Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children

This essential guide makes the case for why computational thinking skills belong in early childhood education, arguing that these problem-solving frameworks are foundational for navigating an increasingly digital world. Marina Bers provides educators with concrete strategies for introducing coding concepts to young learners through age-appropriate activities that emphasize creativity over complex syntax. The book effectively demystifies how computational thinking—breaking down problems, recognizing patterns, and designing steps—can be woven into existing curricula. It positions these skills not as a separate technical subject, but as a new literacy that enhances a child's overall cognitive toolkit.

What sets this resource apart is its strong developmental perspective, focusing on how young children learn best through play, storytelling, and tangible materials. Bers champions screen-free and low-tech options, making the content accessible for any classroom without requiring a bank of expensive devices. This is an invaluable roadmap for preschool and early elementary teachers, curriculum directors, and librarians seeking to foster logical reasoning and innovative thinking from the start. By framing coding as a form of expression, it empowers educators to cultivate a generation of creators, not just consumers, of technology.