Students at Niakwa Place School delved into the world of coding through a schoolwide Hour of Code celebration in December, marking a successful introduction to computer science concepts
Teacher-librarian Ashley Buchanan organized the event, partnering with the University of Manitoba's Wise Kinetic program to bring hands-on technology to every class. Grades 3 to 8 explored coding basics before programming Dash robots, while Grades 1 and 2 tackled directional coding with Robot Mice. The initiative sparked widespread enthusiasm, serving as a launchpad for ongoing projects.
Building on that momentum, Buchanan is now leading Grades 3 and 4 in a literacy-integrated coding unit using free Tale-Bot robots. Students learn to issue commands to the devices, retelling stories through coded sequences that depict beginning, middle and end structures. Plans are underway to expand into an extracurricular coding club for students eager to dive deeper.
"The kids have just been really excited about coding," Buchanan said, noting how other classes peer through the library's windows, curious about the activities unfolding inside.
Buchanan emphasized the educational value in fostering perseverance and critical thinking. Students work through trial and error as robots fail to execute commands on the first try, prompting them to debug and iterate. "There's that innate kind of motivation to go back, see what went wrong and try to fix it," she said.
The approach channels children's draw to technology toward constructive, cross-curricular learning. Coding weaves in literacy, math and science, promoting collaboration as small groups problem-solve together while remaining focused.
"You can see just the excitement that the kids have with it," Buchanan added.
Such programs align with the division's commitment to preparing students for a technology-driven future, equipping them with essential skills like grit and analytical reasoning from an early age
