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CodeWizardsHQ Announces The Dragon Quest, a 21-Day FREE Global Coding Challenge for Kids

AUSTIN, Texas, March 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ –In a new and exciting effort to inspire kids to learn to code, CodeWizardsHQ announces The Dragon Quest, a free coding challenge for kids ages 8-18. The Dragon Quest is a 21-day virtual event in which aspiring coders complete 21 levels of Python and JavaScript challenges with one final “Boss Level” question where participants write code. The 21 levels are a staircase to both continue to spark a passion for coding and reinforce skills that young coders have already learned.

The Dragon Quest, designed by Alex Van Winkel, a CodeWizardsHQ senior instructor, was inspired by Tolkien ideals creating a storyline in which kids become heroines and heroes by defeating a trespassing dragon while learning to code. To broaden the reach of this event, CodeWizardsHQ is partnering with homeschool education blogs, STEM nonprofits, and edtech leaders Terminal Two from Endless, Coder Bunnyz’ and ChickTech.

“T2 games are entertaining coding games because they are made by gamers,” said Virginia McArthur, Executive Producer, Endless. “Our games are the perfect companion to CodeWizardsHQ, as they keep students engaged with the core hacking and coding mechanics and reinforce the skills they have been taught.” Winners of this challenge will receive free Steam Access codes and become Ambassadors to the Endless Mission.

As to the importance of coding, Samaira Mehta, Founder of CoderBunnyz, comments, “Coding is more than just lines and lines of letters and numbers. It is something that gives you a different mindset about problems, and that is what coding is: a simple way to solve problems.” Samaira donated two games to amp up excitement through a giveaway.

Jey Iyempandi, Founder and CEO of CodeWizardsHQ underlines, “The best impetus for a student’s success is the motivation and curiosity. We wanted to offer a kids coding challenge to spark curiosity amongst students globally. Without a doubt, this event will provide much-needed fun and an interactive reprieve at the right time!”

About CodeWizardsHQ
CodeWizardsHQ is the leading online coding school for kids and teens ages 8-18. We deliver the most fun and effective live, online coding classes that teach real programming languages like Python, Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more to give our students the programming knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a digital world.

About Terminal Two, by Endless
Terminal Two (T2) is a collection of online coding games that guide students systematically through the invaluable first steps of learning to code. Targeting ages 10-15, our games start simple, only to unfold into more and more advanced concepts, each teaching a specific programming concept.

About CoderBunnyz, CoderMindz & Yes One Billion Kids Can Code
Coder Bunnyz is a coding board game that was created by Samaira Mehta. Coder Bunnyz is designed for 1-4 players ages 4 and older, and the difficulty scales up as players master game skills. Samaira has also developed an online curriculum with learning objectives that align with both CoderBunnyz and CoderMindz. “Yes One Billion Kids Can Code” is a non-profit organization with the mission to get all 1 billion kids into coding and computer science.

About ChickTech
ChickTech is a 501(c)3 US-based nonprofit dedicated to retaining women in the technology workforce and increasing the number of female- and nonbinary-identifying youth and adults pursuing tech-based careers.

For a full list of partners visit https://codewizardshq.com/challenge-partners

Contact: Ana-María Medina, CodeWizardsHQ
512.957.9102
Email: 236764@email4pr.com

SOURCE CodeWizardsHQ

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Research on What Has Been Working for New Homeschooling Parents, according to edHelper

MCLEAN, Va., March 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Parents are scrambling to meet the ever-changing needs and demands from school closures, shelter-in-place orders, trying to work from home, and homeschooling. Things that have been working include building a routine, deciding collectively on a plan for screen time and daily movement, and setting academic expectations.

To help with homeschooling, edHelper.com has been releasing daily math, puzzle, and reading workbooks for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. In the last week, parents have downloaded over 500,000 books free to the public.  But has this been working?  EdHelper reached out to parents to see, and results show that parents who have reduced screen time to a period of 3–4 hours during the day have experienced sanity in their family life. During this time allotment, kids can read, play, exercise, and do chores, and edHelper suggests they work for 15–45 minutes on math worksheets. Some parents also have put a poster on their refrigerator with ideas for this time period.

