A guest post by my colleague Erin Vakenti:
Yesterday my class wrapped up our unit on coding using Sphero Sprks. I began using Spheros with my Grade One class in January. On our first day we jumped in with both feet – we spent the entire day experimenting with coding for the very first time. To say the kids were engaged would be a huge understatement; they were so excited they didn’t even notice when we missed our P.E. block.
That first day we focused on the basics of how to begin a program and how to make the Sphero move. We opted for a simple goal of rolling away and rolling back. We experimented with roll times and speeds to come to a consensus of what values would work best in our environment.
Each week we revisited the Spheros for a least one full afternoon. Over several weeks, we collaborated to learn how to create shapes with the Spheros and how to maneuver through mazes the kids created. We also aimed to enhance our rolls with spins, changes in colour and sound displays.
I think it’s fair to say, that my class considers their opportunity to work with the Spheros a highlight for the year. After the introductory session, the kids asked me every day when it would be our turn again to use the Spheros. Every single student was excited and engaged with each new Sphero experience.
Parents were also impressed with our Sphero experimentation. They had the opportunity to see their child’s coding skills in action through videos sent home via the Fresh Grade parent communication app. Some parents were so taken with the Spheros that they even purchased one for their own child to use at home.
As a teacher of young children, I was very impressed with Sphero’s user-friendly coding system. The drag and drop system involves very little reading making it accessible to all the students in my class. I was also impressed with the very rich dialogue between the students that developed as they worked in pairs and small groups to write their programs. This showcased our class’ work on the Core Competences of Communication, Critical Thinking and Social Responsibility.
I hope that we are given the opportunity to work with Spheros again in the near future. It was a pleasure to join their kids in their explorations.
Erin Vakenti
Grade One Teacher
Eagle Ridge Elementary School
Education & Technology 