Intro to Coding for Kinder & Special Needs Students

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 99

Wow! My kindergarten students had a great learning experience in utilizing Code-A-Pillar.  The students had to utilize many skills to complete the tasks set before them with Code-A-Pillar.  The students worked in teams which required communication, critical thinking and team work. The first task the students were given was to add links to the Code-A-Pillar in such a way that the device followed a path taped on the floor.   I had 9 different paths for the Code-A-Pillar to follow, so they were always engaged in solving the pathway problem. 

As I wanted to integrate a literacy component into the Code-A-Pillar activities, I read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to the students.  The students now had to have the Code-A-Pillar collect the “paper fruit” in the correct order as the caterpillar did in the story.   This was a fun activity integrating story sequencing with sequencing in coding.  

This activity allowed the students to understand the importance of the correct sequence of directions when giving directions.  After completing these activities, the students were introduced to the Hour of Code.  The Hour of code requires students to solve mazes on a computer screen by placing arrows in the correct sequence.  This year the students understood this concept quicker.  I believe this was due to the hands on physical activity with Code-A-Pillar. 

My classroom was impacted in such a positive manner due the funding of the project, I believe the students began to develop stronger communication and team working skills.  In addition, they were more successful in solving maze coding problems on the computer due to their hands on activity.   I know my future students will gain the same skills when they utilize Code-A-Pillar.