Monday, May 7, 2018

Learn Coding at Home:

Coding is a big deal right now, and rightly so. When our kids go into the workforce 10, 15, 20 years from now, they will be immersed in a world of technology. From robotic milkers to creating computer apps, even the simplest jobs will require basic technology skills. Why not give your kids up by teaching them coding while they are young, not only do they learn basic technology skills, they also learn problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Oftentimes, coding also breeds collaboration as kids work on projects in groups. Below is a list of some of my favorite coding websites and apps. I also listed a few kid friendly robots that I recommend. 


Websites
  • Kodable.com: Kodable is a website and iPad app with many levels to teach coding. It is very basic and can be used with even early elementary students.
  • Studio.Code.org: Code.org is a leader in coding education for grade school students. There are lessons easy enough for kindergarten students and lessons complex enough for high school students.
  • Codecombat.com: CodeCombat teaches text coding in a game like atmosphere. Choose your hero and defeat the goblins through code. Some levels require a subscription.
  • Codecademy.com: Codecademy is made for older students (upper-elementary on) and teaches many types of coding through open courses.
  • Empireofcode.com: Empire of Code is a space game with a mix of strategy, tactics and coding. You can play the game with or without coding skills, but knowing how to code will definitely give you an advantage.
  • Scratch.mit.edu: Scratch is a program through a partnership with MIT, the National Science Foundation and other groups that allows users to create videos and games through block based coding.
  • Tynker.com: Tynker is a website and an iPad app with many different coding games. Some are simple enough for early elementary students.
  • Codemonkey.com: An engaging platform where programming knowledge is acquired alongside 21st century skills through collaboratively playing and solving puzzles, inventing, creating and sharing.
  • Codeavengers.com: Code Avengers allows users to learn coding through a game. There are two available levels: Jr. for 5-14 year olds and Pro for 15+ year olds
  • Hacknslashthegame.com: Hack ‘n’ Slash is a puzzle action game about hacking — reprogram object properties, hijack global variables, hack creature behavior, and even rewrite the game’s code. The only way to win is not to play... by the rules! It uses an interface that looks much like Zelda


iPad/iPhone Apps
  • Kodable: Kodable is a website and iPad app with many levels to teach coding. It is very basic and can be used with even early elementary students.
  • Scratch Jr.: Uses simple drag and drop block based coding to build animations. Because the blocks use images rather than words it is simple enough for early elementary students. This is a simplified version of the PC Scratch app.
  • Tynker: Tynker is a website and an iPad app with many different coding games. Some are simple enough for early elementary students.
  • Lightbot: Code an on screen robot to complete different tasks while learning coding. There is also a simpler version called Lightbot Jr. for younger students.
  • Osmo: Osmo is an iPad attachment that partners the iPad screen with tangible manipulatives. The basic Osmo kit contains the iPad stand, Numbers, Words, and Tangrams. There are additional packs like Coding Awbie and Code Jam that allow you to learn coding. This is great for younger students!


Robots

  • Code-a-pillar: The Code-a-Pillar is a caterpillar robot with pieces that you arrange and rearrange to tell it how to move.
  • Beebot: Beebot is a simple robot. Code it using the arrow buttons on top. Create different challenges and try to code it to make it through
  • Cubetto: Cubetto is the friendly wooden robot that will teach your child the basics of computer programming through adventure and hands on play. It works much like Beebot, but utilizes a board and blocks to make the code.
  • Sphero & Ollie: Sphero and Ollie are robots that are coded through the use of iPad apps. They connect via Bluetooth to the iPad. Sphero is a ball robot. Ollie is a cylinder.
  • Dot & Dash: These robots work much the same as Sphero connecting to an iPad through Bluetooth, but have more apps available for programming and attachments to add to its abilities.
  • LEGO Robotics: Do you love LEGOs? Me too! LEGO offers two different robotics kits. WeDo 2.0 is the simplest robotics kit. Mindstorms is the more complex kit.
If you are in the Upsala area, consider signing your child up for COR Robotics Camp as well!

*Some of the above descriptions were copied directly from the app's website.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Be a Financially Savvy Teacher with these Discounts!


There are some perks to being a teacher. Some companies recognize the challenging job we do and offer wonderful discounts. Here are just a few:

Technology:
Adobe: Receive special educator pricing on various Adobe apps like Photoshop and Illustrator

Apple: Special prices for students and teachers.

BOSE: Save up to 15% on sounds systems and more for your home or classroom.

Cell Phone Providers: Many cell phone providers offer educator discounts including Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Microsoft: Receive special pricing on Microsoft products, including free use of Microsoft Office 365.

Classroom Supplies:
AC Moore: Receive 15% off your purchase every day!

Barnes & Noble: Enroll with an Educator Discount Card to receive 20% off purchases every day and even bigger discounts on special days throughout the year. Barnes & Noble also offers Book Fairs to help raise funds for school and classroom libraries.

The Container Store: Sign up to receive special discounts to help organize your classroom throughout the school year.

FedEx: Save 15% off classroom supplies, scanning, faxing & copying,  and any print services.

Half Price Books: Get 10% off your purchase every day with an Educator Discount Card

JoAnn Fabrics: Get 15% off every purchase every day for teachers. Enroll online today!

Lakeshore Learning: Save 15% off many items in store.

Michaels: Save 15% on craft supplies and more every day.


Clothing:
Banana Republic: Get 15% off your purchase in store with a valid school ID

Dr. Scholls: Use promo code TEACHFOR20 to get 20% off your purchase at checkout.

J-Crew: All college students and teachers receive a 15% discount when they show a valid school ID at check out.

LOFT: LOFT offers numerous special deals for teachers including discounts, special sweepstakes, classroom grants, and more. Enroll online for more information.

Madewell: Get 15% in store with a valid school ID.

TOMS: Save 10% on all full-priced items

Travel:
Alamo: NEA Members are able to get a great deal on their next rental car.

Enterprise: NEA Members can get special discounted pricing for their next rental car trip.

Marriott Hotels: Marriott offers special government and military discounts which can apply to teachers in some cases. Call your Marriott Hotel before booking for more information.

National Park Service: With a valid school ID, teachers can receive 15% off entrance fees.

STA Travel: Find special discounts on rental cars, airline tickets, hotel rooms and more.

Other:
GEICO: Receive special discounts on your car insurance
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Many other stores also offer special deals during National Teacher Appreciation Week or on special Teacher Appreciation Days. What are your favorite educator discounts?

Thank you to VIPKID for helping me put together this list!