To say we have a passion for introducing computer science (CS) to K-5 students is an understatement. We are HUGE advocates for it and here’s why, CS:

‍

• Develops problem solving skills
• Fosters critical thinking
• Improves core content scores
• Builds confidence in tech
• Peaks students' interest in CS before stereotypes set in.
• Encourages creativity and so much more!

‍

And while we know the benefits of teaching K-5 students how to code are great, the question is, how? How can elementary schools integrate a subject that teachers aren't’ comfortable with and never learned themselves?

Thanks to our innovative elementary school partners, we were able to create this guide to integrating computer science in elementary schools. We’re sharing the steps that our partners took to integrate computer science (CS) into their elementaries, including pros and cons to consider if using paraprofessionals or integrating into homeroom classrooms.

Step 1: Find a partner in CS 

A CS partner should provide more than just curriculum. Having a trusted CS partner makes a big impact on teachers and admins integrating CS into their schools. A positive partnership will support hard working educators by:

1. Assigning a dedicated representative that will become familiar with the teachers, and happily be the go to for all CS and Skill Struck needs. They also work closely with administrators to keep track of CS success and ensure the goals of the partnership are being met. 
2. Offering a variety of modules. A solution that has block coding, text coding, unplugged activities, games, videos, quizzes etc. is important. This variety helps young students become and stay engaged as they learn important coding concepts.
3. Having text-to-speech capabilities. This is especially important for a successful adoption in grades Kindergarten to 2nd grade, since students are still learning how to read. 
4. Updating their curriculum. Technology and how we speak to technology (coding) changes rapidly. Make sure your CS solution has a team that is consistently adding new content so students can learn skills and concepts that are relevant in today’s world. 
5. Offering cross-curricular content. Cross Curricular content has been an easy way for our partners to introduce CS into their elementary classrooms with as little friction as possible. 
6. Look for a CS solution that does not require teachers to be experts in CS. Experienced CS teachers are in short supply but with the right partnership, we have seen many bold educators new to CS facilitate remarkable CS learning in the classroom.

‍

Step 2: Homeroom V Paraprofessionals or CS Teacher

We’ve seen elementary schools integrate CS into their homeroom classrooms and also by using paraprofessionals or a CS teacher. Both approaches have been effective. Understanding the pros and cons of either approach can be helpful to understand which approach will work best for your school.

Pros and Cons of Homeroom Classrooms

Pros

The pros of using homeroom classrooms include: 

• Familiarity with students. Homeroom teachers have already built relationships with the students in their class which allows for a more open opportunity to learn computer science. 
• No scheduling conflicts. Teaching computer science within the homeroom avoids the need for separate scheduling. 
• Integration across subjects. Homeroom teachers can use cross-curricular content to incorporate CS into different subjects.
• Classroom setup. Classrooms often have a space to gather for group discussions and spaces where students can complete unplugged activities.

‍

Cons

The cons of using homeroom classrooms include: 

• Limited knowledge. Homeroom teachers may not have a lot of training to be able to dive deep into computer science.
• Limited time. Homeroom teachers have tight schedules, and it can be difficult to find the time to teach additional subjects.
• It’s not a requirement. Teaching computer science in the elementary grades is not a requirement across all states. Homeroom teachers may not know the benefits of teaching computer science, and instead decide to spend more class time on core subjects that are assessed in state tests.

Pros and Cons of Paraprofessionals or CS Teachers

Pros 

The pros of using paraprofessionals or CS teachers include: 

• Flexibility. Paraprofessionals may have more time in their schedule to teach computer science. 
• Specialized expertise. Same paraprofessionals come from a professional background in CS or have a CS job on the side of being an educator. 
• Personalized attention. Paraprofessionals can sometimes contribute more of a 1:1 approach to learn based on class size.
• Co-teaching. Some schools have paraprofessionals work in a group with other paraprofessionals while teaching CS to allow for a broader range of expertise and understanding of the concepts.
• Time for the homeroom teacher. When the class is being taught by a paraprofessional or CS teacher, the homeroom teacher gets a much-needed break or can spend time planning for other classes.

