Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a class.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Finding things to do with kids is HARD.  Nowadays its even harder.  Where is safe? What protocols do they have in place?  Is the activity worthwhile?  Here at RNYM as you know we love to explore all the extracurricular options available to us in our area, and that’s how we found Code Ninjas Norwood NJ.  

Located just over the border on 303  in NJ, it’s nestled in a little shopping center.  When we walked in we were greeted right away and out temperatures were taken.  We were then asked to sanitize our hands and walked around a bit. 

The dojo is located in a “parent free zone” which is good firstly for bodies in an area, and so that the kids are free to learn without fear of parents putting pressure on them.  This is also great for parents because it is so easy to reserve your time, drop your child(ren) off and return when time is up.  (What? I might be able to run an errand child free?!)  Oh yeah and because the kids work at their own pace, my 7 year old and my 10 year old can attend at the SAME time on their different levels.  You don’t have to reserve separate times and run around all evening!

To attend a class you call, text, or email to reserve your spot.  There is no set “class time” you can come and go anytime during their hours (which fits nicely if your kids do multiple things). This is one way that they make sure they are not crowded.  The kids attend for 1-2 hours per week.  Once the kids go in you can clearly see that the work stations are set up 6 ft or more from one another.  I watched as the Sensei’s sanitized these stations and other equipment between users.  

What are they learning?  Great question.  As the name suggests Code Ninjas teaches kids how to code.  They play “games” and complete activities that teach them how to create actual code.  By the time our one hour was complete both of my children had written their own games, AND had STEM time.  STEM time is an opportunity for the kids to get up and stretch their legs.  They work with remote control cars, drones, the 3D printer or a different type of video game if they choose.  This was nice, especially because my kids were able to sit undisturbed and complete the games they built (they were so into it) with assistance from the Senseis, and when they were done, they appreciated being able to get up and move about. 

Speaking of the Senseis, they are college and HS students who are high performing students, and either major in computer science or education.  They have all gone through the entire program themselves, and can help the kids as they navigate through the levels.  They circulate the room helping the kids get started, and then come over to their work stations if they raise their hands and ask for help.  It’s all one on one help, no large group instruction for these classes.  In fact, they can tailor a program so much, that they are even able to cater to students with various disabilities including but not limited to physical, learning or spectrum disorders.  They have students who fit all the criteria, and after a conversation with parents regarding your specific child’s needs, they are off to the races.  

My kids were SO excited to show me their games when they had completed them.  They each fit their personalities perfectly.  The sense of accomplishment was so obvious.  When they were all done, we were able to catch a belt ceremony too.  These ceremonies happen just like in martial arts.  When a student passes a level, they are awarded a certificate, a new colored wristband with a personalized RF chip in it, they get to ring the gong, and move their name up into a new section in the waiting area for all to see their progress.  I wish I could have taken photos, this child was also BEAMING ear to ear.   I am a big fan of these promotion programs, because it makes the progress that your child is making tangible and gives them the opportunity to celebrate.  

It’s exactly like their motto “Kids have fun, parents see results.”  On our way home we called my brother in law, who creates websites and apps for a living to tell him what they had done.  He was SUPER impressed.  My KIDS LOVED THIS CLASS, and are begging me to continue on with lessons.  So much so that my daughter did her weekly writing for school all about the experience.  

Her game was titled “Diamond Fish” because she enjoys diamonds and fishing.

Anyone who knows (A) would expect the dragon involved in his game, but maybe not the bowl of cheese doodles?

Interested and want to learn more?  They offer free 30 minute trials- after which they talk to you about how it went and whether or not they think it is a good fit for your child(ren).  Also available are BIRTHDAY PARTIES- with various game themes (think Roblox, minecraft, among us, etc), and scouting activities (both boy and girl).  They also offer various workshops for the weeks that kiddos are off of school, as well as camps.  

The Dojo we visited: 508 Livingston Street Norwood, NJ 07648  (201) 267-2633  Get Directions

Other Locations available locally:

Midland Park