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How to teach one Hour of Code in after-school classes and clubs

Join the movement and introduce a group of students to their first hour of computer science with these steps. The Hour of Code is easy to run - even for beginners! If you'd like an extra set of hands to help out, you can find a local volunteer to help run an Hour of Code in your after-school class or club.

1. Watch this how-to video

2. Choose a tutorial

We provide a variety of fun, hour-long tutorials for participants all ages, created by a variety of partners. Try them out!

All Hour of Code tutorials require minimal prep-time for organizers, and are self-guided - allowing kids to work at their own pace and skill-level. Need a lesson plan for your afterschool Hour of Code? Check out this template!

3. Promote your Hour of Code

Promote your Hour of Code with these tools and encourage others to host their own events.

4. Plan your technology needs - computers are optional

The best Hour of Code experience includes Internet-connected computers. But you don’t need a computer for every child, and you can even do the Hour of Code without a computer at all.

Make sure to test tutorials on student computers or devices to ensure they work properly on browsers with sound and video. Have low bandwidth? Plan to show videos at the front of the class, so each student isn't downloading their own videos. Or try the unplugged / offline tutorials.

Provide headphones for your class, or ask students to bring their own, if the tutorial you choose works best with sound.

Don't have enough devices? Use pair programming. When students partner up, they help each other and rely less on the teacher. They’ll also see that computer science is social and collaborative.

5. Start your Hour of Code off with an inspiring video

Kick off your Hour of Code by inspiring participants and discussing how computer science impacts every part of our lives.

Show an inspirational video:

It’s okay if you are all brand new to computer science. Here are some ideas to introduce your Hour of Code activity:

Need more guidance? Download this template lesson plan.

6. Code!

Direct participants to the activity

When someone comes across difficulties it's okay to respond:

What to do if someone finishes early?

7. Celebrate

Other Hour of Code resources for educators

What comes after the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code is just the first step on a journey to learn more about how technology works and how to create software applications. Help students continue their journey and encourage them to learn more online!

How-to guides
For educators
For after-school educators
For companies
For districts
For school assemblies
For parents
For public officials
For volunteers Try the tutorials How to get involved