Getting Started with Computer Science in Your K-8 Classroom
The term "computer science" can sound a bit intimidating, even for those who are already tech-savvy. Many of us picture expert hackers furiously typing away at complex code, racing against the clock to complete their tasks.
But here’s the good news: teaching computer science (CS) in the classroom doesn't have to be that dramatic! You don't need to dive into complicated coding or even rely heavily on computers. The beauty of CS is that it includes a variety of skills that fit nicely into every grade and subject.
👩🏫 A Teacher's Perspective
As a former English teacher, I totally understand how daunting it can feel to think about incorporating computer science—especially if you don't have a degree or any familiarity in the subject! It's easy to fall into the mindset that incorporating the CS standards is a huge, overwhelming task. But it doesn’t have to be! You can seamlessly weave it into your own grade level and subjects.
If someone asked me to add CS standards to my ELA class, I might feel a little lost at first. It might seem like English and computer science aren’t a natural fit. Where should I even start? Integrating computer science standards into K-12 education can definitely be a challenge, but once you have a roadmap, it gets much easier!
💡 Starting Small: Vocabulary Integration
One simple way to begin is simply by incorporating the vocabulary from the CS standards into your everyday lessons.
Take, for example, Jennings County School Corporation. They’re doing an amazing job of integrating STEM and CS into the curriculum. Their kindergarteners don’t just take the lunch count each morning; they collect "lunch data" each day!
- They use stickers to represent numbers in different categories and create fun visual charts to present
this information.
- Instead of just breaking down a problem, they "decompose" it, and teachers use terms like "criteria and
constraints" instead of just saying what students can or cannot do.
This vocabulary approach works wonders for students of all ages!
they made in their “algorithms.” An equation or formula is really just a series of steps leading to a result,
which is exactly what an algorithm is!
- In foreign language classes, students create “flowcharts, diagrams, and pseudocode” to help determine
whether a word is masculine or feminine and to identify its part of speech.
🎨 CS in Arts and PE
But what if you teach the arts? How do you fit in terms like "methods of encryption?"
- Don’t forget that the ELA standards emphasize digital literacy and safety, covering important topics like
"cybersecurity" and safe "data transmission across networks and the Internet."
- For visual and musical art teachers at Shelbyville Central Schools, integrating CS is as simple as
"identifying and collecting data using digital tools."
They start off by taking pictures of similar objects and classifying them. It’s truly that simple!
Physical education, I didn’t forget about you!
mistake, “debug” and try again.
- Teachers also have students utilize their tablets to record their laps and mile times for themselves and
their partners and then create a graph to demonstrate their progress. That’s “data!”
🚀 Teamwork and Support
There are so many creative and fun ways to incorporate CS vocabulary and principles into your curriculum and your school. I could provide many more ideas and examples from the classrooms I’ve seen.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, just remember:
- The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has broken down the CS standards intomanageable grade bands.
- You’re not in this alone! You can team up with your colleagues in K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 to share ideas and
tackle this together.
🔗 Tips for Getting Started
Finally, don’t feel like you have to start from scratch! Look for ways to:
2. Make small tweaks in your language.
This can make a big difference for both you and your students.
- Once they get comfortable with the terminology, they'll find it much easier to graspcomputer science concepts.
- They'll also feel more confident demonstrating what they know.
You’ve got this!
