We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Hi excited #ECEchat coders! Byron Gilliland here-1st grade teacher in Southeast MN! Always looking for new ways to INTEGRATE STEM and Excite Ss about their learning! Excited to learn from everyone tonight! #lilTechies#trueSTEM
Hi #ECEChat I previously taught English to #NewToCountry elementary students. Now I am a k12 Tech Integrationist with a focus on K5. I'm always searching for ways to help kids think about their thinking while sharing it with others in creative ways.
My first memories of creating with code go back to my @hansonmusic fan site in middle school with my end goal of meeting and marrying Zac. #ItDidntWork#ECEchat
Beth, School Counselor in a 5-8 building in Illinois. I’m excited to hear Coding and Robotics stories from #ECEchat!
Hope everyone’s week is off to a strong start.
A1 #ECEchat I say often when I speak about #coding “We don’t code in my classroom because it’s trendy or the new buzzword! We code because it prepares my students for THEIR FUTURE!” That’s the truth-The skills we use in #CS are essential skills in all areas- #lilTechies#trueSTEM
We have just implemented Coding this year. The vocabulary that the students learn! It is amazing. This also gets the technology into our students hands and prepare for their tomorrow! #ECEchat#codetothefuture
A1. Research from Google shows that between the ages of 12-14 there is a large decline in the interest of CS in girls. #ecechat Learn more https://t.co/GmTTOcQSC5
Exposing ss to coding & robotics is preparing them for the technological advances that are happening TODAY and TMW. We are providing ss with real world experiences 👏🏼 🌎 💕 #ECEchat
A1: It is FUN! And it provides an innovative and effective ways to teach skills to students that will help them in the future. ALL Ss can utilize in some way! #ecechat
Early childhood is a great time to expose students to coding and robotics, while teaching the foundations of computational thinking. Early exposure = increased excitement/motivation, which increases depth of learning as age increases #ecechat
A1: It is FUN! And it provides an innovative and effective ways to teach skills to students that will help them in the future. ALL Ss can utilize in some way! #ecechat
A.1 I found this stat interesting from Google and Gallup "For both boys and girls, reported learning of CS peaks at age 14 (61% and 57%, respectively), then generally drops for both groups." #ecechat learn more at https://t.co/GmTTOcQSC5
This is my favorite graphic about Computational Thinking to share with kids. We talk about what is happening in their mind as we are creating. #ecechat
A1 Early childhood is a great time to expose students to coding and robotics, while teaching the foundations of computational thinking. Early exposure = increased excitement/motivation, which increases depth of learning as age increases #ecechat
Thanks for sharing this research... at our school we’ve started the #DoganSTEM club and we’re engaging our girls through @GirlsWhoCode activities #ECEchat
A1. Research from Google shows that between the ages of 12-14 there is a large decline in the interest of CS in girls. #ecechat Learn more https://t.co/GmTTOcQSC5
This is my favorite graphic about Computational Thinking to share with kids. We talk about what is happening in their mind as we are creating. #ecechat
A1 It is about the systematic approach that it teaches. The process of learning coding/robotics is applicable to subject curriculum across all grade levels. Its not just about coding. Its about the process. Ss can use it in a million ways in their future studies/learning #ecechat
A1. To help children be creators of technology. Giving them a space to try different things as well as figure out how they work.
Inquiry, imagination and curiosity.
#ecechat
Research supports that language acquisition happens easier when students are learning the building-blocks of their first language.