You can read more about the feedback on edHelper’s program on Facebook:

“[I] love how easy it was to access these without registering and jumping through hoops. Thank you! And these are way better than the tons of supplies and workbooks I’ve been buying for my second- and sixth-graders.”—Josie R.

“My son is in first grade and just loves math! I had just printed a packet for him, and he immediately went to work. He got halfway through and begged me to print ALL of the papers that I could! I can’t thank you enough for giving out these free worksheets! It gets him off of his tablet and using his brain … and he has fun!!!”—Brenda G.

While there are several options for online math games, videos, and tutorials, research still showcases the power of paper and pencil when it comes to developing and internalizing skills and standards. These resources can help limit screen time and encourage strategic academic growth.

New homeschooling parents have a new appreciation for what their child’s teacher does each day, especially when you consider that he or she works with close to thirty students at a time! When school finally resumes, parents will no doubt be ready to shower their children’s teachers with praise, but until then, edHelper.com will keep them engaged with high-quality and engaging materials.

About edHelper, Inc.

edHelper is an online service that provides printable worksheets and educational resources to teachers and homeschooling parents. As a leader providing weekly math workbooks and supplemental reading materials, developed by educational experts, for over 20 years, edHelper now serves more than 100,000 educators in 150 countries.

Press Contact: Russell Frey, author@edhelper.com, 1-571-329-5536

SOURCE edHelper, Inc.

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izzit.org to the Rescue for Suddenly Homeschooling Parents

ERIE, Pa., March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For parents who unexpectedly find themselves homeschooling teenagers who would rather watch Netflix than read a book, and for teachers who are suddenly educating in virtual classrooms, now is the time to utilize izzit.org’s video-centric, online teaching units.  They are convenient, entertaining, educational and – best of all – available at no cost to any educator including parents and grandparents.

For more than a decade, izzit.org has been providing educators with videos for grades 6-12 that inspire critical thinking, stimulate lively, civil discussions and motivate students to research further.  The teaching units include Teachers’ Guides, discussion questions, vocabulary lists, activities, quizzes, and more. Its library of more than 120 video teaching units, courses and Teachable Moments contains everything needed to lead a lesson on various subjects, from world and U.S. history to science, economics, and government/civics. Two Current Events lessons are also available each school day, including vocabulary words and higher-level discussion questions.

izzit.org is also the exclusive producer and distributor of educational resources on the U.S. Constitution for the new 3-hour PBS television series, A More or Less Perfect Union, A Personal Exploration by Judge Douglas Ginsburg.  izzit.org has created an interactive on-line course, The U.S. Constitution & Black History, that is also suitable for lifelong learners. Additionally, there are over 10 stand-alone videos including Becoming Equal Under the Law which looks at how the Constitution was changed over the years to better represent how “All Men are Created Equal.”

“izzit.org has been an invaluable partner to classroom teachers and homeschool parents for more than a decade,” said izzit.org President/CEO Rob Chatfield. “Over 400,000 educators have registered with izzit.org and you can find an izzit.org video lesson in nearly half of the public high schools and middle schools in America.  With the extraordinary circumstance of nationwide school closures, we wanted to let parents and teachers alike know that we’ve got them covered.  Educators often tell us about the profound classroom discussions that take place and the a-ha moments students experience after viewing our videos. And above all, teachers appreciate that our teaching units are – and always have been – available at no cost. That’s why we’ve said izzit.org is the best substitute teaching plan you never knew you needed.”

izzit.org teaching units are available via streaming or downloading directly from izzit.org. U.S. classroom educators can opt to receive a free DVD version as well.

About izzit.org:
izzit.org specializes in creating free, standards-aligned content for teachers that fosters critical thinking and respectful debate among students. A recent independent survey by a Dun & Bradstreet subsidiary estimates izzit.org’s educational materials are currently creating more than 11.3 million views per year. Results from over 30,000 recent quizzes taken by middle and high school students show izzit.org video lessons have an exceptional 76 percent comprehension rate.  izzit.org also offers a Current Events service, complete with two daily articles, discussion questions, and vocabulary, all at no cost to educators. Each school year, U.S.-based classroom educators can receive one free DVD from izzit.org’s library as well as unlimited downloads and streaming. For more information, visit the website, www.izzit.org.

