Great Introduction to Coding for All Young Learners
Community Review for Kodable
My Take
Kodable is the perfect app for introducing kindergarten and first graders to coding. I love the visuals and absence of text. It enables young students, including those learning English and with special needs, to be successful. Kodable is accessible through the app and web which makes accessibility easier in a shared device setting. The online Kodable Team was helpful in getting our class setup and as we worked to get the site white-listed for our district. The free version is a great way to start coding with kindergarten or first grade students (for those on a limited budget) before moving onto more sophisticated coding apps and sites. It can't be beat for very young students beginning coding!
How I Use It
This app has been a valuable tool in teaching basic coding concepts to first graders. Problem solving, sequencing, and directional knowledge are versatile skills students develop while using this app. Students look forward to using the app each week and several having taken the initiative to teach their parents how to code at home with Kodable. After the initial set up by the teacher and an introduction on how to access their profiles, students quickly become independent using the app. Each level progressively becomes more difficult and visual supports are provided when new concepts are introduced. The true power in using this app has come from the opportunity it has created for students who struggle with "traditional" learning. English language, low literacy, and special needs students do not face language barriers when using this app. However, it helps build sequencing skills that are important to literacy development.