Technology redefines the way we work and the type of work we do, so it is essential that we prepare our children for life in a digital world. In particular, this means promoting ‘computational thinking’, a skillset that can be applied to any problem-solving task and includes, more specifically, pattern-spotting and decomposition (see below).
PATTERN-SPOTTING
Spotting patterns is fundamental in early learning, and many aspects of the curriculum depend on children recognising patterns and sequences – for example, getting dressed, growing plants, dance routines, action songs, clapping games and counting.
We therefore need to encourage children to sequence experiences, recreate patterns and make up their own. A wide variety of activities can be used to promote the pattern-spotting skills required for computational thinking and then be extended to incorporate elements of coding. Let’s take dance as an example.
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