Dash and Dot Robots: Blockly with 1st Graders

 

Using the Dash and the Blockly App with 1st Graders

I have enjoyed the using the Path app with my Kindergarteners, but feel like it would be limiting to my 1st graders. I decided to go ahead and try using the Blockly app with 1st grade-5th grade students.  I knew my 2nd-5th grade students would dive into the app with no issues.  I wasn't sure if my 1st graders would struggle with the Blockly app, which is full of code blocks with text labels on them.

I started by having the students sit in small groups using the same tape squares I showed in my previous post.

We then went over how to pair the iPad with a specific robot and how to find and drag a code blocks in the app.

 

I had them focus on only two code blocks:  When top button and Forward.  I had the kids take turns making Dash move.  We then talked about changing the number of steps Dash could move.  

 

1st Graders working in groups using the Blockly app and Dash.

 

 

There and Back Again Challenges

Challenge #1:  Move Dash from one end of the tape square to the other.

At this point, I decided to give the kids a simple challenge.  Place Dash at one end of the square and use code to move the robot to the other side of the square.  I didn't say anything else.  Most groups pressed the top button repeatedly and moved Dash across the square.

Challenge #2:  Move Dash the same distance using only one button press.

"Can you move Dash across the square with one press of the Top Button?"

Challenge #3:  In one button press, move Dash across and back to the starting place.

"Can you move Dash across the square and back to the start with one press of the Top Button?"  I purposely don't talk about whether the robot needs to turn around or not.  It's fun to hear a group discover the Backward block and use it to accomplish this challenge.

Challenge #4:  Do Challenge #3 using fewer blocks.

The kids loved this challenge, but it required  a bit of coaching on my part.  Older graders could find the repeat blocks and easily add them to complete the task.

 

Download the Dash There and Back Challenge Cards.

Once the first graders were comfortable with the challenge tasks, we started adding sounds and other blocks to our code.  I hope to come up with several other challenges for the students over the next few weeks.

I am also considering using something like this Blockly menu with icon pictures.  I do have a few 1st graders who could benefit  from the picture support.  I will share these cards once I have tried them out with students.
 

Have you used Dash with 1st graders?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Comments

[Micah Brown]

I am loving your posts about Dot and Dash and how you are utilizing them K-5! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and goodies. I am hoping to get a set soon and your posts are great starting points. Thanks again!

[Susan]

Micah-

Thank you!!! I'm glad you are enjoying the posts. I know you will love teaching and learning with Dash and Dot!!!

:) Susan

[Lali]

Hi, this is Lali, from Catalonia. This year I'm going to use Dash and Dot with my 1st and 2nd graders. In my country, Dash and Dot are still very unknown and will be a challenge teach with them. I'm enjoying a lot your posts and I thank you for your advices.

[Susan]

Lali-

Thank you!!!! Your students will love Dash and Dot!

:) Susan

[Angela Bassett]

Since I am new to Dash and Dot can you explain the "one button press" and how to do that?

[Susan]

Last year, the Blockly app was set up so students mostly pressed the button on the top of Dash's head to start a program. Now the button would be the start button. So students need to make a program that can run by only pressing start once and not multiple times. Hope this helps! Susan

[Becky]

What kind of tape do you use to keep from leaving a residue?

[Susan]

I used Painter's Tape. It worked great and never left a residue.
Susan

[Kathy White]

Thanks for sharing. I am a tech specialist new position in all K-5 elementary schools in Marysville, WA This is our first year teaching with code.org and I have added a Dot and Dash Robotics before school club i January. I am excited to share and hear from others.

I tried the painters tape but the custodian didn't like it on the floor. Then I moved to laminate with tape on top of it. It is easy to roll up and put away when we are not using it and it is easy to move from classroom to classroom.