Hillside Teacher Builds Coding Library For Students Using Grant In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A $750 mini grant from the Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan is helping expand coding and STEM learning at Hillside Intermediate School in Bridgewater-Raritan.

Christina King, a technology teacher at Hillside Intermediate School, received the Education Foundation’s Mini Grant to create a Little Coders Library.

The new collection is being used in her classroom to support lessons in coding, engineering, robotics and design.

"Receiving this coding library grant has truly been such a valuable addition to my technology classroom at Hillside Intermediate School," she said. "The books and resources have helped create an even greater excitement for coding, engineering, robotics, and design within the classroom."

The Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to support grants, scholarships and other district initiatives not covered by the school district budget.

The organization includes school district staff, board of education members and community residents. The foundation has provided 22 grants to Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District staff this school year.

King said the library is also helping her develop new classroom activities.

"I personally use many of the books as inspiration and reference materials when creating new coding and 3D design projects for my students. The library has helped me introduce fresh ideas and engaging activities that allow students to be creative while building important problem-solving and technology skills. It has become an important part of planning meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students," she said.

Students are also able to use the collection on their own, according to King.

"The students also have access to the library themselves. It gives them the chance to explore topics they are genuinely curious about, including coding, engineering, computer history, game design, and other STEM-related subjects," said King. "One of my favorite parts of the collection is that it also includes coding-themed novels that make technology feel exciting and relatable for this age group. My thought is that students who may not initially see themselves as 'tech kids' can be drawn in through these books and become more confident trying new things."

King also described the broader effect of the grant on the school’s technology program.

"This grant has helped strengthen a culture of curiosity, creativity, and innovation at Hillside," said King. "I am incredibly grateful for the support and for the lasting impact this grant will continue to have on the technology program at Hillside School.