Secret Coders Chapter 3- last chapter!

Summary

In this engaging read-aloud of 'Secret Coders' by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes, the story follows characters Josh and Annie as they navigate the challenges of their quirky school, uncovering secrets through programming. The duo learns to use commands to control a robot turtle, leading them to a mysterious portal that reveals the school's hidden magic. As they tackle obstacles and confront authority figures, themes of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance shine through. This final chapter culminates in a challenge that invites readers to explore coding further, paving the way for the next adventure in the series.

Takeaways

• 😀 The read-aloud session focuses on the graphic novel 'Secret Coders' by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes, published by First Second Publishing.
• 😀 The chapter begins with instructions for a turtle in a programming context, highlighting basic coding commands like 'forward' and 'right.'
• 😀 The protagonist faces challenges at school, including a conflict with the yard duty teacher and principal, emphasizing the school environment's pressures.
• 😀 The concept of a 'path portal' is introduced, showcasing a blend of coding and creativity in solving problems.
• 😀 The characters deal with personal issues, such as family dynamics and self-identity, reflecting their emotional journeys.
• 😀 The programming concepts are illustrated through visual representations, enhancing the understanding of how commands affect the turtle's movement.
• 😀 The narrative explores the theme of friendship and collaboration as characters decide to work together on their coding challenges.
• 😀 The importance of learning from mistakes is emphasized, particularly in the context of basketball and adapting to new environments.
• 😀 The transcript hints at a mystery involving a secret passageway and the potential for adventure, engaging readers in a quest-like scenario.
• 😀 A sequel, 'Secret Coders: Paths and Portals,' is mentioned, encouraging readers to explore further adventures in the series.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the read-aloud session?

The read-aloud session focuses on the graphic novel 'Secret Coders' by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes, specifically starting from chapter 61.

What programming concept is introduced with the turtle in the story?

The programming concept introduced is the use of commands for a turtle to follow, such as 'forward', 'right', 'left', and 'repeat', which are used to control the turtle's movements.

Who is Principal Dean, and how is he portrayed in the story?

Principal Dean is portrayed as a creepy figure who interrupts important calls and is unsympathetic to the students, reflecting a strict and unpleasant authority figure in the school.

What consequence does the character Hopper face after an incident at school?

Hopper faces a punishment of three weeks of trash duty as a consequence of an incident during lunch where he was involved in a confrontation.

What is the significance of the 'repeat' command in the turtle program?

The 'repeat' command allows the turtle to execute a set of instructions multiple times, which is crucial for creating complex movements, such as walking in a hexagon.

How does Annie connect her experience in basketball to her family situation?

Annie connects her basketball experience to her family situation by expressing a desire to excel in basketball, hoping that it might lead to her father's return after he left the family following a fight.

What is the 'path portal' mentioned in the story?

The 'path portal' is an invention by Mr. B, which allows access to a secret area if the turtle follows a specific path of tiles correctly.

What dilemma do the characters face when they find the secret passageway?

The characters are faced with the decision to explore the secret passageway, weighing their curiosity against the potential dangers, including the presence of Mr. B.

What role does teamwork play in the characters' adventure?

Teamwork is crucial as the characters must collaborate and share ideas to write the correct program that allows the turtle to navigate the path portal and succeed in their quest.

What themes are explored in the narrative of 'Secret Coders'?

Themes explored include friendship, the challenges of fitting into a new environment, authority figures in school, and the intersection of technology with problem-solving.