Our students are avid users and consumers of technology. Isn’t it time that they see themselves as the next technological innovators, too? Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student is the beginner’s guide for K-12 educators who want to learn to integrate the basics of computer science into their curriculum. Readers will find
Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student is a great book for teachers who are coding novices. This text is written in plain, understandable language that makes jumping into coding a lot less intimidating. The authors made sure to include information for all grade levels from kindergarten through high school, which makes this book very versatile.
I really enjoyed about that this book had activities and lesson plans that you could try with your class. These all included the website and a QR code to easily reach the site. As I read through through each chapter, I tried to implement the activities with my class. The very first activity that served as a “warm-up” was a game on the ABCya website. This is kid-based website, so I assumed it would be easy. As I tried out the game, I was shocked and somewhat frustrated that I couldn’t pass level two. When I had my students go on, I didn’t tell them I thought it was a hard game, but instead told them how fun it was because there were no rules and you could solve the problem any way they’d like. Many of my students surprised me by reaching level 5 by the time I gave up on level 2. Although we enjoyed all of the activities and lessons we did, a few were not on free websites, and so we were not able to try them out.
The authors of this book, Jane Krauss and Kiki Prottsman, were more than qualified to write this text and complement each other’s extensive backgrounds. Jane Krauss is a former teacher who co-wrote a book on Project-Based Learning. She focuses her time on encouraging young girls to learn computer science with the National Center for Women & Information Technology. Kiki Prottsman works for Code.org, which is a popular website for children to learn coding. She was honored with the 2013 Google RISE award for science and engineering, sits on the oard for Widner Workshop RObotics, and is a member of the Oregon Girls Collaborative Project.
Finished this a bit ago while at a state technology meeting. This book offers good insights for educators. I believe that computational thinking should be introduced to all preservice k-8 teachers.
If you've heard of computational thinking, computer science, and/or coding, you should read this book. If you've dabbled in computational thinking, computer science, and/or coding, you should read this book. If you've taught computational thinking, computer science, and/or coding, you should read this book. No matter your experience. No matter the age of the young people you teach. All teachers should understand the importance of teaching computer science to the people who will be in charge of world soon. The structure is well-done so that you can find just what you're looking for. Terms and concepts are defined to easily understand, with examples. Resources. Resources. Resources!
Great overview of computer science and how to integrate inclusive teaching practices into the classroom. Let's get more students doing computer science and having fun! A definite read for teachers looking to introduce CS into their classrooms.