Turning screen time into something that builds real thinking
Many kids today spend hours tapping and swiping on screens — watching videos, playing games, or switching between apps. But what if that time could help them learn how to think?
We believe children can do much more than just use technology. They can learn to understand how it works — and how to use it to solve real problems.
That’s where physical computing comes in.
What Is Physical Computing?
Physical computing is when kids build simple tech projects using real tools — like lights, sensors, or motors — and connect them to code.
Here’s what that looks like:
– A small fan turns on when it gets too hot
– A robot moves when a button is pressed
– A light changes color when there’s sound
Kids don’t just watch — they try it themselves. They plan what should happen, write simple code, test it, and fix it if needed. It’s learning through doing — and it makes abstract ideas real.
Why Algorithmic Thinking Matters
This kind of learning teaches more than just coding. It helps kids think step by step — a skill called algorithmic thinking.
That means they learn to:
– Break a big task into small parts
– Notice patterns
– Plan ahead
– Try something, and fix it if it doesn’t work
These are life skills. Whether your child wants to work with technology in the future — or just solve problems more confidently — this kind of thinking helps.
What We Do at CodyNick
In CodyNick’s classes, children work with small smart tools we’ve designed just for them. We call them Black Box Gadgets — simple, safe devices that help kids connect actions to results.
We also mix in activities like teamwork, design, and simple logic puzzles — to keep things fun and meaningful.
Our style is:
– Goal-based: Each session has a small challenge to solve
– Beginner-friendly: No experience needed
– Creative: Kids choose what to build and how
– Supportive: Mistakes are part of the process
“But My Child Isn’t Into Tech…”
That’s totally fine.
Our goal isn’t to teach kids about technology — it’s to help them think better with it.
Whether your child is full of questions, or quietly curious, these activities meet them where they are. We focus on how they think, how they try, how they learn — not just how fast they can code.
Learning Tech That Sticks
We don’t want kids to memorize. We want them to understand how things work — and feel confident trying new ideas.
That’s what makes real tech learning different from just playing with screens.
When kids build something that really works, even in a small way, they feel proud. They’re not just learning “technology” — they’re learning how to think, create, and improve.
Reference:
This article is inspired by and partly based on:
How to Encourage Physical Computing in Elementary School — Edutopia, 2023
https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-encourage-physical-computing-elementary-school
https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-encourage-physical-computing-elementary-school
