This October, kids at the James Baldwin Club have been immersed in a month-long computer science adventure led by Program Director, Vincent. Through hands-on activities, they’ve explored complex coding concepts in fun and engaging ways—without ever needing a computer! 

One of the standout lessons was all about loops, a foundational concept in coding. Rather than explaining loops on a screen, Vincent brought the concept to life by first asking the kids what they thought of when they heard the word “loop.” Their answers—hula hoops, rollercoasters, and more—sparked creativity. 

Next, the kids saw a “loop” in action when a volunteer followed repeated instructions to jump forward. This simple demonstration helped them understand that loops in coding are actions repeated over and over again. To cement the lesson, the kids worked in teams to create colorful paper chains, each link showcasing a repeating pattern—a visual representation of the loop they’d just learned. 

“The paper chain activity really brought the concept to life,” Vincent said. “The kids were engaged and excited to see how loops work in both design and coding.” 

As the month continued, the kids took their creativity further by building Lego robots for an upcoming Robot Museum showcase. In small groups, they drafted designs and collaborated to build their robots, learning important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and design. 

Each team member had a role, from Lego Collector to Group Leader, and together they created not only the robots but also backgrounds and plaques to display in the museum. 

“The kids showed so much creativity and collaboration,” said Vincent. “They’re learning engineering and robotics in a fun, hands-on way.” 

With Computer Science Month wrapping up, the James Baldwin Club is preparing for the Robot Museum, where the kids will proudly display their creations. Throughout October, they’ve learned critical thinking, teamwork, and coding principles in ways that are relatable and exciting. 

“We’re making computer science fun and accessible,” said Vincent. “Seeing the kids so engaged and curious is inspiring—I can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!”