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Kodable is not only a great way to introduce elementary students to computer science, but it’s also a great way for students to build and reinforce other key learnings.
How? Because Kodable requires students to use logical thinking, creativity, and problem solving skills. Skills that are also important for subjects like math and science!
But before we dive in, let’s take a step back and look at why math and science are such important subjects for early learners.
Why are math and science important for elementary students?
Learning builds on previous knowledge. Students have to learn vowel and consonant sounds to sound out a word, then learn how to string words together to read a sentence, and then learn to string sentences together to read a full paragraph.
This additive learning also happens in math. Addition and subtraction are needed to learn multiplication and division. Then these four operations become routine steps used in more advanced math problems.
Science, on the other hand, provides a great framework for learning in everyday life. Observing, predicting, and learning from experiments is useful for students to use to learn independently.
These math and science skills are incredibly useful outside of the classroom as well which is just one of the reasons why there is such a strong STEM emphasis in schools today!
Now let’s bring Kodable back into the picture.
How does Kodable help?
Play-based learning
A recent study found that play-based learning can have a more positive impact on learning new skills than more traditional learning approaches. Play-based learning involves giving students agency to explore and experiment in unstructured time with open-ended materials.
Within Kodable, students are given the opportunity to problem solve in a variety of ways. Whether they are navigating through a maze, coding a robot to care for their pet, or designing their own playable character, students continuously practice pattern recognition and apply their new skills at their own pace.
Trial and error
In Kodable levels students can test out their solution before actually using it thanks to fuzzBuzz, their own trusty hint fairy present throughout the game. This instant feedback helps students build resilience to bounce back when challenges are presented. It also helps reinforce science’s observe - predict - learn approach inside a fun game setting.
Building on previous learnings
Like how math builds on itself, Kodable does too. After being introduced to a new coding concept, students practice solving mazes using that new concept with helpful in-game tips available when they need them.
In later levels students combine previous concepts together to solve new levels. This way students are rewarded after applying and combining concepts in Kodable which can help encourage similar behavior outside of the game.
One example of this is Kodable’s Maze Maker. Here students can design and solve their own maze, applying all the coding concepts they have developed so far from in-game play.
How to get started
Ready to help build strong math and science foundations in your home or classroom? Teachers can bring Kodable into the classroom with our free education plan and parents can invest in their child’s future with parent plans.
