Imagine kindergarteners and first graders building computer programs – not with lines of complex code, but with vibrant building blocks! This is exactly how Fisher teaching assistant Mandy Knowles introduced students to the exciting world of programming and debugging.
Instead of traditional text-based coding, these young learners used a block-based platform that made learning fun and accessible. These colorful blocks, like puzzle pieces, represented different commands like "move north," "turn east," or "move south." This visual approach allowed students to focus on the core concepts of programming, such as sequence and logic, without getting bogged down by proper syntax (think punctuation and grammar rules in writing).
The classroom buzzed with activity as students tackled various challenges:
Building programs from written instructions: Students were given a set of instructions to get Scrat the squirrel to reach the acorn. They then used the blocks to translate these instructions into a program, giving their virtual characters life.
Debugging like champions: When things didn't go according to plan, the students didn't get discouraged. They learned valuable debugging skills, like checking for missing or incorrect blocks, just like fixing a toy that doesn't work.
Reorganizing for success: Sometimes, the solution was simply rearranging the blocks in the right order. This hands-on approach helped them understand how the sequence of commands determines the outcome of the program.
Teamwork makes the dream work: The young programmers even got a taste of pair-programming to practice collaboration skills by working in pairs to solve problems and build programs together.
This introduction to coding sparked curiosity and creativity, nurtured problem-solving skills, and fostered essential teamwork abilities, all while laying the foundation for future learning in the exciting world of computer science. It is also an important step in meeting New York States’ Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards, which become mandatory next fall.
