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Wyckoff Students Enter 'CoderDojo'

WYCKOFF, N.J. — Once a month Wyckoff students enter the dojo not to train their bodies, but their minds.

Students work on their projects at Wyckoff's February CoderDojo.

Students work on their projects at Wyckoff's February CoderDojo.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Sicomac Elementary holds the only CoderDojo connected to a school in New Jersey, Principal Steve Raimo said. The program started around two-and-a-half years ago and teaches computer coding to Wyckoff students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"It's taken off like wildfire," Raimo told Daily Voice. "Certainly I think it's good brain food for them to learn some of the more elemental aspects of coding and programming."

Around eight kids came to the first few sessions but now up to 70 people can be there at a time, including parents, Raimo said.

The group meets one Saturday per month from 10 a.m. to noon at Sicomac School. The students have freedom to choose what they do there with options like Minecraft, programming games, iPad activities and more.

Parents and volunteer students help run the dojo along with district staff.

"The community support is really an integral part in the work we do," Raimo said.

CoderDojo started in the United Kingdom and has locations in more than 50 countries. The Wyckoff version introduces young students to computer programming and coding early to see if they want to pursue it in middle school, high school and beyond, the Sicomac principal said.

The next meeting will be held Saturday.

MORE INFO: Visit CoderDojo's website.

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