Books for Coding

During Semester 1,  Megan and I have decided to incorporate coding activities into our library lessons. Our library lessons are 3 weekly rotations of Recreational Reading, Inquiry Learning and Technology + X. Here are our outlines of our lessons for Term 1: Term 1 Lower Primary Plan, Term 1 Middle Primary Plan, Term 1 Upper Primary Plan

Of course, many students enjoy these activities in our Makerspace or relaxing in the library enjoying the books. The following books we have used or are using to stimulate ideas which link to learning how to code.

Cumputer & Coding bookThis was a great interactive ‘lift the flap’ book which we used with small groups to challenge each other on terms and knowledge about computers and coding…..lots of fun. There are also follow up tips and resources online.

Lift the Flap Computers and Coding Usborne Site

 

HelloRuby

This book was a huge hit with our little people……they enjoyed Ruby’s quest and along the way they tried many of the wonderful ‘unplugged’ activities in the back of the book. There are again many resources on the website

Hello Ruby Adventures in Coding

 

Ruby booleans

Using the terrific activities from the back of the book we made cards and games. This was understanding Booleans and the girls used toys from our puppet theatre to make statements which other students had to either hold up a card of ‘true’ or ‘false’…..lots of fun and learning!

 

 

AdalovelaceLoved this book to engage the middle to upper primary girls. After reading the story the girls did research on Lord Byron (even recited some of his poems) and Ada Lovelace. We then discussed and looked at the history of computers followed up with binary games and the binary magic trick

Binary Card Game Online

 

OfficialScratchJRFabulous new book to assist with projects using ScratchJr. Great to help teachers, parents and students to create animations, stories and games. Clear and easy to follow. Although I just love letting the little ones have fun and find out things for themselves this book helps when students want to know a little more! At the end it helps students to make the transition to Scratch.

 

code for beginners

This book has projects to get started in Scratch. Drawing, sounds, stories, games and advanced games. There is a list of all the blocks used in every menu at the back with explanations of what each does.

Usborne Quicklinks to Book

 

Scratch Book1

 

These books I used way back to get started with projects….told in story form and then program to continue the story!

 

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Scratch2rOur collection is growing. We, of course, use many fiction and non-fiction books as stimulus  for the girls to create stories, games and animations using code in different applications.

 

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Jackie Child
Jackie Child has been teaching primary aged students for 40 years in a number of countries. She is passionate about how children learn through constructivist pedagogy. She is a Teacher Librarian at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School and a sessional tutor at Griffith University for pre-service teachers. Jackie doesn’t believe in standing still, there is always plenty to ‘do’ and learn!