In kindergarten, students have been developing their computer programming skills through the use of Scratch Jr, a block-based programming application. Throughout the year, students started making simple algorithms and sequences using movement and looping blocks. As we approach the end of the year, students are now coding events and conditions (“if statements”). They are now producing programs where characters, or sprites, respond to each other and send messages to each other.
Our first-grade students have been using Code.org to hone their programming skills, including sequential algorithms, loops, and conditional statements. Recently, we started learning about different types of events by having a Dance Party! The series of lessons focuses on creating events to program sprites to perform different series of dance moves, changing their environment, and the properties of each sprite. Good vibes are flowing in our first-grade classrooms.
Our second graders have now been introduced to Code Combat, an adventure-based programming platform. We finalized our course on Code.org, where students used block-based coding to create their programs. In Code Combat, students will now be able to see what is behind the coding blocks. They will now be briefly introduced to Python, one of the most used programming languages. Students are excited to embark on their new adventure through Code Combat!
Our last spotlight is on the third graders, who recently began their Robotics journey through the use of LEGO Spike Learning System. As a class, we learned how to connect and program the main components of the system, such as the motors and sensors. They have now been placed in working groups to solve different guided prompts. Not only are they putting into practice the programming skills they have learned throughout the year, but they are also learning how to work effectively as a team, using healthy communication to solve the tasks at hand.