Step-by-step guidance on how to personalize KWK slide decks to fit your teaching style and scholar needs. Use this before camp and during prep time to make slides your own while maintaining instructional coherence and KWK branding.
Accessing KWK Slide Decks
How to Customize Instructionally
Customization is about making slides work for YOU and your scholars. Start with small tweaks (add an example, adjust timing) and build confidence as you go. The more you customize thoughtfully, the more natural and effective your instruction will feel. Follow the steps below to make KWK slides fit your teaching style and scholars' needs.
Step 1: Review the Entire Lesson
Before making any changes:
Read through all slides from start to finish
Review speaker notes for instructional guidance
Check the corresponding curriculum site lesson for context
Note the lesson's learning objectives
Ask yourself:
- What are scholars supposed to learn by the end?
- What prior knowledge are we building on?
- Where might scholars struggle?
Step 2: Make a Copy
Never edit the original KWK slide deck. Always work from a copy. How to make a copy:
- Open the slide deck
- Go to File > Make a copy
- Rename it:
[Curriculum] - [Lesson Name] - [Your Name] - Example:
WD - Lesson 3: CSS Basics - Instructor A
- Save it to your camp's Team Folder > Instructor Slide Decks
Step 3: Identify What to Customize
Walk through the deck and flag slides where you want to make changes. Common customization opportunities:
Add Your Own Examples
Replace generic examples with ones that resonate with your scholars or your teaching style.
Example:
- Original slide: "Let's create a variable called
nameand set it to'Sam'"
- Your version: "Let's create a variable called
favoriteSongand set it to'Espresso'" (using a current pop culture reference)
Adjust Timing
Try-Its and Practice activities include suggested timing, but adjust based on your pacing needs.
How to adjust:
- If scholars tend to work quickly → Shorten practice time or add extension challenges
- If scholars need more support → Extend practice time and plan for a code-along
Add Checks for Understanding
Insert slides that gauge comprehension before moving forward.
Examples:
- "Turn to a partner and explain what a variable is in your own words"
- "In the chat, give me an example of when you'd use an
if/elsestatement"
- "Thumbs up if you feel confident, thumbs sideways if you're unsure, thumbs down if you're confused"
Reorder Content
If a concept builds better in a different sequence, rearrange slides.
Example: Some instructors prefer to show the final product FIRST, then break down how to build it, rather than building step-by-step.
Add Scaffolding
If a concept is complex, break it into smaller steps.
Example: Instead of one slide with all the code, create 3-4 slides that reveal the code line by line with explanations.
Remove Content
If you're short on time or something isn't relevant, delete slides.
Caution: Don't remove core learning objectives. Trim examples, not foundations.
Step 4: Add Speaker Notes
Speaker notes are YOUR teaching notes. Add reminders, prompts, or details that help you teach confidently.
What to include:
- Analogies or metaphors you want to use
- Common scholar misconceptions to address
- Questions you'll ask during this slide
- Transition language to the next concept
Step 5: Test Your Slides
Before teaching, do a full run-through:
Present the slides in Presenter View to check flow
Make sure all links work
Verify timing feels realistic
Confirm transitions make sense
How to Add KWK Branding
When creating new slides or heavily customizing existing ones, follow these guidelines to maintain KWK's visual identity.
Important: Always write "Kode With Klossy" (capitalize the W)
- Use KWK Brand Colors
- Use Proxima Nova font
- Use KWK logos sparingly (title slides, key moments, Demo Day)
- Use KWK Icons
You can find a detailed guide with the hex codes for KWK brand colors, logos, and color combinations in the KWK Brand Guide. Use the following additional resources to support your customization of KWK slides.
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