Embedding Computer Science in Literacy Activities

Balloons Over Broadway

TSIN has a great lesson on algorithms using this book and I have included how I use this book in my lesson planning.

TSIN MODEL CS LESSON

Coding on Multiple Surfaces with Bee bot robots

I create a parade by tying a balloon on a beebot and we navigated the balloon through the parade route just like in the story.

Blank coding mat

jpg file for poster print

Balloons Over Broadway Coding with Robots- coding mat.pdf

Coding Mat pdg

Balloons Over Broadway Coding with Robots-route.pdf

Coding route pieces

Balloons Over Broadway Coding with Robots-handlers.pdf

Balloon handlers

The StickMan by Julia Donaldson

Christmas Book- There is a special appearance by Santa.

There are fantastic resources that are already available for free on the internet. Here is a link to a CS Algorithm and Sequencing activity on the book Stickman.

Stickman Algorithm Activity

Modification I tried: I printed the pictures and used the grid on my floor as my coding mat. The students moved around the room establishing the sequence of the story or creating an algorithm depending on grade level as I teach multiple grade levels. The higher the grade level, the more complex the activity.

If I Built a Car

If I Built a Car is a Great Book to teach sequencing, retelling the book by creating an algorithm (see the picture) or by having students create the car of their dreams and create an algorithm and storyboard for their car. This is a series: there is also If I Built a School, House, etc.