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Part 1
For all the children who did not win a golden ticket, use the materials provided to design your favourite scene and character from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Resources: card board, glitter, scissors, glue, twistable’s, googly eyes, recyclable materials such as bottle tops, string, old clothes
Part 2
The research has demonstrated that computational thinking is an essential skill needed in the 21st century. The skills include recognition of patterns, conceptualisation, planning, and problem solving as well as abstract thinking to find a solution to a problem. This article highlights the importance of introducing these skills in early childhood to ensure they are developed thorough out the formative years.
It is vital that countries introduce CT experiences into the classroom so that children are ready for active participation in the digital jobs market. It is highlighted that there are barriers in translating these skills in the classroom setting, including but not limited to the budget required, instructional time as well as teachers not being trained in the area. This needs to be addressed to ensure educators better understand the classroom of today. Despite studies claiming far reaching benefits of integrating CT skills into the classroom, the research is in its infancy. As technology becomes a reality of society today, it is important that the mathematics curriculum encompasses the CT skills too. The article discussed the idea that children learn best through the medium of play to the point where if the lessons are creative they won’t even know that they are learning. When programming is taught with a playful approach, children are not afraid to make mistakes.
The article illustrated that you should get children to create something easily, then over time the project can become more difficult with a variety of learning styles this will broaden and develop their skills. Within this article many types of programmes are mentioned but there may be a cost associated with them. Not all schools will have the funding to invest large amounts of money in these items. Teachers can use lunch breaks to put the likes of Numberbots on for children as they eat which are especially designed media tv to promote computational thinking.
Programmable robotics kits allow young children to explore the foundations of computer science in a hands-on way. If your school does not have the funding for expensive resources unplugged activities can be an excellent way to acquire the computational skills. These can include engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. The idea of a ‘makerspace’ is becoming more common place in school settings with children learning perseverance, creativity and persistence through a dedicated space. It is important to invest in CT tools that support children as creators with technology rather than as consumers of technology.
Findings from a recent study of 21 countries in Europe reported that coding is already part of the curriculum at a national, regional, or local level in 16 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region, countries such as Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China have all launched national curricular reforms to address the current movement in CT education with Australia and New Zealand working on changing their curricula to include computer science and digital technologies. Findings from the article discussed the idea of linking with parents to explore ways in which parents can help foster CT skills through every day play. In the younger years it is vital to select tools for children who are unable to read and write.
In conclusion, the theories and research reviewed and analysed point towards childhood as being a critical time in developing natural curiosity and fostering CT skills and there is a growing demand on curriculum developers to incorporate these skills in the schools.