We’ve selected these resources as a starting point for kindergarten & first graders with no previous exposure to computer science (coding/programming/etc). Many of the exercises can be repeated multiple times to reiterate problem solving techniques.
Our biggest goal at this age is to encourage trial and error. The experience shouldn’t be frustrating; instead, we focus on making incremental changes to get the desired outcome. We also encourage students to run their code as often as necessary to solve the puzzle.
Increasing order of difficulty
- Drag and Drop Challenge – studio.code.org/s/pre-express/stage/4/puzzle/3
- Angry Birds – studio.code.org/s/pre-express/stage/7/puzzle/4
- Star Wars – studio.code.org/s/pre-express/stage/8/puzzle/1
- Spelling Challenge – studio.code.org/s/pre-express/stage/14/puzzle/1
Other Resources
Our YouTube Channel – We’ve created several free videos to walkthrough some of the puzzles from above and activities in Scratch Jr. from below.
Scratch Jr – Free app for iOS, Android, and ChromeOS – Allows your students to use the ideas learned above in their own creative programming environment. They can add characters and backgrounds to program their own games and animations. Here are some free examples of projects in Scratch Jr: www.scratchjr.org/teach/activities
Tynker – Free app for iOS, Android, and ChromeOS (also a website tynker.com). Limited number of free puzzles similar to the links listed above.
LightBot Code Hour – Free app for iOS and Android. Three-dimensional puzzles similar to the links above.
Additional Coding Resources
Enrollment Now Open
Choose from online and in-person coding courses for young learners, K-6, designed to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers with transferrable skills across all subjects.