Coding Begins

This week all of our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms got their start with Code.org lessons.  We started with mini-lesson of "unplugged" activities, learning the word "algorithm" and practicing writing out steps (as arrows) to move a Flurb around a grid. We learned there is more than 1 way to solve a problem (usually more than 1 algorithm that will work) although some methods may be more efficient than others (takes less steps).  After using paper & markers we moved to using our campus Chromebooks and logging into code.org through our library website.  Each class has a link and each student has their own account so that their progress can be saved and they can continue their work later. As an educator I am really loving watching the students work through the code lessons. With the accomplishment of each new puzzle students are clearly feeling that proud sense of accomplishment. And I am seeing them work though some struggles, problem-solving, and pull out their logical thinking and perseverance.