Why not introduce coding then? #ECEchat
This is my favorite graphic about Computational Thinking to share with kids. We talk about what is happening in their mind as we are creating. #ecechat
Yes! I just shared a video right before the chat started showing the joy and excitement that was felt today when Kibo successfully completed a program two kindergartners made! #ecechat
A1. Exposure to experience with robotics is critical for access and equity so children feel confident to join robotics cubs as they get older and for many other reasons #ECEchat
A1: We can focus on coding & robotics in the early grades bc it is an engaging way to get students to learn (follow directions, create content relating to any subject) while having fun. Needs to be used in balance with hands-on, outdoor, social-emotional learning, etc. #ecechat
A1: Just like with other content areas, computer science needs to begin early to build foundational skills, confidence, interest and proficiency. These early experiences are critical for girls and minorities. #ECEchat
It is also a way to provide equity and level the playing field. These early positive experiences are vital to the success of our girls and minorities if they are to compete for #STEM careers in the future. #ECEchat
Questions to ponder: Would exposure in early childhood help keep students interested in CS? Could it help get more girls interested in STEM careers? How would early exposure alter the type of CS during the teen years (block vs. text, programming robot vs. building)? #ecechat
A.1 I found this stat interesting from Google and Gallup "For both boys and girls, reported learning of CS peaks at age 14 (61% and 57%, respectively), then generally drops for both groups." #ecechat learn more at https://t.co/GmTTOcQSC5
SO, so well said Nancy! I am grateful to work under the leadership of a superintendent that values equity & is expanding #STEM & programming to our historically underserved communities for this reason! @HISD_Supe 👏🏼 #ECEchat
It is also a way to provide equity and level the playing field. These early positive experiences are vital to the success of our girls and minorities if they are to compete for #STEM careers in the future. #ECEchat
A1. Research from Google shows that between the ages of 12-14 there is a large decline in the interest of CS in girls. #ecechat Learn more https://t.co/GmTTOcQSC5
A2. Big focus on #pairprogramming in classrooms. We watch this YouTube video from @codeorg as we learn how to work together. We also model what it looks like and sounds like.I try to use @safeshare_tv as much as possible when sharing videos #ecechathttps://t.co/n1DgyOfg3d
A2. #ECEchat In my classroom the Ss are using #coding concepts to help master content standards-It is not as a stand alone activity, but rather integrated in Reading, Math, etc- It’s taken time to get to this point but is amazing to see them work! #csINall#lilTechies#trueSTEM
a2) We do a lot on scratch for our first cycle of coding. The second cycle we are going to be using legos! I am excited to see it in action #ECEchat#codetothefuture
A2. Every lesson is different. We use iPads, robots, and unplugged lessons. It is important to help kids learn how to work with others, share what they are thinking, and participate in conversations. #ecechat#kidscancode#csk8
A2. Here is what it looks like when two kids are using one iPad. They sit close to each other. One is touching the iPad and the other is telling their partner what they are thinking about. They trade jobs often! #pairprogramming#ecechat
A2. Here is what it looks like when the whole class is working. I like to use the Prisma app to keep our kids anonymous when sharing photos #pairprogramming#ecechat
A1. Young learners naturally explore, create, problem solve, and tinker. When we layer on the language of Coding & computational thinking we enrich their learning and take it to a whole new level. #ECEChat
I'm no longer in the classroom, I've moved to the community. It looks like a family affair, where everyone can come code in collaboration. It's critical to families included if we want to sustain a child's interest, especially in underserved communities.
