Many times, things just don’t work out the first time. It takes that trial and error to learn how to get it right.
This is perhaps the most valuable lesson that comes from learning to code. However, it can be a very difficult lesson – especially for students who are neurodiverse or who have other learning differences.
Mary Bless, library media specialist at Miriam Lower/Middle School, said she starts coding with even the youngest students. The younger classes use education.com, but they usually start with offline work with step-by-step directions and movements.
Older Miriam students use code.org, and they begin learning about debugging – or fixing mistakes in the code. “I try to reinforce the idea that the way we learn is to make mistakes,” Bless said. “I set the expectation that it will be challenging, and they should expect to make mistakes.”
Some students really struggle with the trial-and-error approach. Bless tries to make coding as accessible as possible for students by providing the extra support needed or letting students solve problems as a group. She believes coding is valuable enough that the extra support is necessary.
Some adaptations that might help students with special needs include coding with the use of visual blocks, voice-activated coding, physical coding (using hardware components), and gamification.
“The trial and error that inherently happens with coding is very beneficial for kids who learn differently,” Bless said. “It’s engaging enough that they will hopefully continue to try, even if they experience frustration.”
Bless hopes this persistence will carry over to other aspects of their schooling and life that might be challenging.
Early exposure to coding can also help develop logical thinking skills, as well as foster creativity, innovation and confidence. For older students, coding and other computer learning can provide practical skills that could lead to employment options post-high school.
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Lucy and I had the privilege of visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We were among hundreds of people from around the world who had gathered to pay our respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Standing in that sacred space on a day dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, during the week of the presidential inauguration, provided a powerful day of reflection.
Your child needs a tutor. Maybe they are struggling to learn to read as a first-grader, or perhaps they need a little help to make it through geometry in high school. Where do you start?
Wishing you a very happy beginning to 2025! Miriam School, although covered in glistening snow, is bustling with our students’ return to school and the promise of all of the good things that happen here throughout our winter months.
At Miriam School and Learning Center, the mission is clear: help children with special educational needs unlock their full potential. The K-12 educational institution draws on more than 60 years of experience in the field to provide a highly personalized learning environment that brings the best in every child.
Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago.
A steady stream of power tools could be heard from the woodworking class, held in the science lab. The rhythm of the Electric Slide and other slide dance songs echoed from the gym, filling the air with energy and movement.
Miriam Learning Center is continually working to address needs in the community regarding students with learning differences. It’s no secret that we, as a society, are in the midst of a teacher shortage – and special education teachers are in even shorter supply. Enter Miriam’s Gen Ed to Special Ed teacher training program!
Wishing you a very blessed and joyful holiday season. Many wonderful events have happened in our organization over the last month as we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. I had the pleasure of hosting two Community Coffees at both campuses to introduce our strategic plan.
Students at Miriam School and Learning Center learn differently, as classes provide individualized curriculum that often includes integrated speech and occupational therapy. At the high school, which is home to 40 students, teachers and staff place a major emphasis on preparing students for life after high school.
Four high school musicians have joined an after-school club led by Travis Lewis from Jazz St. Louis. They’ve formed a rhythm section – drums, bass, guitar and keyboard – with a jazz focus but also encompassing other music that is of interest to the students.
As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates.
Miriam Learning Center, an integral part of Miriam School and Learning Center, is excited to announce the expansion of its specialized services into St. Charles County. This expansion will provide critical tutoring and testing services for students with diverse learning needs.
At Miriam, magic isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. Choosing our mascot, Miriam Magic, was a decision that was heartfelt and symbolic.
Many Miriam Lower/Middle School students will dribble their way to new skills this month – skills they can use both on and off the basketball court.
Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.