As we wrap up the national Hour of Code week, we would like to spotlight November’s TLP-C presenter, Erin Weleski. Erin is an ELL teacher at Polk Elementary, and a TLP graduate. Coding is the language we use to tell computer how to do the things we need them to do. Some coding programs create buttons to make it easier for us to tell command computer to do certain activities. Erin shared with us her thinking on wanting to integrate coding activities with with curriculum content. During the TLP-C session, Erin shared great goal-oriented and open-ended coding resources: code.org, Robot School, Daisy the Dinosaur and Move the Turtle, Scratch Jr.
Erin then shared with the activity she did with her students using Scratch jr while working through a nonfiction unit and how-to books. Basic coding matched well with this unit and explaining steps in a process.
Scratch and Scratch jr. is a great resources for teachers in all subject areas and grade levels to check out. If you haven’t tried coding, listen to this TLP-C session, and feel confident in trying coding out for yourself.
Erin, thank you so much for your presentation. I have tried different code applications with my ELLs. It is such a great tool to teach not only the coding skills needed, but also to practice vocabulary skills. I truly enjoyed learning about how you integrated language development (non fiction unit) and the how to books for non fiction writing. What an excellent idea! I am looking forward to uses these ideas in my lessons.
My students really enjoy using coding. The interesting thing is that most of them make so many mistakes, but this is not a deterrent. They are still so eager to try again, thinking of another possible solution. This feature alone makes the program so worth it.
Scratch is a great interactive tool that realy appeals to young minds. It appeals to a lot of the trial and error approaches youngest use with many other programs. By making the activity on their own ,they really do have a story that htey want to share. I think that you could really practive open and closed interrogative questions this this, too. No matter what happens, each students will be different. Great stuff.
Most memorable presentation for me. Thank you for sharing this information and inspiring me to get my 5 year old coding. I had no idea!!! They love it and feel so proud when they complete a code. I really like what the presenter said as well, “it really levels the playing field.” Everyone can do it!!
The coding opportunities are very exciting for students- and I think it’s something kids can relate to. I’ve just read about coding boot camps that provide very concentrated training to supplement or even substitute for more formal extensive (and expensive) computer studies degree programs. It’s great to start kids young and encourage them in this direction.
Kyle did another training with the 7th grade science teachers on coding at GW. I’m excited to see the kids experience this. Since everything that the students are doing at home seems to be technology related, I believe that they will like the challenge of figuring out the different codes.