#ecechat
A2 Dropping a robot into a play area such as block corner has great value if T or assistant T can observe young children’s play so they assess what young children understand and what they need facilitation or small groups to master. Allows storytelling to take place #ECEchat
Focus on interdisciplinary lessons tied to academic standards - ex. How can we use Beebot talk about distance traveled across the U.S.? Combines social studies and math standards #ecechat
Have you looked into @CoderDojo ? Free and volunteer based! I just started one and had our local police department share how they use drones and robots. It was amazing! I am so excited for our next one! #ecechat
So true. The US Gov't. is aware of the shortage of American workers prepared for #STEM careers. There are huge populations missing: women, hispanics and people of color. We need to begin earlier. #ECEchat
A2: In our school it looks like utilizing Beebots, Ozobots, Spheros, Osmo, Tynker app and more. We get time weekly to experiment with these amazing resources. #ecechat
A2: We work with our librarian (@gravesdotaaron) a lot because that’s where we have the best access to tech. We used @ScratchJr to show animal habitats #ecechat
A2: We are able to use coding through Osmo coding. We are also lucky to have many other coding resources once a week during our play center block with our technology coach. Students loved blue bots today! #ECEchat
A3. #ECEchat 1st I stress that EVERYTHING I use in the classroom has been paid for by grants/out pocket-Not district Dash & Dot, Cubelets, Sphero, Codemaster, Robot Turtles, Scratch, Scratch Jr, Kibo Robots, Arduinos, Lego WeDo, Multiple Unplugged activities #lilTechies#trueSTEM
Storytelling is a great way to incorporate apps like @ScratchJr or any robot! It also ties into many state standards and is a great way to help others see the connection! #ecechat today we created a sequential story explaining how to create a snow man using @scratchjr
We need to leverage these resources to spark interest and build confidence early, especially in our girls. Research shows a huge drop in #STEM courses beginning in middle school. #ECEchat
We have a coding coach that comes in every other week to either co-teach or plan with our teachers! Teachers devote 1 hour to coding each week! #ECEchat#codetothefuture
So true. The US Gov't. is aware of the shortage of American workers prepared for #STEM careers. There are huge populations missing: women, hispanics and people of color. We need to begin earlier. #ECEchat
A3 I haven't tried yet in my class but will looking forward to try ideas being shared today but our 3rd grade class up to grade 6 has robotics class already #ECEchat
A3: We have a tech integration teacher that pushes into the classrooms and we can sign up to have her come help us introduce new concepts into the classroom. We correlate it STEAM and literacy. For example: using beebot to code sight words. #ecechat
A3: Making a plan-Ss plan step by step what to do in order to reach the end; apply to building something with legos; much like "If this then that" It is a conditional statement in comp. programing #ecechat
This is very concerning. Given what we know of divorce rates it is scary. A divorce is the fastest way to poverty. We need to give our girls the skills they need to compete in white/male dominated fields. #ECEchat
A3. Right now, I want to look at explore using braid and beads to help African-American girls see that they are doing early computional thinking with their hairstyle. The patterns, innovative, spacial design and you can write simple binary code with beads. #ecechat
A2: There’s nothing more fun than reading a story to ss and then empowering them to recreate their versions with Greenscreens! #ECEchat#StoryTelling#STEAM
A3: Its been fun learning new ways to incorporate new coding ideas in the classroom through @AmyLearn ! Using Beebot to find sight words or numbers is a wonderful idea. #ECEChat
A3: I liked doing some movement + coding with my PK students, before using @ScratchJr we practiced the motions with cards, like "jump", left/right, etc. #ecechat
Then I realize most kids have limited experience with a physical keyboard until school. They have only experienced touchscreen keyboards with autocorrect. #ecechat
We devote one hour a week. We have guided lessons and have video tutorials for the teachers to show students. To help them because we know teachers are not computer science teachers. They have done a fantastic job for YEAR 1 #ECEchat
It's a great tie in to Simon Says! We do it as a class then play it with our robots (Kibo in kinder) and tell our characters what to do in Scratch JR. #ecechat
A4. I find online learning opportunties quick and helpful. Twitter chats like this help me connect with others who are implementing and webinars like the latest from @CIRCLCenter on Computational Thinking help me learn about research. #ecechathttps://t.co/6YoSgG1DIk
A4: I would say by reaching out to other teachers to see what is out there surrounding the topic. I would also say sample the materials as well #ECEChat
A4. #ECEchat I love the fact that I am NOT ALWAYS the expert! Allowing Ss to teach gives them confidence! This is a motivator- In the past my 1st grade Ss have taught 3rd grade Ss #coding I have even had 1st graders deliver #PD to teachers! #Empowerment#lilTechies#trueSTEM
