Salisbury Academy is joining in a global program called Hour of Code this week. The goal is to transform the interest many students have in iPad and smart phone games into a skill — it teaches them the programming skills they need to create their own games.

At Salisbury Academy, students in grades first through eighth are engaging in computer programming activities, executing everything from basic animation and game design to creating elaborate and highly interactive computer challenges.

“People might think computer programming is structured, but it’s actually really creative,” Margaret Hattaway, the math and computer teacher at Salisbury Academy said. “Once students figure out that they can put their own personalities into it, they really take off.”

Starting students at an early age is imperative, Hattaway explains, as they are not afraid to take risks.

“They’re fearless,” said Hattaway. “It’s important to introduce them early, because they know it’s okay to make a mistake and try again.”

In addition to cultivating creativity and ingenuity, understanding computer programming is viewed as a fundamental 21st century skill by many Hattaway and Hour of Code representatives. Hattaway believes that programming skills will be essential by the time today’s grade-schoolers enter the working world.

“Programming and coding will definitely be a plus on a resume, no matter what you’re doing. It’s a benefit to any profession,” said Hattaway.

As part of the Hour of Code movement, Salisbury Academy’s students from first through eighth grades are engaging in a variety of tutorials created by companies that have partnered with Hour of Code, including code.org and Khan Academy.

Sixth-grader Camille Palmer chose the Hour of Code program Capture Monsters, and was engrossed in animating the colorful creatures.

“It’s really cool how they put the coding to games, where children can have fun while learning,” Palmer said.

Meanwhile, sixth-graders Wade Robins and Jack Heilig smiled widely as they watched their programming play out in an Hour of Code car racing program.

“It’s fun because you have to make your own choices,” said Robins. “We have to program the Hot Wheels car to turn.”

Students interested in coding and programming at Salisbury Academy have further opportunities to advance their skills by joining the middle school robotics team; team members construct robots and design animated tasks for them via computer programming. The academy also offers coding as an exploratory elective class for middle school students at various times throughout the year.

Salisbury Academy’s participation in the Hour of Code movement demonstrates the academy’s belief that all of these exposures will serve students well academically, creatively, and in their future careers.

“By taking part in Hour of Code, we’re showing our support and our commitment to providing students with these experiences and nurturing their development of these 21^st century skills,” said Hattaway.

“We value these skills at Salisbury Academy and for children around the world as well.”