Fostering Early Computational Thinking: Exploring Screen-Free Coding

Young learners at ISP are being introduced to the world of coding and computational thinking through innovative, screen-free robots: Tale-Bot and Cubetto. These hands-on tools help children as young as three years old develop essential skills in problem-solving, sequencing, and logical thinking. By engaging with these robots, students gain a tactile and intuitive understanding of programming concepts, setting the stage for future learning in technology and computer science.

Tale-Bot: Coding Through Storytelling and Play

One of the primary robots used in ISP's Early Childhood classrooms (ages 3-5) is Tale-Bot, an engaging, colourful robot designed to make coding accessible and fun. Considered as an upgrade of the beloved Bee-Bot robots, which rely on remembering sequences of button presses, Tale-Bot uses a colour-coded display that visually shows the direction and movement of the robot. This intuitive feature makes it easier for young learners to track and adjust their commands, promoting a more interactive and flexible learning experience.

In the classroom, Tale-Bot is often used with mats that feature specific paths. Students guide the robot from one point to another, programming it with a sequence of movements. Teachers structure these lessons around creative storytelling, asking students to program the robot to navigate a zoo or a fairytale setting. For example, the robot might travel from the zoo entrance to the lion exhibit and back, helping students think about the sequence of events and the spatial relationships between different locations. This storytelling approach not only teaches important coding concepts but also integrates literacy and story structure into the learning process.

"Can I make it dance? That’s my favourite!"

Alan, ECF 5 Student

Tale-Bot also supports mathematics learning by encouraging children to practise patterns and sequencing, both of which are critical for understanding early maths concepts. Moreover, the robot invites scientific inquiry by allowing students to experiment with their programming commands, testing their hypotheses and debugging the program when something doesn't go as planned. When things go wrong, children are encouraged to troubleshoot, fostering a growth mindset as they learn from mistakes.

At ISP, Tale-Bots are available for use in small groups, and with a set of 12 robots, many classrooms have the opportunity for one-to-one interaction. Students often work in pairs, enhancing collaboration and communication skills. Tale-Bot also includes a unique feature: it can record and playback audio, allowing students to add their own voices to the robot’s movements. This adds a creative layer to the learning process, enabling children to craft their own narratives and instructions.

Cubetto: A Tactile Approach to Coding

Another popular tool in ISP’s Early Childhood classrooms is Cubetto, a screen-free robot made from wood that offers a more tactile and visually engaging approach to programming. Known for its aesthetic appeal, Cubetto’s wooden design gives it a natural, inviting look, distinguishing it from the plastic construction of many other educational robots.

Instead of relying on buttons or a digital interface, Cubetto uses a physical board and tiles that represent different commands. Students arrange these tiles in a sequence on the board, and the robot follows the instructions via Bluetooth or sensors. This approach emphasises hands-on learning, allowing children to literally "build" their program by laying out the tiles like a puzzle. When the tiles are arranged correctly, students can see the robot respond in real-time, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship between their actions and the robot's movement.

"What do I like most? Making them move. Changing direction."

Lea, ECF 5 Student

Cubetto’s design provides a perfect balance of simplicity and engagement, offering a more tactile, visual way to understand sequence, direction, and logic. Like Tale-Bot, Cubetto introduces the core principles of computational thinking - but in a format that feels more like play than formal instruction. The focus is on exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning, making it an ideal tool for young children just beginning to develop their problem-solving abilities.

Bringing Computational Thinking to Life

Together, Tale-Bot and Cubetto represent a broader initiative at ISP to introduce computational thinking to young learners in a fun and accessible way. These robots help children engage with technology without the need for screens, allowing them to build foundational skills in coding and logic that will serve them well in future studies.

By using these robots, ISP students develop not only the technical skills required for programming but also the critical thinking and collaborative skills that are essential in today’s digital world. Whether they’re guiding a robot through a maze, creating a story, or experimenting with different sequences, children learn the value of logical reasoning, problem-solving, and creative expression—skills that will be invaluable as they progress in their education.

“Not only does Tale-Bot foster essential early computational thinking skills like logic and sequencing, but it's also so much fun for the students to use!”

Amy Garrett, ES Technology & Innovation Coach

At ISP, we believe that introducing coding concepts at an early age is crucial for preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Tale-Bot and Cubetto are just the beginning of our commitment to providing students with the tools they need to think critically, work collaboratively, and engage meaningfully with the world of technology.

Support the ISP Fund

The innovative educational programs at ISP, including the introduction of robots like Tale-Bot and Cubetto, are made possible by the generous support of the ISP Fund. Your donations directly contribute to enriching the learning experiences of our students, ensuring they have access to the latest tools and resources for success. Together, we can empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators.
 

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