A4: invite your Technology Integrationist or “expert” students into your room. Check out the tech tools and have fun trying them at home first. #ECEChat
As an aspiring T and someone who hasn't started college yet... I went on https://t.co/fP1zNj8jdV last year to try the samples to get a feel for coding #ECEChat
A4: I would say by reaching out to other teachers to see what is out there surrounding the topic. I would also say sample the materials as well #ECEChat
A4: Bring in experts! Community connections! We have an enrichment block every Friday and some are Coding focused. Showing students how they might use it in a job or in their life in the future can be really inspiring! (and bonus: Austin has a bajillion tech companies) #ecechat
A4 I learned CS thru play! Downloaded a few things, played, chatted with people, read a bit, found some kids and played. You only need to know how to find the info to answer their questions and you’ll be ok. “I’m not sure. But I can help you find out” #ecechat
A4 For our littles, my approach is to hook it to prior learning, always teach and use correct Coding and programming vocabulary like de-bug for fixing an error in a code, and use the coding experience to reinforce our PreK standards. #ECEChat
A4 dangerous not call ourselves computer scientists bc we investigate and explore and experiment with computers and tech with young children. Modeling “You are a great computer scientist” for young children is important mirror moment #ecechat
I like to explore with my students together, we sit as a group and talk about the importance of coding, ipads, CS, and other topics related to technology. They really like to explore and hands on #ecechat
A5. Kinders working together to problem solve why their Kibo from @KinderLabRobot isn't performing the program they created today. One strategy we use is covering up the barcode of blocks that are not being scanned at that moment for their pair programming partner. #ecechat
A4 So much of CS is trial and error, it sets a great example for Ss to see us try, fail, and try again without becoming frustrated. It's a process, doesn't have to be perfect the 1st time. #ecechat
Yes. Shared language/vocabulary building is key! If u don’t know right away ask what we should call ___the kids will come up with something to call it! As long as all know what the thing is all in YOUR community will understand & someone outside may share the technical vocab term
Love Robot Turtles in our room! We use it CONSTANTLY as a way to connect to standards- Use extra laminating film to build transparent assessments on top of the game board #ECEchat
A4. I use Twitter as a primary resource to see what others are doing, and stay current in provided curriculum and literature - No Fear Coding by @heidi_STRETCh is a great resource! #ecechat
A5 #ECEchat#coding fosters teamwork(collaboration)- Self regulation(can be high energy and the impulse to grab a robot proves as a great teachable moment)- But I see a MAJOR correlation to PERSEVERANCE- Coding encourages Ss to stay with something to the end #lilTechies#trueSTEM
A5. Pair programming helps practice social skills and we can discuss importance of clear communication when programming a robot (bad communication/directions = poor results) #ecechat
These are some of my fave resources for #stem & #coding inspiration. No Fear Coding is a great read that really explains how to bring coding into any classroom. #ECEChat
A5: Team work-collaboration, listening to one another and having patience; self control....model by T working along side them; SEL being taught and they don't realize it, they just do it #ecechat
It is really hard for them to work together to problem solve things - I have to keep reminding them to use their words and tell, explain to their peers what they are thinking. #ECEchat
A5 nearly every example of research or practice I coded for CS or robotics in my fellowship for @FredRogersCtr@TEC_ center https://t.co/fUCXwkkV37 had a social component to the ways activities were set up. Also loads of examples of persistence and joy #ecechat
These are some of my fave resources for #stem & #coding inspiration. No Fear Coding is a great read that really explains how to bring coding into any classroom. #ECEChat
A5: Computer and science have the power to change how we learn academic content, and they can help to grow socially and emotionally since a young age #ECEchat
A5: It provides opportunities for cooperative learning, which helps students to work on problem solving, and teaches social skills and teamwork along the way. It shows them how to be a successful digital citizen in positive ways. #ecechat
@mrskalthoff@katyphinney Here's a pic from the early days of doing it... I always have some type of graphic organizer or recording your thoughts sheet to go with it... I'll post a video tomorrow... #ECEchat
A5: Great opportunities for problem solving with CS. No one answer and just becauseyours id different than mine, doesn’t make it wrong. #ECEchathttps://t.co/qNbfU1Bv5o
A5 When students work together with robotics & programing the, SEL soft skills can be endless:
Grit
Collaboration
Cooperation
Curiosity
Equality
Empathy
#ECEChat
A6. After tonight, I want to try some of the coding board games out there - like Robot Turtle, @littlecodr, and Code Monkey Island to learn how to engage students in my after school and summer program! #ecechat
