About Code Explorers:

Code Explorers is an introductory coding course designed for students in 3rd–5th grade. Through weekly Zoom classes, students will learn the basics of computer literacy and foundational coding skills using interactive games and hands-on lessons. Each session builds upon the last as students explore coding blocks, loops, problem-solving strategies, and how to identify and fix gaps in their code. As they progress, students will create simple projects, present their work to classmates, and even get an exciting first look at Python!

The class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:15 PM.

*The first class will be on January 14th, and the course will run until March 11th, for a total of 9 sessions.

Learn more about our course instructor, Anna Calkins, below and sign up today! If the course is full and you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email educationplus123456@gmail.com.

Registration for Code Explorers will close on Friday, January 9, at 11:59 PM.

Anna Calkins

Anna Calkins

Anna is the Code Explorers Director. She is a junior at the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in Statistics and Data Science with a minor in Legal Humanities. Anna has been involved with Education+ since her freshman year at UCSB, and in the Spring of 2025, she began teaching Code Explorers! She remembers her very first coding class in 4th grade, where she learned to use the same websites she now incorporates into her lessons. Her introduction to coding sparked an interest that led her to her current studies at UCSB, and she is beyond excited to introduce coding to each group of students and see their progress! When Anna is not tutoring, you can find her outside doing anything active, at the beach, or at her job at the Orfalea Family Children’s Center at UCSB!

FAQs:

Code Explorers

  • This course is designed as an introductory/beginner course in coding. No previous coding or programming knowledge is needed. We recommend this course to students with basic to no coding skills

    Week 1 (January 14): Introduction to Block-Based Coding
    Week 2 (January 21): Coding Blocks and Loops
    Week 3 (January 28): Beginner Code Drawings
    Week 4 (February 4): Introduction to Python
    Week 5 (February 11): Coding blocks using Python
    Week 6 (February 18): Variables and Data Types
    Week 7 (February 25): Count and Printing
    Week 8 (March 4): Code Errors
    Week 9 (March 11): Coding Recap and Final Celebration

  • Code Explorers is designed for students in grades 3–5. However, we are happy to make accommodations when appropriate. If your child is not in grades 3–5 but you are interested in enrolling them, please email us at educationplus123456@gmail.comso we can determine if the program would be a good fit.

  • The program does not require any purchases or materials; log on to Zoom each week, and Anna will guide the lessons from there! Our Code Explorers Director, Anna, will send out any links necessary for coding websites. We will be using Code.org and scratch.mit.edu, which will require you to set up a free account for your student; however, instructions to do so will be sent out after the first class.

    Before and after each class, Anna will send an email with optional activities to practice between sessions. If your child would like additional support or extra practice, you’re always welcome to reach out to Anna throughout the program.

  • Our program is virtual to make it more accessible and convenient for families after school. All your child needs to participate is a phone or laptop to join on Zoom.

    We ask that a parent or guardian be present in the same space during each class to help ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. We also encourage you to check in and see what your child is learning—it’s a great way to stay involved and engaged!

  • The winter 2026 session of Code Explorers will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:15 PM, running from January 13th through March 11th. Weekly Zoom links and additional information will be sent via email to all participants. If you have any questions, please email us at educationplus123456@gmail.com. 

  • We are currently not offering a more advanced class. However, if your student has previous coding experience, they are still welcome to join. Please reach out to us at educationplus123456@gmail.com during the course if your student would like additional practice exercises or resources.