These code block cards are a great way for students to practice building patterns. Students can then use a "loop" to make their patterns shorter.
I decided to use business cards for easy separation after printing. I was able to print the same file on different brands of business cards I happen to have leftovers of. You could also cut the blocks so there was no white business card around the edges, I just felt like that wasn't necessary.
Before I gave them to students, I wanted a good way to store them. I found some scrapbook sleeves at a craft store that were perfect for business cards.
I made "repeat" blocks by printing the top block and then cutting matching card stock for the sides and bottom of the block.
These make a great whole class activity or center for small groups. You could also have students build patterns out of other classroom manipulatives and still shorten them with the repeat blocks.
Finally, I created some cards with ab pattern suggestions on them. So students could either be given a pattern card or draw one from a pile and then create the pattern using code blocks.
You could also put magnets on these or pull them out when a student is struggling through a puzzle on the computer. Hope you find these a fun and helpful as I do! :)
Hi Susan,
I love your resources and materials! Thank you very much for sharing them. I started teaching coding this year, and your blog helped me a lot!
I just introduced loops to my 1st and 2nd graders and they programmed Dash and Dot using repeat blocks. This is such an awesome way to do the unplugged looping activity! This will definitely help my kids understand the concept better.
Posted by: Nana | 05/07/2016 at 12:16 PM
Thank you! It is always so nice to hear from readers! 😀 Susan
Posted by: Susan | 05/07/2016 at 01:46 PM