For Further Information:       
HAWKINS PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marjory Hawkins  |  512.838-6324
mhawkins@hawkinspr.com

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HSLDA Releases ‘Quick Start’ Guide to Homeschool in Light of COVID-19

Purcellville, March 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — March 3, 2020

PURCELLVILLE, Va.— The Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit organization, and for over 37 years has led the homeschooling movement to make homeschooling possible and to protect the rights of Americans to homeschool in all 50 states and territories. The emergence of COVID-19 in Washington State is already closing schools, and more cases of the virus are continuing to be identified in the United States.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent news of the deaths from COVID-19,” said HSLDA president Mike Smith.

As school officials and parents look for the best way to protect children’s health, many learning options are readily available. Education is not necessarily limited to traditional classrooms—and homeschooling can be a great alternative.

“For those Americans needing to transition to educating their children at home, we created a Quick Start guide to homeschooling that will help you get started right away,” said Mike Smith.

Homeschooling allows learning to happen in a variety of settings and ways. Many kids thrive when their curriculum is customized to their strengths and needs—and when they are equipped to explore their passions and talents, at their own pace.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released a report in October 2019 that says home education has become an increasingly popular choice in America, with more families homeschooling than ever before. Between 1999 and 2016, the number of homeschool families nearly doubled, from 850,000 students to 1.7 million.

“Homeschooling allows parents to mentor their children to become caring, responsible adults who give back to their community and their world,” Smith said. “Kids who have experienced bullying or other types of trauma often thrive when they are given the freedom to learn in a safe, loving environment.”

HSLDA’s attorneys help parents, school officials, and legislators understand sometimes complex state homeschooling laws. Our educational consultants customize guidance for parents on questions from special needs to creating high school transcripts for college. HSLDA Online Academy offers live, interactive subject courses for grades 7–12 from math to writing and even coding. For homeschoolers in need, HSLDA offers grants to purchase curriculum and other educational materials.

HSLDA makes homeschooling possible by protecting homeschooling families and equipping them to provide the best educational experience for their children. We have been trusted since 1983 to care for homeschooling families as we safeguard their freedom and secure the future of home education.

Quick start homeschool link: www.hslda.org/quickstart

Follow us on the following:

Sandra Kim
HSLDA
540-338-8864
sandrak@hslda.org
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Virtual Curriculum Provider, Starpoint Academy, is Exclusively Serving Homeschoolers and Special Needs/Disability Students and Providers

Columbus, OH, September 30, 2019 –(PR.com)– As Homeschooling continues to grow in the United States and Internationally, the need for a curriculum specifically customized for Homeschool parents and students is vital to support this quickly growing population. With over 17 years of experience in the online curriculum industry, Starpoint has recognized the need for and focus on customized and flexible curriculum programs for homeschool families and Special Needs/Disability students.

As the active homeschool parents of five, Tim and NiQui Chatfield developed Starpoint Academy and Starpoint Partners to keep up with the exponential growth of the worldwide homeschool and special needs communities. Starpoint evolved utilizing their experience as the founders of Progress Academy, also the managers of a non-profit homeschool association (HECLC) for the state of Ohio and an online social media site, Fusefly, just for homeschool families.

“Starpoint has a ‘how can we’ attitude, because we understand that parents and educators working with students needing flexibility to allow learning – not just deliver education. From customizing all courses and curriculum, to eliminating deadlines – we create an environment rich in experiences and exploration for the already eager students,” said co-founder NiQui Chatfield about the benefits of Starpoint. She also points out that, “Excellence in customer experience and training sets Starpoint apart from most providers in the market.”

Starpoint created their online learning community, Starpoint Academy and Starpoint Partners, has welcomed, enrolled, and provided services to thousands of students in every state of the U.S. and in over 40 different countries. They continue to grow from positive word-of-mouth and a presence at nationwide Homeschooling and Special Needs/Disability events. Starpoint reaches the Homeschool and Special Needs community by offering each student the safe, secure online environment they need; specific student, parent, and teacher accounts allow each person a very unique and customized experience.

About Starpoint Academy / Starpoint Partners

Starpoint Academy/Partners is a curriculum provider and management company serving Homeschoolers and Special Needs/Disability students, families, schools and organizations around the world. This innovative program provides customized curriculum and an extremely flexible implementation program for all stakeholders.

Contact Information

Starpoint Academy
Ann Campbell
614-355-0100
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