This week we look at Kodable which introduces kids to the basics of programming through games, personalizable characters, and even offers the opportunity for kids to customize their own games. Plus, SPED Goals, developed by a teacher, offers suggestions for IEP goals.
Kodable
by SurfScore
Kodable introduces basic coding concepts to elementary school kids through the cute world of the fuzzFamily. Kids start by guiding their character through along a path using sequences of direction commands, then graduate to more advanced conditions, loops and functions. Kids can also learn variables as they blast asteroids, or classes and instances as they play a game similar to Plants vs. Zombies. Along the way, kids earn costumes for their character, and stickers that they can use to decorate their world. Further activities let them build their own mazes to solve or share, and customize their own asteroid blaster game. There is a lot in the app, and I like that it goes beyond the standard paths when teaching coding concepts. Kodable offers a 1 week free trial with a subscription to continue using the app.
SPED Goals
by UPQUARKS
SPED Goals is intended to assist in the development of Individual Education Program goals. Goals are divided into grade levels, plus SLP and OT, and further broken down by subject area including reading, writing, social skills, and behaviour. After choosing a grade level and subject, the app gives you a pre-written selection of goals intended to be obtained within one year. SPED Goals is free to download and use.
