I support over 330 students in grades preK-1 in a suburban school setting. My students use technology in meaningful ways to learn, reflect, collaborate and share.
My students range in age from 4 to 7 years old.
They come from every background that can be imagined. However, more and more, our students are coming to school with less advantages regarding income level and world experiences. Giving them opportunities to learn with technology will help equalize the playing field for them.
My Project
Through the use of visual coding blocks, young kids can learn to code! Coding helps students strengthen their problem-solving skills and logical thinking & helps students learn how to check for details and how to persist at a task. Also, coding projects are often completed in teams so coding also strengthens kids collaborating skills. Students will use the Osmo system's physical blocks with code symbols on them to write a code. When their code is correct, the Osmo program will run correctly on their iPad. These kinds of coding projects are great for younger students because they allow them to physically manipulate the code, bridging the gap between their concrete level of brain development and the abstract concept of coding.
My goal is to start our smallest learners on their path to competing in a society that is yet to even be imagined.
We don't know what kinds of jobs will be available to students in 15+ years when they finish their formal education. However, we do know that they will involve technology, critical problem solving, creative thinking, communication and collaboration. Coding for kids can do just that!
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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. Richeson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
