Lately I’ve been playing with the BBC micro:bit. Having micro-Python on this cool device that boasts accelerometer, magenometer, bluetooth low energe (BLE), temperature sensors and a 25 LED matrix, and Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface makes it a easy entry point for kids to build and code on. So I was thinking it might be fun to send emoticons between two micro:bits, so here’s a micro-Python script I put together to broadcast emoticons to other micro:bits running the same script.

Code Club parents are great! While chatting to parents of previous Code Club students and those having had their last Code Club, it was interesting to hear what previous students were up to, what those leaving were looking towards, and glean some insight into ways we could improve. Although we’ve had a great year overall, it’s always good to get feedback and an end-of-year dinner was an opportunity to introduce parents to our other volunteers, and give credit for an exceptional effort this year, and really added so much to a larger code club.

A number people from both established Code Clubs, and those interested in starting one, have asked me about strategies to engage active support from parents and IT teachers. Recently we had a chance to sit down and look back over some of our experiences running Code Club, and came up with some ideas about some things that worked for us. Comparing before and after At some point during the year, we usually ask our students to name some of the things they love about Code Club.