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Description
Labeled as Step-by-step visual guides to coding, these DK guides are certainly the friendliest introductions to programming Ive seen! Designed for younger students new to coding, these books serve as introductory-level guides for both programming in general as well as Scratch and Python. A brief introduction to the language and topic sets the stage before students embark upon projects of gradually-increasing complexity. Relevant illustrations (helpful and humorous!), line each and every page, accentuating the given topic and adding a touch of fun to keep kids engaged. Text is divided into simple bullet paragraphs which play off the provided drawings perfectly. Once actual projects come into play, these paragraphs are numbered and illustrated with screenshots to mimic what the student will be seeing on the screen. Captions, arrows, and other guides provide further aid during crucial steps.
In addition to these simple nuances, the material within each book is more than adequate for introductory coding. A rather lengthy Getting Started/First Steps chapter in each book provides basic tools and an intro to the language within the context of simple programs. Students are briefly introduced to a concept or function, and then they follow along in creating a program that uses that concept or function. Once its created, students are usually asked to modify it to add greater functionality rather than write a new program. Finally, students apply the knowledge theyve gained to create cohesive games and projects. Its a wonderfully seamless system, and certainly one I wish I had in my early coding books!
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.