Coding Unplugged
You can teach the fundamentals of computer science whether you have computers in your classroom or not! Check out these great Unplugged resources from CODE.org.
CODE.org also offers lots of great coding activities for Hour of Code. Students can choose from their favourite characters and learn the fundamentals of coding with R2D2, Anna and Elsa, Moana, or in the world of Minecraft. These activities can be done in any internet browser (including on iPad).
Coding with iPad
There are lots of great apps that you can use on iPad that make coding feel like a game. Some can even be used with students who are not yet reading. We tried many different apps, and these were our favourites:
In Box Island kids learn about loops and conditionals through a fun and challenging game. Box Island's Hour of Code is available for free. In Box Island you can change the language to French if you like!
LightBot Hour of Code allows you to try LightBot for free. Solve 20 Levels of puzzles using programming logic. LightBot Hour of Code allows you to switch the language to French.
Cargo Bot is a challenging series of logic puzzles. Even many adults are stumped by some of the puzzles in this game! An interesting side note is that Cargo Bot was coded entirely on an iPad.
Students as young as 4 can program their own interactive stories and games with Scratch Jr. You can download free activity pages to help you get started from the Scratch Jr website.
Swift Playgrounds uses the Swift programming language, and is a great bridge for students who want to graduate to more advanced coding. The app requires a fair amount of reading, but as long as students are comfortable with the reading level of the app the programming is approachable in the Junior grades. If you want more help getting started, check out the free book on the iBooks store.
Coding beyond iPad
Each LKDSB school has two Dash and Dot Wonder Packs available! You can use Blockly and Path to help students develop their coding skills. If you want to code Dash and Dot in French, check out the Blocklify and Blocklify 4 Kids apps! Blocklify also had additional math functions for older students that you won't find in Blockly. Are you looking for even more ideas for Dash and Dot? Check out the Hour of Code resources on the Wonder Workshop site! Want even more? We wrote about Dash and Dot here a couple of weeks ago!
OSMO offers its own app and set of physical blocks that allow younger students to manipulate physical objects to build their code.
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