Pattern Languages: Design Thinking for Kids

Notice what works. Name it. Reuse it.

Pattern Languages introduces students to design thinking through everyday systems: rooms, websites, stories, apps, routines, games, and communities. Students learn to observe what works, name it, and reuse it—building a "pattern library" of solutions that can be applied creatively. It's a course in "seeing structure" in the world around you.

Writing is the output: students describe patterns clearly, give examples, and test them by designing small artifacts. They learn that good design is often repeatable thinking—solutions that show up again and again because they solve real human problems. Students also learn how to notice failures: confusing layout, weak story structure, frustrating rules—and how to redesign.

The result is stronger writing, sharper thinking, and better creative problem solving. Students leave with a personal library of patterns they can use in school projects, creative writing, basic product thinking, and everyday life.

Key Points

Build a "pattern library" by observing what works in real systems
Practice clear explanatory writing: define, exemplify, and apply patterns
Create small designs (story, room, routine, game) to test ideas in practice
Learn to diagnose and redesign confusing or ineffective systems

What You'll Learn

1

Core seminar + guided practice

2

Student-led research and writing

3

Feedback loops and revision cycles

4

Portfolio-ready final deliverable

Choose Your Path

Select the level of support that works best for your learning style and goals.

Just the Course

Pattern Languages: Design Thinking for Kids

$14

per session

$112 for 8 sessions

- Live online instruction
- Interactive coursework
- Community Q&A

Pod Learning

$36

per course

- Online or In-person
- Small group cohorts
- Feedback on submissions
- Weekly live sessions

Select a Pod

1:1 Enrichment

$58

starting at

- Dedicated coaching
- Custom pacing plan
- Partner instructors nationwide

Join a Pod

Pods are small learning groups that meet regularly to work through the course together. Choose a rigor level and schedule that fits your needs.

Pod enrollment is coming soon! Sign up for a course tier to get notified when pods are available.