BANANA TALES: TEACHER NOTES

Computer Science Education Week

overview

Teach students Python as they help a baby monkey catch bananas. This is an hour-long coding course designed for 6th-8th graders. The goal of the game is to get the banana to the monkey by clearing a path and overcoming obstacles along the way. Every few challenges, new animals are introduced to help create a path for the banana to get to the monkey. After students write their code, they will click on the banana to get it moving. Hints and tips are included along the way!

Get the full teacher notes

To host an hour of code with Banana Tales, you don't need any prior coding experience. All you need to do is read the following detailed teacher notes below, which explain everything from A to Z!

specifications

python coding course
No matter how much or little coding experience you and your students have, CodeMonkey is engaging, entertaining & educational

ABOUT BANANA TALES

THE HOUR-LONG VERSION

21 levels

In an hour, students will progress through 21 fun coding challenges

CodeMonkey rat

6th - 8th GRADE

Banana Tales is perfect for middle schoolers.

LEARN PYTHON

Students will learn Python, a widely-used programming language

CodeMonkey chicken

easy to follow

The platform is intuitive and instructions are easy to follow

how to host an hour of code

codemonkey banana

STEP 1: PREP

Go through as many coding challenges as you can to get familiar with the program. We also recommend reading the Banana Tales full teacher notes before.

codemonkey banana

STEP 2: PRINT

Print out certificates for your students to take home. Students who have their own email can request a certificate at the end of the hour of code.

codemonkey banana

STEP 3: WRITE

Write www.codemonkey.com/hour-of-code/banana-tales on the board so students know where to begin.

codemonkey banana

STEP 5: DISCUSS

Discuss the following topics:
- Computer Science: the art of blending human ideas and digital tools to create
- Program: a set of instructions for your computer to follow.
- Commands: what you use to build a program

codemonkey banana

STEP 6: START

Instruct students to go to the link and click on ‘Start Playing’ to get started.

codemonkey banana

STEP 7: GO BEYOND!

Continue the fun with the full Banana Tales course.
Read more below:

FAQ

Banana Tales uses the programming language of Python. Python is a widely-used coding language that is intuitive and easy to use. Python’s libraries of ready-made code, English-like mechanisms and various uses make it a clear choice for computer programmers.

The activity starts off with very simple tasks in order to gradually teach students different aspects of coding in Python.​ For more information, read the full Banana Tales teacher notes here.

Yes, you can print out certificates for your students to take home. Students who have their own email address can request a certificate at the end of the hour of code. If not, you can print certificates out here.

Ask them to help classmates who are having trouble or start a new activity here.

Encourage them to carefully read the instructions and double check their code if something is not working. They can also ask a friend for help.

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