Module 1: What is Thinking Like a Coder?
In this module, your child will discover what computers really do, learn why giving clear instructions matters, play the Robot Game, and take their first steps in Scratch. Most of this module happens away from the screen!
Your Progress
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, your child will be able to:
- Explain what a computer does in their own words (it follows instructions, it does not think on its own)
- Give clear, step-by-step instructions that another person can follow exactly
- Understand why the order of instructions matters
- Open Scratch, find the stage, move a sprite, and make it say something
- Use the words algorithm, sequence, and instruction correctly
Why This Matters
Coding starts with thinking, not typing. Before your child writes a single line of code, they need to understand what computers actually do and how to break problems into small steps.
This module builds the thinking skills that make everything else easier:
- Learning to give precise, ordered instructions
- Understanding that computers only do what they are told
- Practicing step-by-step thinking through hands-on games
- Building confidence before working on a computer
- Having fun while developing real problem-solving skills
Module Lessons
What Computers Actually Do
Discover what computers really are: machines that follow instructions. They do not think, feel, or guess. They just do exactly what they are told, one step at a time.
15-20 minutes Screen-Free
Giving Good Instructions
Learn why being specific matters through the famous peanut butter sandwich challenge. When instructions are unclear, things go wrong in funny ways!
15-20 minutes Screen-Free
The Robot Game
Time to play! Your parent becomes a robot, and you give them instructions to walk across the room, pick up an object, and more. Includes printable instruction cards.
15-20 minutes Screen-Free
First Look at Scratch
Open Scratch for the first time! Meet the stage and sprites, drag your first blocks, make a sprite say "Hello!" and move around the screen.
15-20 minutes Scratch
After the Lessons
Practice Activities
6 fun activities that mix screen-free challenges with Scratch projects. Easy, medium, and challenge levels with hints when you need them!
Practice ActivitiesModule Quiz
8 fun questions to see what you remember. Get 6 or more right and you have mastered Module 1!
Take Module QuizStudy Materials
A parent guide with tips for teaching each lesson, plus a study guide your child can review on their own.
Tips for Parents
- Do the screen-free lessons first - Lessons 1 through 3 are designed to happen away from the computer. This builds thinking skills before screen time.
- Be patient and playful - When your child gives unclear instructions, follow them literally. The laughter that follows is part of the learning!
- Let them struggle a little - If your child gets stuck, count to 10 before helping. Working through challenges builds real understanding.
- Celebrate effort, not just answers - Say "I love how you broke that into steps!" rather than just "Good job."
- Keep sessions short - 15 to 20 minutes per lesson is plenty. Stop while they are still having fun.