It's Never too Early to Teach Coding!

Outline

I. Introduction (1-2 minutes)

Brief overview of the importance of early coding education.
Engage the audience with a quick icebreaker: "Share your favorite childhood game or toy related to learning."
II. Understanding Coding Concepts (3-4 minutes)

Present key coding concepts (e.g., algorithms, sequencing, automation).
Use visuals and examples from everyday life to illustrate concepts.
Audience Engagement: Quick poll
III. Tools for Teaching Coding (7-8 minutes)

Overview of coding tools: Botley, Sphero Mini, Ozobot, Coding Critters, and Lego Spike Essential.
Demonstrate each tool with a brief video or live demo.
Audience Engagement: Pair participants to discuss their experiences or expectations with each tool.
IV. Hands-On Activities (7-8 minutes)

Divide attendees into small groups, each focusing on one tool.

V. Integrating Coding into the Curriculum (3-4minutes)

Discuss strategies for incorporating coding into various subjects and grade levels.
Present examples of cross-curricular coding projects.
Audience Engagement: Open the floor for participants to share how they currently integrate technology in their classrooms.
VI. Reflecting (3-4 minutes)

Highlight the importance of inclusive coding education.
Share best practices for adapting activities for diverse learners.

VII. Q&A Session (3-4 minutes)

Open the floor for questions and discussions.
Encourage participants to share insights or challenges they face in teaching coding.
VIII. Conclusion and Takeaways (5 minutes)

Recap key points covered in the session.
Provide participants with a resource packet (links, lesson plans, tool guides) to take home.
Audience Engagement: End with a final reflection question: "What is one new idea you will implement in your teaching practice?"

Supporting research

Supporting Research:

“The Impact of Computer Programming on Student Learning” - This study explores how learning coding enhances problem-solving skills and critical thinking among young learners.

Source: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED605267
“Coding as a Literacy: The Role of Computer Programming in Education” - This paper discusses the significance of coding as a fundamental literacy in the 21st century.

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335678234_Coding_as_a_Literacy_The_Role_of_Computer_Programming_in_Education
“The Importance of Teaching Coding in Schools” - An article that outlines the cognitive and social benefits of teaching coding to children, including fostering creativity and collaboration.

Source: https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-teaching-coding-schools
“Early Exposure to Coding and its Impact on Students” - This research highlights the benefits of introducing coding concepts to students at an early age and its long-term effects on their academic performance.

Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.00001/full
Websites:

Code.org - A comprehensive resource for educators that offers free coding curricula and professional development for teaching coding in K-12 schools.

Website: https://code.org/
Scratch - An educational platform that provides resources for teaching coding concepts through creative projects aimed at young learners.

Website: https://scratch.mit.edu/
CS Unplugged - A collection of free learning activities that teach computer science concepts using games, puzzles, and physical activities without requiring a computer.

Website: https://csunplugged.org/
Kodable - An educational platform designed for young children to learn coding through fun games and activities, along with resources for teachers.

Website: https://www.kodable.com/
Hour of Code - A global movement to introduce coding to students of all ages, offering various activities and resources for teachers to get started.

Website: https://hourofcode.com/
Including these research studies and websites will provide your audience with credible resources to further explore the benefits of early coding education and how to implement it effectively in their classrooms.