Introducing the 'new' digital literacy of coding in the early years

Abstract

[Extract] Twenty-first century educators and teachers need practical strategies to introduce the ‘new’ literacy of coding in the early years. It is critical that young children enjoy playful digital learning experiences "that expose them to coding and robotics for two key reasons. First, children have a right to play, relax and enjoy a range of cultural artefacts, including digital ones. Second, proficiency with coding is an increasingly important digital literacy practice. Play-based digital learning (PBDL) is a simple way to introduce coding and robotics into early years settings. PBDL is an appropriate, scaffolded and purposeful way of familiarising young learners with digital hardware and software in play-based settings. Our PBDL approach is a fun way to introduce the literacy of coding and robotics to our youngest learners.