Block-Based Coding with CodeMonkey
Grades K-2
About This Course
Calling all young adventurers! Embark on a coding journey where you'll help a friendly monkey collect bananas and a busy beaver build structures while learning the superpowers of coding!
This course is specially designed for our youngest learners (grades K-2), with minimal text and intuitive block-based coding that doesn't require reading or writing skills. Students will dive into colorful, engaging worlds where they'll solve increasingly challenging puzzles by dragging and dropping blocks to create instructions.
By the end of the course, children will not only understand fundamental coding concepts but will also develop crucial problem-solving abilities and logical thinking skills that benefit all areas of learning. In a world where technology literacy is becoming essential, this course provides a fun, age-appropriate introduction to digital skills that sets the foundation for future learning while boosting confidence and creativity.
See the Tali Explorers page for the course schedule and pricing.
What You'll Learn
Learn conditionals, functions, coordinates and more in block-based coding with lessons designed to follow CSTA standards.
Master fundamental coding concepts including sequencing, loops, and conditional statements through engaging, game-based activities appropriate for early learners
Develop problem-solving skills and computational thinking by breaking down tasks into logical steps and identifying patterns
Build confidence in technology literacy while practicing persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking
Hands-On Projects
Banana Adventure Path Designer: Students will create their own customized paths for the monkey to follow, incorporating bananas and obstacles in a personalized challenge. They'll apply their sequencing and loop skills to design efficient solutions and share their creations with classmates.
Beaver's Dream Home: Students will design and code instructions for building different parts of the beaver's house, applying conditional loops to create walls, doors, and windows. They'll add personal touches while ensuring efficient coding solutions.
Smoothie Party Planner: Students will develop their own smoothie recipe cards using if/else conditions, creating decision trees to determine which ingredients go into different smoothies based on customer preferences. This project encourages creativity while reinforcing conditional logic.
Our 6-Week Course Plan
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Week 1 - Intro to CodeMonkey Jr. & Sequencing
Introduction to CodeMonkey Jr. and the basics of sequencing; students will learn the game environment, directional commands, and how to count steps to guide the monkey to its treasure.
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Week 2 - Loops
Exploring loops in CodeMonkey Jr.; students will discover how to use repeating patterns efficiently, recognizing when to implement loops to replace long sequences of identical commands.
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![CodeMonkey Sequencing]()
Week 3 - Advanced Sequencing
Advanced sequencing and loops in CodeMonkey Jr.; students will combine commands in different directions and learn to place instructions before and after loops to create more complex solutions.
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![Beaver Achiever]()
Week 4 - Beaver Achiever Sequencing & Loops
Transition to Beaver Achiever and building sequences; students will help the beaver build a dam by placing logs in sequence, reinforcing their understanding of sequential programming and introducing new loop concepts.
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Week 5 - Conditionals
Exploring conditional loops in Beaver Achiever; students will help the beaver build a house by chopping wooden planks, learning to create loops that continue or stop based on specific conditions.
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Week 6 - Course Summary & Showcase
Working with if/else conditions at the smoothie stand; students will create decision trees to determine which smoothie recipes to use for different customers, culminating in their Smoothie Party Planner project.
Why You’ll Love TaliTech
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Develop 21st Century Skills
Coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills are rapidly becoming more essential across various industries and career paths. Research shows that these skills are also related to other positive outcomes such as school success, healthy interpersonal relationships, resiliency during life stressors, and increased self-confidence.
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Hands-On Fun and Learning
Your child will learn to solve problems through stories, projects, and game-based learning techniques. These enjoyable methods make difficult ideas simpler to understand. We will tailor activities to their age and skills, helping them develop a real love for learning.
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Preparing Children for the Future
Computational thinking, collaboration, along with the essential technical skills that your child will develop through our programs, are all key components that will significantly contribute to their future careers and overall confidence. These skills will empower them to tackle challenges in innovative ways.
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Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
We have a strong focus on building children’s self-confidence and fostering their natural creativity. We want to empower kids to confidently take their innovative ideas out into the world and to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Teaching cyber-safetyis a top priority so children understand the importance of navigating technology wisely and securely.
Register for this K-2 CodeMonkey Course
Give your child an opportunity they’ll never forget with TaliTech's engaging coding and STEM classes. From computational thinking to real-world projects, we’ll provide the fun and inspiration needed to shape the next generation of innovators and leaders.
