![]() Many “unplugged” activities can also be used to teach basic coding concepts. #Sphero edu simon says codeWhat if you don’t have robots? We began our coding instruction using the free resources on the Hour of Code website. Some children didn’t think they were learning because they were having fun! All were eager to demonstrate something they had programmed on the robot. Save time to gather together and share their thoughts if at all possible. It’s all part of the learning process.Įnd each class with a summary. You don’t have to know all the answers! Ask how they got to this point, and have them ask each other for ideas. Be prepared by experimenting ahead of time, but accept that children will try different things. Repeat classes allow you to go beyond the initial playful period to more directed tasks and deeper understanding.Įxpect the unexpected. We had to balance repetition with keeping classes small to allow for hands-on experience. Repeat sessions with the same group allows for deeper learning. Social exchange - learning to take turns, ask questions, and try another person’s ideas - IS learning. Robots are exciting! It’s natural for kids to want to play, so allow time for non-directed experimentation. #Sphero edu simon says for freeThey are the programmers capable and smarter than the robot, which can only do what they instruct it to do - no more, no less.Īllow time for free play. The activity also reinforced the idea that the children are in control. This classic demonstration of following step-by-step instructions was very effective, if occasionally a bit messy. We introduced the concept of coding by having students program adults to complete a familiar task: making a jelly sandwich. ![]() We encouraged children to practice problem solving skills, discussing what worked and what didn’t, and making changes if time allowed. We emphasized basic coding concepts and the engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, create, test and improve, then share results. We met one of the main goals–increasing interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math)–right away, as most students had no prior hands-on experiences with robotics. The intrinsic appeal of learning with robots instantly captured students’ attention. ![]() During June and July of 2017, we collaborated with the Westerville City Schools Summer Intervention program to visit 3rd and 4th graders–many of whom had never been to a public library– to introduce students to basic coding with our new robot partners. But we also wanted to reach children who might never make it to the public library. ![]() Earlier this year, the Westerville Public Library was awarded a LSTA Summer Library Program Grant through the State Library of Ohio that allowed us to purchase robots (Kibo, Dash & Dot, and Sphero SPRK+) to extend our already popular in-house technology programs. ![]()
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