Beginner Programming/Coding With a Robot for Ages 7-9 (10 Week Course)

Completed by 3 learners

Ages 7-9

Live Group Class

In this 10 week course your child will learn the basics of coding with a Botley robot. Robot not needed.

Mrs. Thelen

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(115 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week, 10 weeks

2-4 learners per class

25 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

10 live meetings

4 hrs 10 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Coding and programming are how we communicate with technology.  This 10-week course is your child’s first introduction to coding and programming with the help of Botley the robot. This would make a great STEM class.
Each week we will continue to build the coding skills needed to control my robot, learning how to think ahead and in the language needed to program successfully.  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 him to go! We will use the same robot each week so that your child's skills can be built upon using the same robot, but they don’t need to have their own one to have fun and learn.
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 to other children how to do each challenge if they want to and if it is needed.
Some of the tasks we will do are to reach a goal, such as collect and transport a ball, avoid obstacles, knock down others and get around a maze!  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 with no robot needed.

The outline below is a guide of what your child will learn, but we will go at the pace of the learners. The lessons will progress at the leaner’s pace and will include:
Exploring the programmer, instruction cards and board.
Moving forward to the goal
Moving forward and turn left or right
Moving forward, turn and return to start.
Move to a goal using the taught directions.
Pick up a ball and score a goal
Travel around a maze
Travel to the goal and back again, with obstacles on the way.
Knock down obstacles along with creating their own challenges.

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.

You can try one of my one time class to see if this is a good fit for your child. If you do not see a time that fits with your schedule please reach out and we can discuss different times. I am very flexible.

***This class will require 2 or more children to run***

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

Nothing is required for this course. If you want to you can print out the link for direction cards to help your child.

2 files available upon enrollment

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Mrs. Thelen

Joined February, 2022

5.0

115reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Iowa Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education from Roehampton University of London

A Passionate Educator with a World of Experience.

Hello! I'm Mrs. Thelen, and I believe learning should be an adventure—one filled with curiosity, creativity, and fun! Since earning my teaching degree in England in 2002, I’ve had the joy of teaching children across the globe, from England and Denmark to Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Now, I teach children worldwide through Outschool, expanding my reach beyond the classroom. With teaching certifications in the UK, Utah, and Iowa, I’ve worked with young learners from six weeks to ten years old, primarily focusing on children ages 4–6. Teaching is not just my profession—it’s my passion.
I know that children learn best when they are fully engaged and excited about the subject. That’s why I design interactive, hands-on experiences that encourage participation in a small-group setting and one on one.
Right now, I’m especially excited about my coding/programming classes for children ages 4–8! Using a small robot, students tackle engaging challenges that teach them how to give instructions, solve problems, and think step by step—all while having fun with technology.
Teaching online has been an invaluable experience for me. During the 2020–21 school year, I worked with kindergartners in a virtual setting, ensuring that—beyond academic subjects—children could continue building connections, developing creativity, and enjoying a sense of community. That experience now shapes the way I design my online classes, ensuring your child feels engaged, supported, and excited to learn.
I've always loved being around children—it’s been a natural part of my life as the second eldest of nine siblings! My love for teaching, creating, and exploring new places has shaped the way I approach education, making every lesson an exciting journey. I can’t wait to share my enthusiasm and creativity with your child, helping them learn in a way that’s engaging, fun, and meaningful!