Explain what HTML coding is. Before students can try to use HTML coding, they must grasp the concept of what it is, and why Web designers use it. Explain that a computer scientist developed it in 1990 to help computers communicate with each other on the Internet. Explain that HTML uses "tags" and its own special language to help Web browsers like Internet Explorer display text, images or other graphics.
View model websites. Ask students to visit an age-appropriate website. After they are online, tell them to click on View, then Page Source (Internet Explorer) or View Source (Safari). (If you are using a different Web browser, simply look for the menu item that mentions Source or Source code.) After the source window pops out, point out the different tags and lines of codes used to create the website. Have students work with a partner to discuss which tags or codes relate to what they see on the finished website.
Model basic HTML coding using TextEdit (Mac) or Notepad (PC). After students understand what page designers use HTML for and what it looks like, have them follow along with you as you use a projector or interactive white board to model the creation of a basic Web page using simple HTML coding. During this step, distribute a clear, easy-to-follow handout that includes basic coding tags. Students will be able to use this handout as reference as they complete the next step.
Begin independent practice. Ask students to practice creating Web pages in a simple text-editing program. For instance, start by creating a bold title and then adding a simple paragraph underneath the title. Ask students to save the file with an .htm or .html extension. They will then be able to open the file in their Web browser.
Practice and revise. As students become more comfortable and more skilled with HTML coding, they can begin adding code for different fonts, headings, images, colors and other graphics. Eventually, the goal is to have students create a website that is ready to be hosted on a "live" domain.