“Don’t touch my file!” is a familiar refrain on team projects. Git replaces panic with process. We introduce students to commits as safe checkpoints and branches as sandboxes for bold ideas. If something breaks, we roll back calmly. With that safety net in place, students are more willing to explore alternatives and compare outcomes—exactly the kind of thinking we want to foster.
To make collaboration real, we simulate small team workflows. Students open pull requests, leave specific feedback, and merge changes with intent. The tone is respectful and constructive: celebrate what’s working, suggest improvements, and ask good questions. Along the way, they learn to narrate their choices in commit messages and to manage scope like professionals.
Most importantly, Git produces a visible trail of growth. Repositories turn into living portfolios that showcase design iterations, testing discipline, and perseverance. Parents and students love seeing progress captured over time—proof that engineering habits are taking root.
