Eastern York SD highlights hands-on coding tools for youngest learners

The Eastern York SD board on Monday heard a demonstration of BBots and tactile coding mats intended to bring hands-on computer science to early elementary classrooms.

Vicky Greener, the district—urriculum nd technology integration specialist, said the small robots are designed for kindergarten through second grade and require only simple commands. "This is something that our youngest learners re using to learn how to code," Greener said, noting the mats use 15-centimeter squares and task cards that align with phonics and early math skills.

Greener told the board the devices aim to reduce screen time while building computational thinking and collaboration. She described a range of district devices —rom VeeBots and Ozobots to Lego robotics and 3-D printers, and said each elementary school has inventory to share (about 18 VeeBots per building). The presentation included examples of task cards and classroom activities showing how coding can support ELA, math and science learning.

Board members and staff focused questions on grade-level fit, classroom time and teacher training. Greener said device use is strongest in K-2, with other robots used for older grades, and stressed that flexible professional development is critical: "We offer summer trade days and in-year sessions so teachers can learn and then use the time to make something," she said.

Administrators praised Greener's outreach to teachers and noted the district schedules regular in-building support days so staff know when she will be on-site. Greener also encouraged classroom teachers to request demonstrations and follow-up videos and newsletters the district circulates to support adoption.

The presentation was informational; no board action was taken. Next steps identified by administration include continued teacher professional development, inventory checks across buildings and follow-up at an upcoming operations meeting.