Part 1:
After reading the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ to an infant class, the class could firstly complete a STEM challenge building the three houses from various materials (e.g. straw, lollipop sticks & lego blocks). Then using beebots, complete the route of the wolf visiting the various houses.
Resources:
- Houses completed from STEM challenge
- Beebots
- Direction cards
- Grid
- Costume of wolf for beebot
Part 2:
This research paper underscores the vital role of computational thinking (CT) in early childhood education. The key findings reveal that CT promotes critical skills such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and creativity, laying a foundation for future academic success and adaptability in an increasingly digital world. CT in early education helps children develop a mindset conducive to understanding complex systems and tackling challenges methodically including algorithms, modularity, control structures, representation, hardware/software, the design process and debugging
To effectively integrate CT, early childhood educators should incorporate age-appropriate, engaging activities like interactive storytelling, hands-on building projects, and introductory coding games. Emphasising play-based and inquiry-driven approaches ensures that CT concepts are accessible and enjoyable. Additionally, providing educators with ongoing professional development and sufficient resources is crucial for building their confidence and competence in teaching CT, ultimately enriching the learning experiences of young children