have their break, and any important areas they need to know about.
- Equipment Introduction (5 minutes): Briefly introduce the equipment they will be using – laptops, tablets, software. Assure them that they will be taught how to use everything.
- Question & Answer Session (5 minutes): Allow for any initial questions from the kids to ensure they feel comfortable and ready to start.
- Ice Breaker Activity (5 minutes): End the introduction with a quick, fun ice breaker activity to help the kids get to know each other and feel more comfortable. This could be something like a name game or a simple team-building activity.
Remember to keep the tone fun and energetic – this is the first impression the kids will have of the camp, and a positive beginning will help set the stage for a successful week!
9:30 – 10:00: Introduction to Block-Based Coding
- What is Coding? (5 minutes): Start with a brief introduction to coding. Explain it as a method of instructing a computer to perform tasks. You could compare it to writing a recipe or giving someone directions.
- Introduction to Block-Based Coding (5 minutes): Introduce block-based coding as a way to learn coding basics. Explain that it uses graphical blocks (like puzzle pieces) that can be dragged and dropped to create a program. Mention popular block-based programming platforms like Scratch or Kodu.
- Understanding the Blocks (10 minutes): Show them the different types of blocks available (like motion blocks, control blocks, sensing blocks, etc.). Explain the function of each block type.
- Creating a Simple Program (10 minutes): Demonstrate how to create a simple program using the blocks. This could be something like making a character move across the screen or react to a command.
- Hands-On Activity (10 minutes): Let the kids try creating the same program on their own devices. Walk around the room to assist as needed.
- Debugging and Problem Solving (5 minutes): Introduce the concept of debugging by intentionally making a mistake in your program and showing how to find and correct it. Explain that making mistakes is part of learning to code.
- Wrap Up and Questions (5 minutes): Recap the main points of the lesson and allow some time for questions. Preview what they will be doing next with their new coding skills.
10:00 – 10:30: Hands-On Activity: Basic Coding Challenges
- Set the Stage (5 minutes): Explain that they will now have a chance to apply what they’ve learned by completing a series of basic coding challenges. Remind them that making mistakes is okay and part of the learning process.
- Challenge 1 – Simple Movements (10 minutes): Start with a simple challenge, like making a character move in a square or react to basic commands. Provide clear instructions and goals, and then let the kids start coding. Walk around to assist as needed.
- Review Challenge 1 (5 minutes): Once everyone has had a chance to try the challenge, review it as a group. Ask a few volunteers to share their solutions and explain their thought process. Reinforce the correct application of the coding concepts.
- Challenge 2 – Adding Control Structures (10 minutes): For the next challenge, introduce a simple control structure, like a loop or an ‘if’ statement. This could be something like making a character repeat an action or respond differently to different inputs.
- Review Challenge 2 (5 minutes): Again, once everyone has had a chance to try the challenge, review it as a group. Ask for volunteers to share their solutions and explain their thought process.
- Wrap Up and Preview (5 minutes): Recap the main points of the activities, reinforce the learning objectives, and answer any questions. Preview what they will be doing next in the camp.
Remember to encourage creativity and problem-solving. There may be multiple ways to solve each challenge, and that’s part of the fun of coding! Make sure to provide positive feedback and support to keep the kids motivated and engaged.
10:30 – 10:35: Break
10:35 – 11:05: Introduction to Design Concepts
- What is Design? (5 minutes): Start with a brief introduction to the concept of design. Explain it as a way of planning and creating something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Different Types of Design (5 minutes): Introduce different areas of design such as graphic design, product design, web design etc., while mentioning that they will be focusing on graphic design in this camp.
- Elements of Design (10 minutes): Discuss the basic elements of design like line, shape, color, texture, space, form, and typography. Use visual examples to explain how each element works.
- Principles of Design (10 minutes): Introduce the principles of design such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity. Use visual examples to explain how these principles guide the use of design elements.
- Software Introduction (5 minutes): Introduce the design software they will be using for their projects. This could be a simple graphic design tool suitable for their age and skill level.
- Hands-On Activity (10 minutes): Give the kids a simple task to complete using the design software, such as creating a basic shape and changing its color or adding text. This will give them a chance to start getting comfortable with the software.
- Wrap Up and Questions (5 minutes): Recap the main points of the lesson, and allow some time for questions. Preview what they will be doing next with their new design skills.
11:05 – 11:35: Hands-On Activity: Basic Design Challenges
- Set the Stage (5 minutes): Explain that they will now have a chance to apply what they’ve learned by completing a series of basic design challenges. Encourage creativity and remind them that there is no ‘right’ answer in design.
- Challenge 1 – Creating with Shapes (10 minutes): Start with a simple challenge like creating an image or scene using only basic shapes. This will allow them to experiment with arranging design elements and using the design software.
- Review Challenge 1 (5 minutes): Have a few volunteers share their designs and explain their choices. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved. Reinforce the design concepts from the lesson.
- Challenge 2 – Experimenting with Color and Typography (10 minutes): Next, give them a challenge that involves using color and typography, like designing a simple poster for a fictional event.
- Review Challenge 2 (5 minutes): Again, have a few volunteers share their designs and explain their choices. Discuss the use of color and typography in their designs.
11:35 – 12:00: Recap and Questions, Introduce Tomorrow’s Schedule
- Recap of the Day (5 minutes): Briefly summarize the day’s activities and the main points of the lessons. Highlight any common themes or particularly good examples from the day’s work.
- Question & Answer Session (5 minutes): Open the floor for any questions the kids may have about the day’s lessons or activities. Try to address all questions, and if you don’t know an answer, assure them you’ll find out and let them know tomorrow.
- Preview of Tomorrow’s Schedule (5 minutes): Give them a preview of what they’ll be doing tomorrow. Build anticipation for the new concepts they’ll be learning and the projects they’ll be starting.
- Closing Activities (5 minutes): End the day on a high note with a fun closing activity. This could be a quick game, a group photo, or a simple reflection activity where each kid shares one thing they learned or enjoyed about the day.
- Dismissal (5 minutes): Ensure each kid is safely dismissed to their parent or guardian. Thank them for their hard work and tell them you’re looking forward to seeing them tomorrow.
Remember to keep the tone positive and encouraging, and always celebrate their efforts and achievements. This will help them feel confident and excited about the camp.