Pre-Schoolers Coding Playground with Parent or Grandparent Playgroup for Ages 4 – 6, Fridays at Lane Cove Library, 8 Week Program
JOIN US at Lane Cove Library with your little ones (Ages 4 – 6) for a Coding Playgrounds playgroup where you as a parent or grandparent can learn important computer concepts, sing, dance and code programs with your child or grandchild using a fun iPad app called ScratchJr.
There will be lots of unplugged (screen-free) activities as well as using ScratchJr to program creative and fun projects. It’s hands-on interactive playing, learning and coding for your little one and for you as well. It’s a playgroup with a coding twist!
What is ScratchJr?
ScratchJr is a free graphical programming app designed to teach foundational programming skills to young children ages 5-7. ScratchJr was designed by the DevTech Research Group at Tufts University and MIT’s Lifelong Kindergarten Group. Currently, ScratchJr has over 9.5 million downloads and is one of the most prominent children’s coding apps. In ScratchJr children can program their own stories and games by generating code for their characters. Children become the engineers of their own stories and are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively!
Coding Playgrounds Playgroup – Learn Powerful Computer Science Concepts
This curriculum introduces powerful ideas from engineering and computer science that are not usually highlighted in early childhood education. The term “powerful idea” refers to a concept that children can learn through a curriculum that will serve them beyond the lifetime of a specific classroom technology. In this case, the curriculum revolves around the ScratchJr iPad application. Powerful ideas may be applied to many disciplines and will be rewarding in students’ academic and personal futures. Throughout the following curriculum, both activities and lessons will seek to illustrate these powerful ideas.
The curriculum will be divided into three modules based on three interactive genres of ScratchJr-based projects. These genres are collage, story, and game. Each of these modules is comprised of two units:
1. A series of lessons that introduce ScratchJr features and programming blocks
2. An opportunity for children to create their own projects by applying concepts learned in module lessons
*** You will need to bring an iPad with the free ScratchJr app downloaded***
Importance of Coding / Programming
Computer programming or coding is a crucial skill every child should be learning.
We use computers to solve problems, play games, help us to work more effectively, perform repetitive tasks, store and recall information, create something new, and connect with our friends and the world.
Understanding how to code is empowering!
Everyone can learn to code – it’s just like solving a puzzle or a riddle.
Learn to code like a real programmer using text-based language!
“My son just loves it!. These are a wonderful set of coding courses for kids. The children are challenged, learn the fundamentals of coding different platforms, come hom bubbling and wanting to do more away from class. The key part of any review is would he go again? Well, he’s on his third course. Say no more!’ – John, Parent
“Hi Jenny, Zimo loves the computer class and will definitely continue next term.” – Yu, Parent
“Thanks Jenny. Anna has looooved her course!” – Tanya, Parent
Why kids should learn to code
Coding is fun!
Technology is becoming a part of everyday life. Every company, organisation and cause can benefit from technology. There are apps to help you buy, give, join, play, volunteer, connect, share – just about anything you can imagine.
Instead of just playing games, get kids to make their own game. They can create their own phone app!
With coding, you can bring to an idea to life by programming it on a computer.
Every program, game, system or app you know was coded using the same programming building blocks like Python which you’ll learn.
When you program, you are taking an active role in technology – you’re not just having fun, you’re making something fun!
Coding is a Valuable Job Skill
Coding is the skill of the 21st century. Jobs today require more problem-solving ability than ever before, and more and more careers involve technology as an integral requirement.
People who can program – and thus solve problems quickly and effectively – are highly valued in today’s world, and they get to do interesting, fulfilling work.
If you can code, you can solve problems.
Problem solvers have the power to make the world a better place!
Oh, the creative ScratchJr coding projects & computing concepts you’ll learn!
- Instructions, Sequences & ScratchJr
- Motion & Commands
- Green Flag, End Block, Choosing characters
- Choosing Backgrounds & Reivew of Multiple characters
- Speed
- Numbers & Repeating Sequences
- Speech Bubbles, Sounds, Pages & Wait For
- Start on Bump, Start on Tap, Send & Receive Messages, Stop
Kids Love Us:
“It is really fun. It improves my coding skills. You should join.” – Josh, 10
“I would tell my friends that it is a lot of fun and we get to learn how to code apps and websites.”
Need to ask anything about our awesome coding workshops?
Call Us: 0428 198 953
Email Us: [email protected]
Please Note:
- 1 Ticket entitles one child with an accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, nanny or carer)
- Attendees limited to a maximum of 14 pre-schoolers
- It is a coding playground to sing, dance, code, program and have fun creating interactive stories, games and coding projects.
- An accompanying adult MUST bring an iPad with the FREE ScratchJr app downloaded. THIS IS A MUST.
- We will be filming and taking photographs of the children in our workshop. By registering a child’s attendance at this workshop, parents/guardians grant Coding Workshops for Kids a perpetual licence to use the student’s work, photographs or videos of the student, and other materials for purposes such as publicising or promoting our workshops/events and the students’ accomplishments on Coding Workshops for Kids’ website or on our partners’ websites.
FAQs
I (the accompanying adult) am not familiar with coding, is this OK?
Yes, this coding playground playgroup is aimed at pre-schoolers aged 4 – 6 and for adults who are new to coding but want to learn with their child.
What do we need to bring?
You must bring an iPad with the latest FREE ScratchJr app downloaded, ready to use for programming. Also, some snacks and water for your little ones.
We have enrolled, what do we do next?
A reminder email will be sent to you a day before the workshop with all the exact venue and classroom details.
