Computational Thinking and Foundational Coding in First Grade
Mastering Romeo and Juliet with Marymount School
Computational Thinking and Foundational Coding in First Grade
First graders learn the elements of programming using Ozobots, pocketsized, programmable robots. In a screen-free approach, the boys use color codes that they draw in patterns with special markers to program the Ozobots. The small robots feature downward-facing optical sensors(“ eyes”) that detect, follow, and react to the lines and color codes drawn on the paper. By including a variety of color sequences and patterns, the boys can program the Ozobot’ s speed, type of movement, and direction.
With this technology tool, first graders build logical computational thinking skills and are introduced in an engaging, concrete way to foundational coding concepts.
As they guide their robots through challenges— adjusting code, refining steps, and rethinking strategy, they learn how even small choices shape larger outcomes, and how to solve problems by working together.
Mastering Romeo and Juliet with Marymount School
As a culminating experience to their study of Romeo and Juliet, eighth graders participated in a foursession workshop with students from Marymount. The boys and girls explored ways to bring the play to life as they learned about aspects of Shakespearean performance, including stage combat, rhythmic speech using iambic pentameter, and masquerade. During the final session, they performed an incident from the play using the techniques they learned, for an audience of their peers.
60 • Saint David’ s Magazine