# CodeHS JavaScript Insider: Themed Projects, Extra Help, and More!
Published: 2026-01-26
Category: Newsletter
Category URL: https://codehs.com/blog/category/newsletter
Tags: Course Insider, JavaScript
Tag URLs: Course Insider (https://codehs.com/blog/tag/course-insider), JavaScript (https://codehs.com/blog/tag/javascript)
URL: https://codehs.com/blog/codehs-javascript-insider-themed-projects-extra-help-and-more
## **šĀ Themed Projects**
Another season, another great selection of themed projects to choose from! Consider assigning one of the ones listed below to add some extra fun to your course this winter.
Here are a few JavaScript projects related to some upcoming holidays:
- [Black Tech Pioneers](https://codehs.com/curriculum/projects/proj-black-tech-pioneers-js)
- [Box of Chocolates](https://codehs.com/curriculum/projects/proj-chocolates-js)
- [Leprechaun Mischief](https://codehs.com/curriculum/projects/proj-leprechaun-mischief)
- [Karel's Shamrock Adventure](https://codehs.com/curriculum/projects/proj-shamrock-javascript)
Go to the Project Catalog
## **š§ Extra Help with Functions**
Soon, students will begin the Functions module in your JavaScript courses, where they learn parameters, return statements, and variable scope, some of the most important and commonly confused concepts. To add extra support and prevent skill fade, try starting class with an āError of the Dayā puzzle. Take a correct example or prior solution, intentionally introduce a common mistake, and have students work in teams to debug it. This helps build the careful reasoning and code tracing skills they need.
**Other quick ways to reinforce these ideas include:**
ā¢ Reviewing past solutions with āwhat if?ā questions (move a line, remove a parameter, change a return). Have students predict the outcome before testing it.
ā¢ Using warm-ups or exit tickets where students write a purpose-driven function that takes parameters, returns a value, and uses local variables. For example, writeĀ `biggest(a, b, c)`Ā to return the largest of three numbers.
## **š¤ Extension Ideas: JS Tutorials**
As the semester progresses, you may have a few advanced students who would love to dive into additional topics. Consider pointing them towards a tutorial or two, where they could learn the new concepts, apply them in their own programs, and/or teach them to the class!
Here are a handful to consider:
- [Deep Dive into Strings](https://codehs.com/tutorial/ryan/working-with-strings-in-javascript)
- [Adding Color to the Console with ANSI](https://codehs.com/tutorial/ryan/add-color-with-ansi-in-javascript)
- [Intro to Arrays](https://codehs.com/tutorial/rachel/arrays-in-javascript)
- [Intro to Objects](https://codehs.com/tutorial/ryan/basic-objects-in-javascript)
- [Introduction to Interactive Program and Game Development](https://codehs.com/tutorial/ryan/introduction-to-interactive-program-and-game-development)
Explore More
## **š ļø CodeHS Product Updates Page**
Check out ourĀ [product changelog](https://codehs.com/changelog)Ā to stay up to date with the latest features, improvements, and fixes to CodeHS. Some of the notable updates/features that you should take advantage of this year are:
- [QuizBuzz](https://codehs.com/quizbuzz)
- [AI Grading](https://codehs.com/ai_grading)
- [AI Creator](https://codehs.com/ai_creator)
- [PowerUps](https://help.codehs.com/en/articles/11272097-using-the-power-ups-app)
Check Out the Changelog
## **š§āš« Upcoming Free Webinar**
[**Developing AI Literacy**](https://codehs.intercom-clicks.com/via/e?ob=jB7YGc8qHMgVksXAGjOi%2BflcP1WHhufb8u3Warkl0d8nX5Lm5SrePffXs0Qaf2m7PGzfiN%2FsrOWGn3XDflPfwuFulLpYLa2naPADIrHQaRAFGRWC%2Bbwop0VPjow4WcOP&h=0decd4d4af8d96133086b5816abf108c094b1b7b-x13jbr4h_preview79779534)
Equip yourself with strategies to teach students about AI, its workings, limitations, and societal impact. Join the hour long webinar that guides educators on fostering AI literacy, preparing students for a tech-driven future.
Jan 27, 2026 at 5:30 - 6:30pm CT -Ā [**RSVP**](https://codehs.intercom-clicks.com/via/e?ob=jB7YGc8qHMgVksXAGjOi%2BflcP1WHhufb8u3Warkl0d8nX5Lm5SrePffXs0Qaf2m7PGzfiN%2FsrOWGn3XDflPfwuFulLpYLa2naPADIrHQaRAFGRWC%2Bbwop0VPjow4WcOP&h=0decd4d4af8d96133086b5816abf108c094b1b7b-x13jbr4h_preview79779534)
## **šļø Check Out CodeHS Pro**
CodeHS Pro has a full suite of tools to help teachers streamline their workflow and support student growth this year. Unlock access to the Fast Grade tool, student progress tracking, lesson plans, and more. Learn more about CodeHS ProĀ [here](https://codehs.com/pro).
Upgrade to Pro
## **š¬ Stay connected**
1. Follow us onĀ [X](https://twitter.com/CodeHS)Ā andĀ [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/codehs/)
2. Chat with others in theĀ [CodeHS Educators Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/CodeHSEducators)
3. Explore theĀ [CodeHS JavaScript TopicHub](https://codehs.com/curriculum/javascript)
Happy Coding! š»
ā _\- The CodeHS Team_
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