Building Foundations for Computational Thinking
While most people associate computational thinking with coding, computational thinking skills help us more effectively solve problems and make decisions.
Wixie provides a range of opportunities for young learners to build and practice these skills.
Decomposition and Algorithmic Thinking
Showing the steps of cycles and writing step-by-step directions for procedures can help young learners practice breaking down a problem into smaller chunks (decomposition). Combine with writing how-tos or narratives for a fun literacy combination.
Writing How-Tos lesson plan
Abstraction and Generalization
Young learners aren't quite ready to grasp abstract concepts, but they can use Wixie to make and identify patterns, an essential pre-Algebra skill.
Data Collection
Accurately counting and collecting data is essential to successful analysis and solutions. Students can use Wixie to collect data in the form of tally marks, sums, and visual observations.
Data Analysis and Representation
In order to make sense of the data they have collected, students can use Wixie to organizing and depicting it through charts, graphs, and images/infographics.
More ways teachers are using Wixie
-
Identifying Patterns
Kinders @elmwoodes explore patterns on #wixie and with math tools. @Jeffrey_hogan @MrsRode @BCPSMATH pic.twitter.com/xRQCQ1PEFr
— Rita Phillips (@RitaPhillips85) October 8, 2021 -
Collect and Analyze Birthday Data
Here is an example of how Mrs. Lanzetta's class used Wixie to create a bar graph. They did a great job, and even wrote sentences to describe their data. #Wixie #dumfrieses #thirdgrade #pwcsproud pic.twitter.com/K42Lfm61Tu
— Dumfries ITC (@ITCDumfries) October 4, 2018 -
Procedures
First graders and Kindergartners prepared for How To writing and sharpened their ?Wixie skills by following steps to build snowmen this week! #LTESLions ?@Tech4Learning? pic.twitter.com/UMbgGkDICM
— London Towne ES FCPS (@LondonTowneFCPS) January 7, 2021 -
Exploring Binary
#coding with students @hcpss_hes using binary code to create personalized sweaters #wixie #codeandgo #hourofcode2018 pic.twitter.com/JagoH3UMb7
— HCPSS OIT (@hcpssoit) December 20, 2018 -
Surveys about Seuss
We took a survey and then graphed our favorite Dr. Seuss book on Wixie. pic.twitter.com/q80bbI4FY5
— PL Kindergarten (@PLKids123) March 2, 2017
