Coding, Robotics, and Engineering for Young Students: A Tech Beginnings Curriculum

by Ann Gadzikowski

Coding, Robotics, and Engineering for Young Students builds foundational computer science and robotics skills and knowledge in bright Pre-K–grade 2 students. Originally developed as enrichment courses for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, this curriculum emphasizes active, hands-on, and collaborative learning. Students are challenged to learn computer science content, such as coding and robotics engineering concepts, as well as practice high-level academic skills, such as creative problem solving, computational thinking, and critical thinking. Instructional practices balance screen time with active, collaborative classroom engagement. Learning is deepened when students are challenged to navigate the transition from a virtual learning environment to a tangible learning environment. The lessons can be implemented as standalone enrichment experiences or as part of a coordinated scope and sequence that leads to higher level computer science and engineering studies.

175 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2017

About the author

Ann Gadzikowski is an author and educator with a passion for challenging children to think creatively and critically. Her recent book Creating a Beautiful Mess: Ten Essential Play Experiences for a Joyous Childhood won gold in the National Parenting Publications Awards. A graduate of the Erikson Institute, Ann has more than twenty-five years of experience as a teacher and director of early childhood programs. She is the author of curriculum books, teaching guides, classroom readers, and numerous publications for parents of young children.

Ann embraces both the arts and the sciences in her work with children. Her credentials in music and literature inform her role as executive director of Preschool of the Arts, a Reggio-Emilia inspired school in Madison, Wisconsin. Ann also developed expertise in robotics, computer science, and engineering through her work as early childhood coordinator for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. Ann is a frequent speaker at professional conferences, such as the National Association for Young Children and the National Association for Gifted Children. Ann teaches early childhood education courses at Oakton Community College and she frequently provides teacher training and consultation for schools and early childhood organizations.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A book that is meant to give criteria, almost useless without the software that is meant to accompany it. It shows a bit of what children are supposed to be learning in school, but never really gets to the meat of the subject.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coding, Robotics and Engineering for Young Students, by Ann Gadzikowski is sure to come in handy if you have a kid that likes coding. As a teacher’s manual, not a children’s book, it is structured in clear and precise detail on how to get a class of inexperienced kids up and running on computers. Surprisingly enough, it is designed for kids in Kindergarten to 2nd grade, to introduce them to current computing topics. I say “surprisingly enough” because I thought that would be too young, but after reviewing all of the topics, I agree that any child from about 5 years to 9 years old would find these activities fun and easy to learn.
There are four different tracks (like section chapters), each with four different unit lessons included. Each section is itemized with what to do: welcome/circle songs, questions for the class, learning goals, teacher resources, and a full plan on what activities would run each day of the week that the unit is taught. It slowly discusses the concepts and lessons someone can do with a class and it is definitely designed for beginners. For example, in the first chapter, four units are given: coding paths and patterns; coding and layers; learn to code loops; and coding scavenger hunt. The activities range from teacher-led to independent student projects.
The book is designed to be read by a teacher and implemented in a classroom. I read it at home and could easily figure out how to do the activities, but it is not a very exciting book to just read and follow along. The activities are mostly student-based, but with frequent breaks to compare what the students are learning with the real world. The teacher does not need any experience in teaching these topics in order to make the activities fun and engaging. As with most programs for gifted kids, there are ideas given for how to make the content different, or more challenging, depending on the student’s level.
The book includes references to several different programs such as Hour of Code, Scratch Jr., Daisy the Dinosaur and Kodable, in case kids want to do more coding on their own. One of the things I really liked was that it started on a basic level and it limited screen time for little kids – while still giving them plenty of time to work through the exercises. However, I do not recommend giving this book directly to a young student, because it is a teacher’s manual.
I would give it 5 stars for teachers and parents that are trying to teach their kids to code. However, as I am neither, I rate it 4 stars, because the title makes you think a child could pick it up and read it and learn to code, but in fact it is written strictly for teachers.
Reviewed by William G, Age 10, Mensa of Western Washington

[Benjamin Espen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

This is a complete curriculum for teaching simple programming concepts to very young, but very bright children. Since I haven't attempted to execute this program, I cannot comment on how well it works in practice. However, it does look to be well-structured, broken up into appropriate length lessons, and most importantly, fun for the kind of child who would be interested in this kind of thing.

I suspect my children would enjoy such a program, which is about the best endorsement a non-educator parent could give