Local Army Vet Brings 1st Toledo Code Ninjas to Teach Kids Coding

Toledo OH

15 December, 2020

5:19 PM

Description

Say the words, “video game” and your kids are bound to stop and listen. The local owner of a new Code Ninjas, a learning center that opened Dec. 12 at 4024 N. Holland Sylvania Rd., Ste. 11, know that video games aren’t only fun, but educational. Code Ninjas will serve the local area by teaching children computer coding and problem solving skills while having fun building video games. The Sylvania location is owned and operated by local Army veteran and Anthony Wayne High School graduate Michael Betz. Originally learning how to code on the Apple II, Betz went into the IT field after his military service in 1992. Betz knew the importance of learning how to code and taught his children that skill throughout their childhood. After coming across Code Ninjas, Betz interest was sparked and he decided opening his own business. “Code Ninjas allows kids to learn a valuable skill, but they’ll be able to have fun, play video games and meet other like-minded children along the way,” said Betz. “STEM education teaches kids so many life skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking, and I’m happy to share my passion with my neighbors in Sylvania.” Sylvania children ages 7-14 can look forward to visiting the new Code Ninjas center to learn how to code in a fun, safe, and social learning environment where gaming is celebrated, and STEM is cool. Everything about Code Ninjas is built around fun, which keeps kids coming back. But the center also provides the results that parents are looking for, as their children gain coding and problem-solving skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future. Code Ninjas accomplishes this with a robust, game-based curriculum made up of nine belts, just like martial arts. The curriculum is self-paced, but not self-taught; kids get immediate help and encouragement from Code Senseis and fellow students as they advance from white to black belt. The program keeps kids motivated with little wins along the way, and “Belt-Up” celebrations where they receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time a child finishes the program, they will publish an app in an app store. To ensure the safety of all children, parents and workers, Code Ninjas is taking extra precautions. Devices, tables, door handles, bathrooms, and other frequently-used surfaces are sanitized throughout the day. Workspaces and equipment, including keyboards and monitors will also be cleaned between every student session. All students and staff have their temperature taken prior to admittance into the building and there is an increased distance between individual workstations in the dojo, as well as careful monitoring and enforcement of no-contact interactions. Code Ninjas offers a variety of opportunities for children to get involved, including a flexible weeknight drop-in program, camps and Parents Night Out events on weekends. For more information about Code Ninjas Sylvania, please visit codeninjas.com or call 419-605-0970.