As a Library Media Specialist, most of us are certified K-12.  When it comes to working with PreK students, if we don’t have a specific background in working with them, it can feel daunting.  This is especially true when it comes to teaching them library media content. After all, just the process of borrowing books takes a long time to teach!

This is one reason why it may feel overwhelming to teach PreK students coding. I have always been of the belief that any child can do anything.  The trick is figuring out how to make it developmentally appropriate.  

After developing a scope and sequence for the coding units I would teach PreK – 5, I knew that the place to start with PreK students was teaching them what coding is. This is a great place to start with PreK. One is because coding can be related to following directions. Computer code is commands. Computers have to follow the commands; unless they have a bug. Following directions and/or staying on task can be hard for PreK students, so this is a great fun way to do that!

Throughout the unit, I have a lot of fun songs, activities, and tools for them to use and choose from. Over the years, I have collected a variety of Energizers and found ways to connect them to coding. Even the older kids love them!

Their favorite things to do though is to use the tools they know and love! Hands down, the most popular tool we use when coding is the Design & Drill! So much so that I have to bring in my son’s whenever I teach this unit so that there are two available for students.

Below are the hottest and most frequent items we use in PreK coding! (Affiliate Alert)

I have to say, one of the hardest things is to get them to do the actual coding and not play! I learned from an awesome PreK teacher / PreK Coordinator to tell them that first they have to do XYZ and then they can free build. This, along with enlisting student volunteers to manage the stations has been super helpful with keeping them on task!

Have you ventured into coding with your younger Library Learners? What have you discovered? Share your experiences below!