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When Run

When Run
Carin Chang

“When run,” “say,” “move,” “repeat”… These words might sound like a string of random commands, but to the ʻIʻiwi 11 innovators, these words unlock a world of endless possibilities. They are the building blocks of creativity, empowering students to bring their ideas to life through coding. With each command, students explore new ways to problem-solve, think critically, and push the boundaries of what they can achieve. As they experiment with these words and their meanings, they begin to see coding not just as a set of instructions, but as a powerful tool—one line of code at a time. Through coding, we are learning how to turn ideas into reality, knowing that with every challenge, there is always a solution waiting to be discovered.

During our computer science time, we’ve been diving into the exciting world of coding, the students engage in lessons that not only teach technical skills but also promote a growth mindset. Coding is more than just creating programs—it's about developing resilience, problem-solving skills, and learning how to approach challenges with perseverance. Through coding, students experience firsthand that failure is not a setback, but a part of the learning process. They are encouraged to try many different solutions before asking for help, fostering a mindset where persistence and critical thinking are valued.

We have replaced phrases like, “I need help” or “This is hard” with empowering, growth-mindset alternatives like “I’m working through this challenge” or “How can I approach this in a different way?” These small shifts in language can transform how we problem solve, and encourage resilience and curiosity rather than frustration. Coding is all about experimentation and learning from mistakes, so embracing phrases that reflect persistence—like “I’m figuring this out” or “I’m close, but need a nudge”—helps build confidence and reminds us that every problem is an opportunity to grow.

Currently, the lessons we’ve been exploring involve moving a character from one place to another. For example, on Code.org, students work through puzzles where they use coding blocks to direct characters through mazes or obstacles. Initially, it can be tricky for them to figure out the correct sequence of commands. They often need to adjust their approach several times—whether it’s changing the number of steps or adjusting the direction—before their character successfully reaches its goal. This hands-on learning experience allows them to practice resiliency, as they learn that it’s okay to try multiple approaches before finding the solution. The excitement when they finally get the code to work is a great reflection of their growing confidence and understanding.

In addition to building resilience, these activities also incorporate other important tech skills. Students are practicing logical thinking by breaking down a task into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, when moving a character through a maze, they need to plan the sequence of actions carefully to avoid obstacles and reach their target. This process strengthens their problem-solving abilities as they learn how to debug and refine their code. They also use their creativity to design pathways, making the experience both educational and fun.

Through these lessons, students are not only gaining valuable coding skills but also learning how to approach challenges with a positive, “I can do this” attitude. As they continue coding, they are developing important skills.

“Optimize”, “build”, “export”, “run”...

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