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Break down big problems into smaller parts, play pattern detectives, turn tasks into adventures, put things in the right order, and explore the world!
Prepare children to be the problem-solvers, inventors, engineers, scientists, and technologists of tomorrow by equipping them with foundational skills today. Through accessible, fun, and engaging activities, Unplugged Tots helps parents, teachers, and caregivers introduce computational thinking skills to pre-school aged children.
These play-based activities will give children a head start in the world of technology and offers opportunities for more screen-free quality time together — no computer, tablet, or mobile phone needed!
This book:
- Requires no prior technical knowledge
- Facilitates learning through structured play
- Helps teach pre-computer coding skills to children aged 2½ to 8 years
- Includes tips to simplify and extend the activities based on a child's ability, interest, or attention span
Just like learning an additional language, the process of learning digital skills has numerous benefits for children, including improved communication, greater confidence, and perhaps the most important skill of all: the ability to learn from failure.
The activities are scaffolded, meaning every child can start with the basics and follow the fun as they progress to other levels.
“Unplugged Tots is all about how kids learn and how adults can facilitate that learning—through screen-free, play-based activities that spark curiosity, problem-solving, and early computational thinking.”
—Dale Dougherty, founder of Make Magazine and Maker Faire
"Perfect for parents and educators seeking to inspire children to connect with nature, develop critical thinking, and enjoy imaginative play, this book supports early childhood development in a screen-free, nurturing way."
—Amy Smith, blogger at My Four and More
"Play-based, screen-free and brilliantly simple - this book makes the building blocks of coding feel like the most natural game in your child’s day."
—Lisa, parent, ex early years and primary school teacher, blogger at Busy Busy Learning
"Unplugged Tots serves as a bridge to exposing young learners to modern technology concepts and giving pre-service teachers a different way of thinking about technology integration."
—Dr. Sessoms, Professor of Early and Elementary Education at Salisbury University
“a tremendous Coding Curriculum for PreK-5th grade”
—Adriana Zoder, Homeschool Ways
"As an educator who works to teach coding to both current teachers and people learning to be teachers, this is a huge "aha" of a book!"
—Lisa Noble, Demonstrator, Trent University School of Education
"I love this book. As a parent who loves doing things with my toddler this had some great ideas for fun activities. I really hope this book does well because I think it's a staple book that all parents should have!"
—Makenna McNaughton, parent
"This book is an absolute game changer! As a parent concerned about screen time, Unplugged Tots is the perfect antidote"
—Chelsea Walsh, parent
"Those who haven't worked with young children or don't have a background in child development will appreciate this step by step guide in how to break down coding concepts for young children."
—Carolyn C, librarian
1. Introduction to Unplugged Tots
- The challenge
- The solution
- The practice
- Let the adventure begin!
2. Deconstruction
- Introduction
- Activity: Jigsaw puzzles
- Activity: Sorting the washing
- Activity: Growing and debugging in the garden
- Extension ideas
3: Pattern recognition
- Introduction
- Activity: Pattern fun with familiar objects
- Activity: Repeating image patterns
- Activity: Nature walk patterns
- Extension ideas
4. Algorithms
- Introduction
- Activity: Introducing algorithms with dancing toys
- Activity: Biscuit-icing algorithm
- Activity: Debugging algorithms with cloud dough
- Extension ideas
5. Sequencing
- Introduction
- Activity: Rainbow sequence
- Activity: Pedestrian crossing light sequence
- Activity: Debugging a getting-dressed sequence
- Extension ideas
6. Logic
- Introduction
- Activity: Tumbling towers
- Activity: Symmetrical butterfly paintings
- Activity: Adventures in shopping, logic, and debugging
- Extension ideas
7. Maps, directions, and navigation
- Introduction
- Activity: Making marble mazes with blocks
- Activity: Map-making with landmarks
- Activity: Debugging maps
- Extension ideas
8. Conclusion
- Core themes
- Looking forward
- Final thoughts
- Get in touch