CodeHS offers several tools within the lesson page to help you differentiate for the abilities of your students.
Printable Code Instructions: This resource can be printed for students who need extra support. The pages illustrate the steps and necessary blocks for completing the program. Printable Code Instructions can be found in the Resources section of the lesson page.
High contrast blocks: Students can turn on high contrast blocks, which can be easier to read. Go to Settings, Color Mode, and select High Contrast to turn this setting on. High contrast blocks are also used in many lesson slides and instructional videos.
Specific ideas for differentiating and extending instruction can be found in the lesson plan.
Here are some differentiation options for specific areas of difficulty in the classroom:
For Focus Difficulties
Complete the program together with a small group of students.
Print the Printable Code Instructions for struggling students.
Turn on high contrast blocks.
Display a visual timer to track how much time students have to work.
For Social/Emotional Difficulties
Students can work with a partner to pair-program.
Display a visual timer to track how much time students have to work.
Celebrate completion milestones throughout the lesson.
For Math/Reading Difficulties
Turn on high contrast blocks.
Print the Printable Code Instructions for struggling students.
Create a word wall in the classroom using the Computer Science vocabulary terms.
For Students who Need More Time
Print the Printable Code Instructions for struggling students.
Show the Sample Code on the class screen for students to reference if needed.
Divide the lesson into smaller chunks, and allow students to finish on another day.
Extra Practice or Review
Use CodeHS Unplugged Coding Card Games for extra practice on Sequences, Loops, or Conditionals. (Search for “Coding Card Game” in “All Lessons”)
Select some Scratch Coding Cards to build skills for students who would benefit from simpler activities https://resources.scratch.mit.edu/www/cards/en/scratch-cards-all.pdf
Students can complete a Scratch Tutorial to learn or review previously taught skills. From a Scratch program click “Tutorials” at the top of the page. Choose a tutorial to be guided through the activity.
Provide the lesson video from a previous lesson to a new student who is joining the class to help them catch up. You can find the lesson video under the Resources section on the lesson page.
Still have questions? Contact our team at hello@codehs.com to learn more!
CodeHS Elementary Curriculum is included with an Elementary License. If you believe you should have access to the Elementary Portal, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager or send an email to hello@codehs.com.