Teaching coding doesn’t all have to include digital technology. As a matter of fact, many coding activities (that teach computational thinking) require very little resources at all. Some coding activities also include hands-on “toys” that make the coding experience come to life!
CS Unplugged
CS Unplugged “is a collection of free teaching material that teaches Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. The primary goal of the Unplugged project is to promote Computer Science (and computing in general) to young people as an interesting, engaging, and intellectually stimulating discipline” (“CS Unplugged”, n.d.).
Lessons include unit plans, curriculum integration, and programming challenges.
Code.org Unplugged
Code.org also has many “unplugged” lessons and activities foundational to understanding computer science and coding. Topics include digital citizenship, impacts of computing, sequencing, loops, events, binary, conditionals, internet, functions, variables, algorithms, computational thinking, debugging, persistence, and abstraction.
Coding Activities without a Computer
5 Hands-On Activities that Teach Coding without a Computer from the blog Extended Notes includes great ideas for teaching coding using items (like Lego or stackable cups) that you have in your classroom.
Little Bins for Little Hands includes instructions for a Superhero Coding Game without a Computer. “A computer coding game is a really fun way to introduce the basic concept of computer coding to young kids. Even better if you make it a superhero computer coding game! Plus you don’t actually have to have a computer, so it’s a cool tech-free idea. This homemade coding game was pretty easy to set up and can be played with over and over again with any type of pieces. Use superheroes, LEGO, My Little Ponies, Star Wars, or whatever you have to learn a little about programming” (“Little Bins | Superhero computer coding game without a computer!”, 2016).
Coding Game Backwards by Design from iGameMom states that “the focus of this game is to help kids understand when and why you need backward thinking, or thinking the end result before starting your coding project planning, or the design thinking process” (“Coding Game for Kids Teaching Design Thinking”, n.d.).
Canada Learning Code also includes coding activities without a computer. For example Do the Robot is an “unplugged” activity for all ages designed to teach the basics of coding instructions.
Low Tech and Activities using Coding “Toys”
Sphero
Sphero Edu “is a STEAM-based toolset that weaves hardware, software, and community engagement to promote 21st century skills. While these skills are absolutely crucial, our edu program goes beyond code by nurturing students’ creativity and ingenuity like no other education program can”(“Sphero”, n.d.).
The following is a video outlining some of the key ideas for using the Sphero in the classroom.
littleBits
LittleBits “is a hands-on learning system of electronic building blocks that allows students of all ages to create with technology. Our snap-together Bits are easy to use and simple to understand, no prior experience required. Our STEAM solutions are gender neutral, scalable across Grades 3-12, and suitable for cross-curricular instruction” (“littleBits | Electronic Building Blocks for the 21st Century”, n.d.).
Dot, Cue & Dash Robots
The website Wonder Workshop hosts the robots Dot & Dash (among others) and provides resources to foster coding skills through robotics. “At Wonder Workshop, our family of award-winning robots and age-appropriate apps encourage hands-on play and learning to make creative problem-solving concrete and tangible. Our vision is to inspire kids of all ages by giving them tools to imagine and invent the future” (“Wonder Workshop | Home of Dash, Cue, and Dot – award-winning robots that help kids learn to code.”, n.d.).
Micro:bit
Micro:bit “is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun!” Micro:bit includes curriculum including cross-curricular content in music, sports, science, dance, art, and math education. Note – some activities cross over into high-tech coding.
Scratch Jr. Coding Cards
The Scratch Jr. Coding Cards “encourage kids to think creatively and systematically while developing computational thinking skills. Kids will learn powerful ideas about computer science by using ScratchJr programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, sing, and more. As they work through the deck, they will become creative thinkers and problem solvers” (description by Amazon.ca).
Code-a-Pillar
Code-a-Pillar “is one of the new Think & Learn toys from Fisher–Price that goes beyond ABCs and 123s to help children learn how to think independently. Each toy fosters 21st century skills like curiosity, experimentation and problem solving in ways kids haven’t seen before” (description by Amazon.ca).
The following video is a quick overview of Code-a-Pillar.
Code & Go Robot Mice
The Code & Go Robot Mice Activity Set allows young students to learn sequencing as they guide a mouse through a maze to get the cheese.
The following is a short video outlining the features of Code & Go Robot:
ADST Creative by Design 
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