Coding for Kindergarten and 1st Grade-Coding With Interlocking Building Bricks

Computers are everywhere and they are being run by code. This 5 day course will provide exposure and hands on practice to the terminology and understanding of coding principles in a hands-on, screen free and unplugged manner. The learner will gain understanding that one is communicating when writing computer code. In addition to coding terminology the learner will gain persistence, organization, patience, and focus. Topics covered include sorting, patterns, binary patterns and the binary alphabet. 

Day 1: Sorting
Learners will understand their components: interlocking bricks. The bricks will be sorted by color first. Colors and counting will be practiced. As learners demonstrate proficiency sorting by two traits will be introduced; color and size. 

Day 2:  Patterns
Coding involves a lot of pattern recognition.  In binary all information is relayed in ones and zeroes, so the computer needs to recognize the pattern and equate that to the meaning.  So after sorting is done we need to work on patterns. ABABAB patterns will be practiced first. Next will come ABCABCABC and ABACABACABAC patterns. Challenge and extension in patterns will be offered based on learner ability and need. 

Day 3:  Assign Meaning to Patterns
Now that patterns are understood it is time to assign meaning to our patterns.  We will practice a pattern which represents letters in the alphabet. A single blue brick represents A. Two represent B. Three represent C, and so on. We will use this code to write out a word. We will also practice how computers know when a word ends by inserting a different color brick to create a break code. If all our letters are represented with a blue brick we will insert a yellow brick to show where a letter ends. 

Day 4:  Using Pattern Parameters
We will practice creating the alphabet letters using 5 bricks of two different colors. This way a computer would know that each set of five bricks represents a letter without needing a break code. I will provide a model and learners can copy as needed.

Day 5:  Create Code
Learners will be challenged to use the interlocking bricks in their own way. A blank pattern sheet will be provided to use if needed. Can they use six bricks to represent each letter?  Can they create codes for whole words? The sky is the limit.

This class is structured as teacher facilitated with learners engaged in a hands-on manner to practice the skills. I will teach via demonstration and modeling. Learners will be encouraged to demonstrate each activity with their own interlocking bricks. The teacher will provide support, redirection and praise frequently. The lessons and activities are scaffolded and build on each other throughout the class. 

My teaching style is interactive and engaging. I see myself as the facilitator and the classroom is inclusive and safe. Learners are encouraged to share their work on their camera, ask questions of me and their classmates, and to take safe risks while mastering the content. 

Learners will interact with the teacher and classmates regularly throughout the class. I will guide learners as they work and allow ample opportunities for verbal and non verbal communication. 

It will be helpful for learners to know the English Alphabet for this class.