How can I get my students more engaged with coding projects when they have varying levels of experience and prior knowledge?

I totally get where you're coming from - it can be really tough to balance the needs of students with different levels of experience and prior knowledge in a coding class. In my experience, one thing that's helped me a lot is to offer a range of projects that cater to different skill levels. For example, you could have a main project that's more challenging, and then offer smaller "side projects" that are more manageable for students who are just starting out.

I've also found it helpful to have regular one-on-one check-ins with my students to see how they're doing and identify areas where they need extra support. This way, you can tailor your teaching to meet the needs of each student and make sure they're not feeling overwhelmed or left behind. It's also a good idea to use online resources like Codepen or GitHub to showcase student work and encourage students to learn from each other.

As for assessing your students' skills, I've used tools like GitHub's Student Pack to help me do this. It provides a range of resources and assessments that can help you identify areas where your students need extra support. You can also use online platforms like FreeCodeCamp to help your students earn certifications and badges, which can be a great motivator for students who are struggling.

Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of making your teaching flexible and adaptable. Be open to adjusting your lesson plans and teaching style as needed, and don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from other teachers or online communities. Good luck with your class - I hope these suggestions help!