Give your preschooler a strong computer science foundation with Smart Start: Beginning Coding Stories and Activities.

Children will learn important coding concepts with engaging stories and practice activities. Based on the K - 12 Computer Science Framework, this dynamic early learning series helps children understand coding concepts to develop a strong foundation in computer science, including computational thinking, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Recipient of Creative Child Magazine's 2022 Book of the Year Award, Smart Start: Beginning Coding provides engaging, screen-free coding activities that build foundational skills.

Each full-color activity book is organized into eight themed units around one coding concept and includes:

• Coding stories that demonstrate what coders do and include an audio read-aloud feature
• Concept pages that connect coding concepts to real-world situations
• Practice activities that reinforce important coding rules
• Review pages for every coding concept practiced
• Coding projects with print-based games and puzzles
• Mini coding handbook with key terms

Computer science concepts and skills help early learners become critical thinkers by practicing the building blocks of thinking such as:

• Algorithms that design simple steps to solve problems
• Decomposition that shows how to break down complex problems into smaller ones
• Sequencing that demonstrates how the order of things is important
• Pattern recognition that makes connections between similar problems

Programming language concepts such as:

• Debugging that shows how to look for mistakes and correct them
• Loops that can be used to save time by instructing a computer to repeat an action

Children will also practice a variety of readiness skills such as print awareness, visual discrimination, following directions, and fine-motor skills.

Includes reward stickers, an audio option for read-alouds, and answer key.