We want to encourage girls’ interest in tech, but we heard you — spring is starting, holidays are coming up, and it is hard to stick to the screen rules. So, this is a list of suggestions of what you can do to avoid the screen!
1 — Super Silly Screen Free Coding Activity with Chalk
This activity is great for kids age 4, and prepare to get a bit wet :) The focus is on building problem-solving skills, while using the concepts of sequencing and logic to get the ‘robot parent’ to the water ‘spray zone’ squares. Once you see the photo below, it will be clear :) There is also the advanced version, we will have a chance to ‘write code’ and learn from our mistakes by ‘debugging’. Check out the tutorial here.
2 — Binary Bracelets
Learning how to make binary bracelets sharpens learners’ programming and math skills. Kids can learn how to write their names in binary and encode their names on a binary bracelet. They can also gift binary bracelets to their families and best friends. This activity includes 5-10 minutes of preparation and about 15-30 minutes of learning time. It is best suited for children in elementary or middle school grades. Check out the tutorial here.
3 — First, Next, Last
This one’s easy. Read a story aloud and talk about what happened first, next, and last. This will help your kids strengthen their sequencing skills :) If you like, draw or download pictures representing the different parts of the story, mix them up, and have your child arrange them in order.
4 — Walking directions
Directions like forward, backward, left, or right are sometimes tricky for kids to master. And you can practice this while walking to the park, during shopping or any similar activity. Give your child verbal directions such as, “Turn left,” “Walk forward ten steps,” and “Turn right at the next tree/aisle.” Plan ahead to avoid a catastrophe such as steering them to the candy aisle. Bring a map of the store with you so that you don’t get lost.
5 — Hello Ruby!
Hello Ruby is a screen-free coding activity completely suitable for little kids. It is a coding storybook incorporated with lessons, puzzles, and creative activities. The protagonist of the storybook, Ruby, is a young ambitious girl determined to solve any puzzle. Her character serves as a motivation to other kids who will want to emulate her and solve the puzzles, just like she does. You can check out the books, or some free resources available at their website here.
Tell us how it went and share some more activities with us!