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How to Teach Coding at Home with Game Changers Kits

October 25, 2019 By Leticia

This 4-H National Youth Science Day post is sponsored by HughesNet 

“I don’t understand why we’re not using the computer if this is a computer science class,” one of my 8th grade students groans as he sits down at his computer while I pass out papers. Despite being tech savvy online, the teacher in me knows the importance of physical activities and puzzles to reinforce concepts being learned about the digital world as we teach kids computer science.

This year 4-H’s month long National Youth Science Day (NYSD) celebration, sponsored in part by, helps kids bring their passion to computer science. HughesNet is passionate about providing access and opportunity for kids to learn about STEM topics (science, technology, engineering and math), which is why they work with 4-H to sponsor this annual STEM challenge.

This year’s theme, Game Changers, teaches kids how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about. The Game Changers Kit ($21.95) provides everything parents and teachers need to teach beginning coding skills in one convenient box. You don’t need to be a 4-H member to participate – NYSD is open to everyone!

HughesNet, America’s number one choice for satellite internet, is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders through STEM education. Since HughesNet recognizes that computer science skills are critical to our kids’ futures, they sent me 20 National Youth Science Day Game Changers kits to give away to readers just like you!

Take a look at what’s included in each Game Changers kit:

  • 1 Facilitator Guide
  • 10 Youth Workbooks including certificates of completion
  • 17 Scratch Coding Challenge Cards
  • 5 Hack Your Harvest Board Games
  • 5 Dry Erase Markers with Eraser Caps
  • 6 Tractor Game Pieces
  • 75 Obstacles Stickers
  • 2 Beach Balls
  • 1 USB Drive that includes offline versions of Scratch and Adobe Air (for Mac & Windows) and printables like a Certificate of Completion, Facilitator Guide, Pitch Your Passion Offline Instructions, Scratch Coding Challenge Cards, and the Youth Workbook

Enter to Win a Game Changers Kit Courtesy of HughesNet!  

teach coding at home

HughesNet is providing 20 kits for 20 families! Enter to win one of your own using the Rafflecopter form below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entries must be received by Tuesday, November 5. This giveaway is open to US residents only.

For more information about 4-H National Youth Science Day and Game Changers:

  • Visit the 4-H website
  • Like 4-H on Facebook
  • Follow 4-H on Instagram and Twitter
  • Order your kit here

I was compensated for this post and to facilitate a giveaway, however, all opinions are my own.

Related

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: 4-H, coding for kids, computer programming, Game Changers kit, HughesNet, National Youth Science Day, teens, tweens

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather! says

    October 25, 2019 at 10:24 am

    My youngest nephew is just getting old enough to start being interested in coding, and specifically, creating gaming content. This stuff is old hat for my older nephew. He is grown (20 year old) and would be happy to help teach his stepbrother what he knows, but he isn’t a teacher. He could use the Facilitator’s Guide, as well as the other materials to teach. I think this would be a perfect way for the two of them to connect and learn!

  2. Karen says

    October 25, 2019 at 11:53 am

    My 9 year old daughter is just getting into coding. This would be fantastic for her and the rest for her 5th grade class. We are lucky enough to do public school at home. Our science teacher is also willing to add this as an elective 🙂

  3. Peggy Nunn says

    October 25, 2019 at 12:09 pm

    I was a programmer. I want to teach girls that it is easy to learn and not just for boys.

  4. NICOLE MARTIN says

    October 27, 2019 at 7:05 am

    I think my boys would love this! They’ve both shown interest in wanting to learn how to do coding.

  5. Natosha says

    October 27, 2019 at 7:38 am

    The kits look excellent is very interesting and full of building together, which really is what catches my attention. I love the tech and thinking challenge it brings to put it all together.

  6. Surinder gurm says

    October 27, 2019 at 8:01 am

    My daughter wants to learn coding

  7. Wehaf says

    October 27, 2019 at 9:36 am

    My nieces are very interested in studying STEM and I think this would be a great introduction to coding for them.

  8. Tony Platz says

    October 27, 2019 at 4:32 pm

    It looks like a fun family project and a chance to learn together.

  9. Jessie Ash says

    October 28, 2019 at 10:54 am

    My son is all about STEM, he is really trying to convince me to get him his own computer so he can work on coding. Always building, inventing, and planning.

  10. Melissa Cunningham says

    October 28, 2019 at 2:07 pm

    The STEM education appeals to our family

  11. Aimee says

    October 28, 2019 at 11:40 pm

    This looks so interesting! I’d love to gather a group of my kids’ friends and turn this into a party!

  12. Naomi Hovey says

    October 29, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    My son is interested in everything technology and would love this!

  13. Ryan w says

    October 29, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    I’d love to use these as quality learning time instead of more games on the Ipad

  14. Don Gentry says

    October 29, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    I have a 5 year old who would greatly benefit from this awesome teaching tool !

  15. Jenny says

    October 29, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    I think this would be awesome for my 5 year old son! He is already getting into coding.

  16. Danielle says

    October 31, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I would love to use this with my Girl Scout Daisies and my homeschooled daughter. This seems to be a great resource! Thanks for the opportunity!

  17. Jessica Walker says

    November 2, 2019 at 8:01 am

    If I won this I would give it as a gift to my daughter’s teacher.

  18. Kayla Klontz says

    November 3, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    This would be neat to show my son at home and my daughter too if I can get her to focus.

  19. Jessica Frix says

    November 3, 2019 at 10:36 pm

    My daughter is 6 and learning to read, I feel like learning to code could go hand in hand with reading. She’s a quick study, and this could give her a great start.

  20. Corey Olomon says

    November 4, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    My son is very interested in programming so this would be prefect for him

  21. Mya Murphy says

    November 5, 2019 at 12:43 am

    I volunteer for the homeless, and this would be a gamechanger for them.. Fun and educational!

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Hi! I'm Leticia, founder of Tech Savvy Mama! I'm an award-winning blogger, Washington, DC area mom of teens, middle school computer science teacher, and education consultant.  Read more...

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