The Lennox Community Library introduced a new program, Coding Club, for students in grades third through sixth at the start of the 2022-23 school year. The club meets once a week and focuses on developing coding skills in a fun and creative way. According to Audrea Buller, the Library Director, the library wanted something new for kids to try and the coding program has been a great success.
“They are learning basic scratch and then can build up from there,” said Buller.
The South Dakota State Library introduced the Lennox Community Library to the program from a national group called, Girls Who Code. Buller, however, opened the group up to all students, boys and girls.
The Coding Club has been a learning opportunity for both the participants and librarians. It’s also fun to know how much the students can benefit from learning computer coding skills, which could prove to be useful in future jobs.
The Lennox Community Library Coding Club plans to experiment with Lego robotics in the upcoming year.
According to Kathleen Slocum, the South Dakota State Library’s Continuing Education Coordinator, “The South Dakota State Library wants to bring computer science opportunities to elementary, middle, and high school children across South Dakota. Currently we have 16 [coding clubs] that are either public and or school library hosted.”
Public and school librarians interested in starting a coding club can contact Slocum at Kathleen.slocum@state.sd.us for more information.
The Coding Club will be offered again in the beginning of March. The Library’s Facebook page and school site will contain information about how to sign up when it is available.
Coding Club isn’t the only opportunity the library offers for students to expand their learning. LEGO club, also known as Master Builders Club, is also offered for students in grades third through fourth and fifth and sixth.
“We are running that right now and will be looking at another session in March,” said Buller.
In the next session, they are hoping to kickoff some robotic LEGOS for the fifth and sixth graders.
This Club meets once a week for four weeks and gives students building opportunities with their peers. The groups are limited to eight and has proven to be very popular.
Both clubs are free to join.