Apple Launches Coding Guide for Elementary Students

Apple Expands Coding Resources for Elementary Schools

Apple is introducing a suite of new educational materials designed for elementary school students. A key component of this rollout is the “Everyone Can Code Early Learners” activity guide. This new guide broadens the scope of Apple’s educational curriculum, now spanning from kindergarten through higher education.

Expanding the Everyone Can Code Initiative

This latest development is a continuation of Apple’s Everyone Can Code initiative. The program’s primary goal is to empower both educators and families in introducing the fundamentals of coding to young learners at an early stage.

According to Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of education and enterprise marketing, “Coding and app design are essential literacies — these skills help students think critically and creatively, regardless of whether they go on to be app developers.” She further emphasized Apple’s commitment to providing coding resources for all ages and encouraging the creation of inclusive and accessible applications.

Early Learners Guide: Core Concepts Through Play

The “Everyone Can Code Early Learners” guide is designed to help students in kindergarten through third grade establish a solid understanding of core coding principles. This is achieved through integration with various subjects, including music, art, science, and physical education.

For example, Apple highlights the use of dance movements to illustrate coding commands. Another activity focuses on discussing calming strategies, fostering social-emotional learning alongside technical skills.

Inclusive App Design and Schoolwork Enhancements

Apple is also promoting a new one-hour inclusive “App Design” activity session for educators. This lesson guides teachers in helping students understand the significance of inclusion and accessibility during the app development process.

The session encourages students to critically evaluate how to build applications that are considerate of diverse user needs. Students will be prompted to identify problems they care about and then develop potential solutions.

Furthermore, Apple is integrating support for “exit tickets” – a survey tool – within its Schoolwork app. These tickets allow teachers to quickly assess student understanding and engagement during or after lessons.

The process of creating Schoolwork accounts for students has also been streamlined for educators.

Availability and Continued Program Growth

The “Everyone Can Code Early Learners” guide is available for free download for both families and educators at apple.co/code-early.

Currently, the guide is offered in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish, with plans to add support for additional languages in the future.

Apple has consistently expanded its Everyone Can Code program over the years, making it accessible to a wider range of age groups. The launch of “Everyone Can Code Puzzles” in 2019 provided students with opportunities to experiment with coding concepts.

Last year saw the introduction of “Everyone Can Code Adventures,” a program featuring more advanced activities.