I have been currently working on ideas for 'unplugged' activities to teach programming concepts. Using the typical visual programming blocks that one would encounter in Scratch or Blockly, I created my own enlarged versions which could be laminated and used as a whole class activity or for students to play with on their desk.
In the early years and within visual programming apps for young children (ages 5-7), symbols play a large part for this age group. Therefore, I thought that the same idea could be applied, where symbols are created on large card and can be manipulated on the whiteboard or on desks. This can form the basis for activities where students play with the symbols and develop a sequence of steps (either to identify movement of something or to provide instructions for another to follow).
In both examples, I have identified different things such as locations, factors or actions. These are important as when you reach visual programming environments, children will be using 'events' and 'variables'. In a whole class discussion, children could come up with their own variables and events.
Don't forget to use colours to identify different blocks! Colour plays an important part in visual programming environments and the easy identification of blocks. You might have your own colours, have children pick suitable colours or decide to base them on a visual programming environment you intend to use.
I will continue to explore this idea further and post any updates and thoughts!
Don't forget to use colours to identify different blocks! Colour plays an important part in visual programming environments and the easy identification of blocks. You might have your own colours, have children pick suitable colours or decide to base them on a visual programming environment you intend to use.
I will continue to explore this idea further and post any updates and thoughts!