Crack the Code
Learn Coding Through Play
https://www.smore.com/2w9nb
Where it all began...
We started by messing around with some toys...
Year One
- jumped into iPad apps and Cubelets
- small group guided discoveries of both
- lots of discussion on what was happening (both among teachers and students)
- small group experimented with teaching PK students
We realized the toys weren't the most important thing...
Collaboration was good
Students wanted to figure out how Cubelets worked
Students sometimes got frustrated and didn't always know how to go about problem solving
Year Two
- started with logic: giving directions, how-to books
- "programming" a robot friend (see link below)
- playing hand games
- Dance Party!
Playing robots helped with sequencing
Students recognized the importance of giving directions in the right order
Students were still cautious and didn't want to take risks - how could we give them more experience with that?
The important thing was the mindset and thinking!
Year Three
- started with problem solving; trial and error
- tasks that require perseverance - classroom inventions
- naming their thinking - students said what was challenging, what they found easy
- writing how-to books
- block building - both free play and structured tasks
- regular reflection - both through video blogs and painted journals
We felt the important thing was to build the habits of mind BEFORE introducing coding!
Vocabulary such introduced and used through all activities:
- sequence
- persevere
- challenge yourself!
- problem solve
Questions we continue to ask on a regular basis:
- What did you decide to do differently?
- Why did you make that choice?
- What would you do differently next time?
Invention Reflection
Now it's your turn - can you make a code for others to follow?
https://youtu.be/T4SjzJZ0Ovo
Resources
The Presenters
Eve Eaton @EveGEaton eatone@sidwell.edu
Jenni Swanson Voorhees @jsvoorhees voorheesj@sidwell.edu