Coding and computer programming for First Graders? Yes! It can be done and will be possible through the use of an iPad and Wonder Workshop's Dash and Dot robots.
Albert Einstein said, "Play is the highest form of research." We are ready to do some serious research and learning in our classroom!
I teach in a Title I school where almost 65% of the students are free or reduced price lunch.
The majority of my students eat both breakfast and lunch everyday from our school cafeteria.
My classroom consists of 18 bright-eyed First Grade students, who vary in their abilities. In my classroom, I teach inclusion students, who have specific learning disabilities, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students, and general education students. Even though my students differ in background knowledge, capabilities, and interests, they each have their own special talents and come to school ready and eager to learn.
My Project
We need Wonder Workshop's Dash and Dot robots along with the iPad mini to create a student work center to use during our weekly Innovation Stations along with many other lessons.
The technology will be paired together to create STEM activities and allow for simple computer programming. I will use the iPad and Dash and Dot robots to create and expand students’ problem solving abilities along with using the technology for practical and fun learning through discovery.
Students will learn through play and hands-on interaction with the robots and the programming system, which will be controlled by the iPad mini. The Dash and Dot robot package also includes many lesson plan resources that are aligned to our national and Florida state standards and can be used not only during Innovation Stations, but also during other lessons in math, science, and language arts. This will help foster a sense of student communication, collaboration, and digital literacy in the classroom.
Technology is here to stay.
Dash and Dot will help make learning fun and engaging. By introducing coding, programming, and robotics tasks to my first grade students through engaging lessons and group collaborations, I hope to see my students develop a love for learning toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Phillips and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
