It makes the binary concept easy for kids understand.Ī very commonly used command in coding is “If … Then …”.
This fun coding activity lets kids code their names into necklaces using beads of different colors. But it is still helpful for kids to understand how binary codes work. Now it is still binary, but more coding programs make it a little easier so coders don’t have to write binary codes. We all know original computer codes are binary. Unplugged Activities for Computer Coding Language It is essentially a problem solving skill that is useful for any job.
This printable Debug Coding Game teaches kids how to debug. Another pattern could be he has math classes 3 times a week.ĭebug, diagnose what is wrong and correct mistakes, is an important task in coding, even more important than writing the codes. There could be more than one patterns, for example one could be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday he has Math classes. You can find a calendar, then ask kids to color the days that he has math classes with one color, and the days he has English classes with another color, then ask the child to identify the pattern. For example, you can ask the child to line up a group of blocks that to have 1 green block for every 3 yellow blocks. For young children, you can do some pattern games. For older kids, you can try this maze game, to go through the maze with clear instructions.Īn important element in coding is to find the pattern in the seemingly irregular events.
For early elementary school age kids, you can try this Hot Dog Coding Game (the download link is at the end of the article) that move the bread to the hot dog with provided coding blocks, while avoiding tables and chairs. The instructions are like these: step forward 3 steps, turn left and walk 2 steps, turn right and walk 6 steps, … When playing, remember to point out that the number of steps should be adjusted for the size of the steps. Have a child close eyes and follow the instructions from another one. Mark on the floor the starting and ending points, and set a couple obstacles on the route. This is such an important skill, not just for coding, but also for many other career fields.Ĭoding is basically a step-by-step guide for computer to accomplish a task, one practice for young children to understand coding, is to play Instructed Map Route. To see what this means, try this coding game for critical thinking skill. For younger kids, you can build it into something like a scavenger hunt, a good example is this egg hunt.Ī good computer programmer needs to be able to anticipate all potential scenarios and to incorporate all into the coding. I found this decoder is a fun activity to help kids learn the concept. One big concept in coding is the abstract thinking skill of using a symbol to represent something. I can guarantee there will be some key steps missed. Once the instruction is finished, ask another child to perform the task strictly following the instruction. After making hot dogs, you can try instructions of making a peanut butter sandwich. Kids will quickly realize it is not that easy to teach machines or someone who doesn’t have any background knowledge doing a job that is so easy for us humans or someone with prior knowledge.
You can even download a free template for your kids.Īnother unplugged activity to learn decomposition skill is this game of teaching robot making hot dogs. The article explains some key points to note and to add to the daily practice. This morning routine practice is particularly designed to prepare kids for coding. This is a skill kids can learn and practice in many daily life activities.
One of the important coding skills is to break a big task into smaller actionable steps. Learn Computer Coding without a Computer Unplugged Activities for Computer Coding Skills Today we share some off-screen activities that teach kids computer programming.
But in fact, there are many ways to learn computer coding without a computer, as many thinking and coding approach can be learned in different activities off-screen. When we think about helping kids learn computer coding, we automatically think we need a computer first. Computer coding is essentially a language that computer uses.