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Next time you’re out and about, check out all the trees you see. \u00a0You might find tall trees, wide trees, red trees, green trees. Big trunks, deep roots, or super leafy branchy trees (anyone else just flash Dr. Seuss?). \u00a0Trees all grow differently, but there’s one thing in common – they all follow the laws of physics! \u00a0The bigger the tree branches, the bigger the trunk and the bigger the roots – otherwise it’d fall over in the slightest breeze!<\/p>\n
At the Coder School, we think each kid learns to code in their own unique way, just like each tree grows with a different shape and size (and sometimes color!). \u00a0So our curriculums are flexible, and are customized around individual students, coaching kids with the style and content that we feel works best for each situation. \u00a0Think about how static coding curriculums work – they assume a one-size-fits-all way of learning. \u00a0A three month coding class takes a group of kids through the same topics in those three months. \u00a0Inevitably with a class curriculum, some kids are too fast, some kids are too slow, some want to work on this app, others want to work on that app! \u00a0That’s why there’s an educational trend today to customize how kids learn – both in content and speed.\u00a0 And that’s why we at the Coder School teach in a customized way, in a super-small coach-to-student ratio (typically 2 to 1).\u00a0 In our Code Coaching program, kids might learn Scratch<\/a> or Python, games or websites, focus on data or graphics, robotics or mini-computers.\u00a0 In our mind, there’s no wrong way to learn to code!<\/p>\n Our Coder Tree\u2122 was born out of a need for a cool visual representation of how kids are unique in the way they learn, and evolved into a great reminder that there’s no shortcuts! \u00a0With a tree, you can’t grow a branch without a trunk, and a trunk doesn’t exist without a root. \u00a0Similarly in coding, you can’t learn advanced concepts without a solid, knowledgable, and wide base.<\/p>\n Imagine that the branches and leaves are advanced technologies like 3-D gaming or SQL databases. \u00a0The trunk then is core typed coding like Python or Javascript mini-applications. \u00a0The roots then represent the basic foundation of coding – critical thinking, variables and data, loops, and other logical concepts. \u00a0The more students want to grow their knowledge of advanced technologies, the larger the trunk and the larger the root system must be!\u00a0 For example, it’s not uncommon that a somewhat inexperienced student wants to jump right up to 3D-Gaming right away. \u00a0In our customized curriculum model, we may even allow that (briefly!). \u00a0But what happens to a tree when you try to grow too many branches before you have strong roots? \u00a0In the same way, kids aren’t able to grasp the advanced technologies very well because they don’t yet have the foundational thinking. \u00a0They might learn basic modes, or memorize where to click or what to type, but can they really understand the underlying logic, are they really able to learn advanced1 technology without a foundational computational understanding?\u00a0 The answer is no.<\/p>\n Keep in mind too that tree roots aren’t checkboxes! \u00a0Just because a student can code an app or two in Scratch doesn’t mean they’re “done” with Scratch! \u00a0Growing foundational roots takes repetition and practice, and learning to code is no different. \u00a0Just like memorizing all the chords doesn’t make you a master guitarist, understanding a code concept doesn’t mean you’re ready for the next level. \u00a0Like my guitar teacher used to always say, practice, practice, practice!<\/p>\n We use our Coder Tree\u2122\u00a0\u00a0to emphasize that coding isn’t a race, that it’s _not_ about learning the most advanced technologies as quickly as possible. \u00a0It’s about building the base, and understanding the core of coding and logical thinking. \u00a0And don’t forget, core coding concepts and logical thinking will never change – but advanced technologies will come and go by the time your kid is an adult! \u00a0So focus on the roots, and focus on the trunk. \u00a0You’ll find that when your kids grow older, their super-strong foundation will allow them to learn and grow in ways that we can’t yet imagine.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thecoderschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/CoderTree.jpg\")
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