‍

Cons 

• New to teaching. Some paraprofessionals are fresh out of high school or have no background in teaching, or in a professional environment, meaning they may be learning computer science and also a new career. 
• Turn over. Paraprofessionals may leave mid-semester. 
• Certification requirements. Paraprofessionals might not meet certain requirements so it will affect the scope of what they can effectively teach. 
• Time. Paraprofessionals are sometimes paid by the hour, and often do not earn as much as educators. As a result, they may be less inclined to spend additional time outside of the classroom to prepare for lessons or calculate grades, etc.
• Classroom management. When students are outside of their homeroom environment, clear routines and expectations need to continue to ensure effective learning takes place.
• Classroom setup. Computer labs do not always have space for groups to come together for a discussion, or places for students to do unplugged activities.

Step 3: Decide how often you want to teach CS

After you’ve found a computer science partner who can help you do this in a way that won’t overburden your teachers, decided whether you are using homeroom or paraprofessionals, it’s now time to decide how often you want your K-5 students learning computer science. 

Frequency suggestions for Homeroom Teachers

Each school or district may have a different ideal frequency for computer science lessons in the homeroom classroom. This is an important conversation for administrators and teachers to have together in order to set realistic and achievable expectations. We learn so much from our partners and want to share a couple ways they have successfully integrated CS into the homeroom. 

Exhibit A:  1 CS lesson per month and 1 cross-curricular lesson per quarter. This setup does two things we really admire:

1. It does not overwhelm the homeroom teacher.
2. Encouraging a cross-curricular lesson every quarter can help teachers see how seamlessly they can integrate computer science into different subjects.

Exhibit B: Cross-curricular lessons 1-2x per month after learning a new concept in Math, Science, or ELA. Adding computer science into the review process makes for a fun and engaging review session.

‍

Examples of CS integration for Homeroom Teachers

A seamless way we have seen computer science integrated into homeroom classrooms is through cross-curricular lessons. There are many ways to approach this and we will supply a few ideas of how it looks using Skill Struck’s curriculum in the homeroom.

Skill Struck’s cross-curricular content is designed to be a review for the core content (Math, Science, or ELA) and the initial learning of the computer science principle.  One lesson that really packs a punch standard hitting wise is our ELA- Paragraphs lesson. 

Margie Stahl, one of our Customer Success Managers says: “I know I’ve said this before but it's my favorite as a former elementary teacher. The paragraphs lesson in ELA for grades 3, 4, and 5 is perfect for having a class complete one project but then be able to grade it for several subjects. 

Here’s how I’d do it: 

1. I’d provide some parameters on what they should write for the content of their paragraph (i.e. Ponce De Leon). 
2. Students work through and complete the paragraph lesson on Skill Struck and write a paragraph on Ponce de Leon and his effect on Florida.
3. I would then take that activity and give it a computer science grade for the coding portion, an ELA grade on sentence structure, spelling, grammar, formation of a paragraph, and a Social Studies grade on the Ponce de Leon topic. 

This approach helps teachers do more with less. One activity in Skill Struck gives three grade book grades in different content areas!”

‍

Here is another example of integrating computer science into ELA for K-2:

Frequency for Paraprofessionals 

If you’re teaching computer science in your elementary schools with paraprofessionals, one recommended way to do it using Skill Struck is to first, decide how often you want to teach (1x/month, 2-3x/month, or 4x/month). 

Then, follow the lesson plans for your chosen amount of time in the grade level offerings for the grade(s) you are teaching. Here’s an example of how that’s structured in Skill Struck: 

Examples of Lesson Plans for Paraprofessionals 

Since Paraprofessionals are not as crunched for time to hit multiple standards in a school day, they can teach lessons that are strictly computer science. 

Here is an example of one of our lessons that is great for paraprofessionals to facilitate. 

In the end, integrating computer science into elementary schools is a powerful step towards preparing students for the digital age. By embracing innovative teaching practices, leveraging partnerships, and making use of comprehensive curriculum, educators can foster a love for technology, nurture creativity, and equip young learners with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. The next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem solvers will benefit greatly from learning computer science during their elementary school years.

‍

If you want to learn more about Skill Struck and how we can integrate computer science into your elementary schools, schedule time with a representative here.