Wildcat Workshop @ Marian Anderson School 

KINDERGARTEN

Navigating Our Neighborhood

Essential Questions

Key Projects


March 2024

We practiced sequencing and using loops and conditionals in code using Code Beaver. Code Beaver builds upon some of what we learned from Code Monkey. We first discussed each level as a whole class to learn the new concepts together. Then, we practiced one-on-one and with partners.

A number of students also continued participating in an after school Scratch coding class with Penn Engineers. 

We also chose which skills we wanted to keep getting better at:

 

February 2024

We practiced sequencing and creating a program using Kubo robots. Students created a set of steps for the robot to follow. Then, they ran the programs with Kubo on the neighborhood map.

We also chose which skills we wanted to keep getting better at:

 

January 2024

We used Google Slides to create pictographs. We voted on our things to smell. (Kindergarten classes had studied the five senses earlier.) Not only were we practicing creating graphs but we were also need to know how to copy (ctrl + c) and paste (ctrl + v) images.

We practiced drawing and formatting shapes (size, fill color, border color, rotation) in Google Slides to create designs of animals and their habitats. (Kindergarteners will study habitats later this year.)

We also chose which skills we wanted to keep getting better at:

 

December 2023

We used a lot of creativity and teamwork to create mazes that a robot mouse could move through. First, we built mazes using K'NEX. Then, we practiced giving our mouse robots instructions so that it went exactly where we needed it to go.

We practiced sequencing and using loops and conditionals in code using Kodable. As some of us got more comfortable with the coding, we were able to help our classmates.

 

November 2023

We continued practicing using loops in code. A loop is a repeated pattern. We sang a song about patterns and discussed why we would need to use a loop in code. Then, we practiced creating loops using code.org. We also practiced helping a partner if they got stuck with a particular coding challenge.

We gained more familiarity with our keyboards by matching images of keys to their locations. Then, we categorized and counted the types of each kind of key: letters, numbers, symbols, and actions.

We also chose which skills we wanted to keep getting better at:

 

October 2023

We continued practicing typing lowercase letters using Letter Leaper and Popcorn Typer. We also continued using our clicking and dragging with our trackpads using digital coloring and puzzle pages. (These sites have banner advertisements. Most of the ads are blocked by district filters. We discussed the difference between page content and ads.)

We practiced giving directions—that is, coding and creating an algorithm—in code.org. We’re helping an Ice Age squirrel get to an acorn, an “angry bird” catch a pig, and BB8 collect some scrap metal.

As we continue to explore creating algorithms and giving directions, we drew a story map that a robot mouse could navigate. We brainstormed things a mouse would want (e.g., food, fun) and things a mouse would want to avoid (e.g., trap, cat). We then programmed our robot mice to navigate our story maps.

We practiced sequencing and creating algorithms as a whole class using Code Monkey. Then, we worked independently with Code Monkey. The second level of Code Monkey asked us to use loops, or repeated patterns of code. 

 

September 2023

We drew about and shared what we do when we use a computer, tablet, and/or phone. Mr. Smith helped us write down a description of our drawings. We realized that some of us enjoy doing some of the same things! 

We also practiced logging into our Chromebooks with our usernames and passwords.

We practiced navigating to Google Classroom. On Google Classroom, we practiced clicking links that Mr. Smith has posted. One of those links was for code.org. On code.org, we can practice dragging and dropping things on the screen using our trackpad and mouse.

We also practiced typing lowercase letters using Letter Leaper.