Block-Based Coding with CodeMonkey
Grades K-2
About This Course
Starts June 10th, Tues/Thurs 1-3pm for 6 weeks
This exciting course combines the award-winning CodeMonkey platform with in-class logic worksheets, screen-free activities, and focused coding time that will help your child learn the foundations of coding, problem-solving, and critical-thinking. Careful attention is given to selecting learning materials that help students interact with and apply programming concepts to a variety of scenarios - ensuring knowledge is well understood.
This class also introduces kids to basic computer literacy skills that will prepare them to type, drag and drop, navigate a Chromebook computer, and navigate websites in a Google Chrome browser.
TaliTech classes will provide a supportive environment where kids will be encouraged to ask questions and process emotions such as frustration, surprise, and confusion in a healthy way. Paired with CodeMonkey’s fun and educational game-based environment, kids will become master problem-solvers through creative play. View more information about the course here.
What You'll Learn
Learn conditionals, functions, coordinates and more in block-based coding with lessons designed to follow CSTA standards.
Master fundamental coding concepts including sequencing, loops, and conditional statements through engaging, game-based activities appropriate for early learners
Develop problem-solving skills and computational thinking by breaking down tasks into logical steps and identifying patterns
Build confidence in technology literacy while practicing persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking
Hands-On Projects
Banana Adventure Path Designer: Students will create their own customized paths for the monkey to follow, incorporating bananas and obstacles in a personalized challenge. They'll apply their sequencing and loop skills to design efficient solutions and share their creations with classmates.
Beaver's Dream Home: Students will design and code instructions for building different parts of the beaver's house, applying conditional loops to create walls, doors, and windows. They'll add personal touches while ensuring efficient coding solutions.
Smoothie Party Planner: Students will develop their own smoothie recipe cards using if/else conditions, creating decision trees to determine which ingredients go into different smoothies based on customer preferences. This project encourages creativity while reinforcing conditional logic.
Our 6-Week Course Plan
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Week 1 - Intro to CodeMonkey Jr. & Sequencing
Introduction to CodeMonkey Jr. and the basics of sequencing; students will be introduced to sequences with hands-on and digital activities. They’ll learn how to navigate the game environment, use directional commands, and how to count steps to guide the monkey to its treasure.
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![Cartoon game interface with animal characters in bubbles labeled "Loops," "5/5," and "9/9." Background shows hills and trees with a "Student Login" button.]()
Week 2 - Loops
Exploring loops in CodeMonkey Jr.; students will discover how to use repeating patterns efficiently, recognizing when to implement loops to replace long sequences of identical commands. They’ll learn how loops are used in daily life all around us, applying computational thinking to a variety of tasks.
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![CodeMonkey Sequencing]()
Week 3 - Advanced Sequencing
Advanced sequencing and loops in CodeMonkey Jr.; students will combine commands in different directions and learn to place instructions before and after loops to create more complex solutions. Conditional loops will be introduced this week.
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![Beaver Achiever]()
Week 4 - Beaver Achiever Sequencing & Loops
Transition to Beaver Achiever and building sequences; students will help the beaver build a dam by placing logs in sequence, reinforcing their understanding of sequential programming and practicing new loop concepts.
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Week 5 - Conditionals
Exploring conditional loops in Beaver Achiever; students will help the beaver build a house by chopping wooden planks, learning to create loops that continue or stop based on specific conditions.
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Week 6 - Course Summary & Showcase
Working with if/else conditions at the smoothie stand; students will create decision trees to determine which smoothie recipes to use for different customers, culminating in their Smoothie Party Planner project.
