What's included
5 live meetings
2 hrs 5 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Coding and programming are how we communicate with technology. I will be offering this 5 day course at various times, so if you do not see a week that suits your family please reach out and I will work with you for a time that works for us both. This will be your child’s first introduction to coding and programming with the help of Botley, a robot. Each day we will continue to build the coding skills needed to program their robot, learning how to think ahead and in the language needed to program successfully. This would make a great STEM class. Your child will think like they are a robot in giving directions. The focus will be on how the importance of the right order and correct number of instructions to get the robot to where we want it to go! We will use the same robot each day so that your child's skills can be built upon using the same robot, they do need to have their own one to have fun and learn. A work sheet is provided so that your child can work on the directions for both their turn and others too. I would recommend laminating this or printing out many. Each session we will go over what was covered before as a reminder, and then demonstrate the moves/instructions needed that session, such as Right, Left, Forward, Backward and Transmit. Each child will tell me the instructions so the challenge can be completed in one transmission to the robot. This helps the child think through each step of the instruction in advance to make sure the robot will meet the challenge. They will also learn about the importance of being exact when coding. Your child will also be given the opportunity to help explain each challenge if they want to and if it is needed. Botley is programmed in a similar way to the Beebot that many schools use in Technology class. Your child will be able to build on the skills that they are learning in school with this Botley robot. The following outline is a guide only as we will move at the pace of the class. Day 1: Basic directions to move the robot. Day 2: Collect items in order. Day 3: Playing Soccer with and without a goalie. Day 4: Moving around a maze. Day 5: Construction- collecting blocks to make a wall and knocking it down! The class will be interactive and your child will be encouraged to join in as they feel comfortable. Your child will learn to do basic coding/programming through a fun and collaborative way. Please contact me if you want a different time to be available and I will see what can be done. I am very flexible.
Learning Goals
To program a robot using a programmer.
To think think through every step sequentially in a challenge.
To collaborate with others to meet the challenge.
Other Details
Supply List
Your child will need Botley the robot and the tiles set up before each class in a 2 by 3 grid. They will also need the accessories or some random items to stand in for accessory parts, this could be toys.
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Iowa Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Roehampton University of London
My name is Mrs. Thelen. I earned my Teaching degree in England back in 2002 and started teaching in England that same year and have continued ever since. I have also worked in Denmark, Oregon, Texas and Utah since then. I have a license to teach from the state of Utah and Iowa.
I have taught children ranging from 6 weeks to 10 years in private and public schools, I have taught all general subjects in this setting, mostly teaching 4–6-year-old and I love it!
I believe that children learn best when they are interested and engaged in the learning. I will be using fun ways to teach your child and every child will get a chance to participate in my small group setting.
I am going to also do a basic coding/programming class for children aged 4-8 using a small robot that the children will learn how to make it move and give me the instructions to fill challenges each time. The children will be thinking through each step to achieve the goal, all while having fun with technology.
I have carried out similar activities in school setting and feel it will benefit children online too. I have worked teaching kindergarten online for the ending period of 2020 school year when Covid hit and the whole of the school year starting 2020-21. During this period, I focused on making sure that along with regular subjects the children could still make connections with myself, and other children, and still be creative.
Some fun facts about me are that I love living in different places, I love creating things and I am also the second eldest of 9 children and have loved being with children all my life!
Reviews
Live Private Class
$90
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
25 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-9