Week 2: Website Design

by | Sep 15, 2025 | Website Design Class

Website Structure & Planning

  • Recap: What is WordPress?
    WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that allows anyone to easily build and manage websites, ranging from blogs to eCommerce stores, without needing to write code. 
  • Review students website idea.

Scripture

  •  Habakkuk 2:2 (HCSB) – “The LORD answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it.”
     → Tie-in: Just like in scripture, planning clearly before building helps others understand your vision — for a prophecy and for a website.

Quick prayer for creativity and clarity.

Website Structure Basics

What is a Website?
  • Pages vs. Posts:

    1. Pages: Static content (Home, About, Contact).

    2. Posts: Blog articles or updates.

  • Common website sections:

    1. Header, navigation menu, body content, footer.

  • Core pages most websites have:

    1. Home

    2. About

    3. Contact

    4. Services/Products (or Gallery/Portfolio)

    5. Blog (optional)
Planning a Sitemap
  • Explain a sitemap: a visual plan of your website’s pages.

     

  • Show an example sitemap (drawn on whiteboard or projected).

     

  • Discuss why sitemaps are important for:

     

    • User experience.

       

    • Search engines (SEO).

       

Staying organized during building.

Introduction to WordPress
    • Explain what WordPress is:

      • Content Management System (CMS) that powers 40%+ of all websites.

      • Allows you to build sites without needing advanced coding.

    • Difference between:

      • WordPress.org (self-hosted)

      • WordPress.com (hosted service)

    • Live Demo: Log in to the demo WordPress dashboard and point out:

      • Dashboard

      • Posts vs. Pages

      • Appearance (Themes)

      • Plugins

    Settings

    Class Activity – Create Your Sitemap
      • Students sketch their website’s sitemap on paper:

        1. Start with Home page at the top.

        2. Branch out to 3–5 main pages.

        3. If any pages have subpages (e.g., Services > Photography, Design), include them.

      • Teacher circulates to help refine ideas so the site is realistic to build in class.

      Optional: Students color-code their pages (core, optional, blog).

      Homework
      1. Finalize sitemap for your website.

      2. Write introductory text for your Home and About pages (1–2 short paragraphs each).

      Gather at least 5 more images for your site, related to your topic.