Created with Code

The idea of coding can bring a lot of different images of who is a coder.  An adult sitting behind a computer is an image that pops into my head.  A kindergartner was not someone that I would label as a coder.  Solon has been working hard to break down this label of coding is only for adults.  Many students around Solon have been participating in coding events at a variety of different age groups. It has been so amazing to watch Solon's youngest students, the kindergarteners in Mrs. Dibble’s class, write code as part of Code.org’s new K-5 curriculum.

The curriculum is very easy to implement because the lesson plans are broken down and easy to understand.  They include unplugged activities, which break down vocabulary, and also include assessments.  The lessons are also linked to Common Core and technology standards.

Many of the lessons begin with an introductory video that links coding to real-world examples.  The kindergarteners view each coding activity as a puzzle and they have a lot of fun when they solve them, usually ending in a celebratory happy dance.

Many of the skills the students are practicing link with problem-solving, critical thinking, and endurance, but also math and literacy skills as well.  In one lesson, students created stories by writing code to include different characters, actions and words.  Check out the kindergarteners’ code stories here.  

Coding can seem like an intimidating task to begin.  Code.org makes it easy to begin and has four different courses ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade.  If you are interested in exploring Code.org’s curriculum, please contact me, I’d be happy to get your class started on their journey with coding.

- Contribution from Amber Bridge, Grant Wood AEA Technology Consultant. Want to share what is going on in your class or collaborate on a technology project?  Feel to to contact me