Everybody Codes: Using Playful Movement to Introduce Early Coding Skills
In this session, we will share several playful activities that help young children use everyday movement to explore spatial language, direction, and sequencing. We will explore ideas of early coding and also connect to ways in which educators and caregivers are already coding with children through daily routines and activities.
Alejandra has been working in education for over a decade in New York City and Costa Rica. She has worked as an educator, a consultant and a curriculum developer in primarily progressive, interdisciplinary and play-based programs. She also has extensive experience working with diverse groups of students and families in dual language and special education settings. She received her B.A. in History from Haverford College and later received a masters degree in Dual Language/Bilingual Early Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education. Over the course of her career, she has taken a particular interest in incorporating environmental and nature-based education into her work. Her work aims to empower educators, caregivers and children by destigmatizing STEAM fields and helping make the content more accessible. She enjoys being active, exploring the natural world, gardening and spending time with her Pomeranian mix.
Scott has 20 years of teaching experience in upper-elementary and middle school grades. He has taught in multiple-subject classrooms as well as single-subject math and woodworking courses. He has served as a coach, presenter, and coordinator at the AIMS Center since 2017. Scott's interests in music, art, engineering, and tinkering help fuel his desire for children to learn in playful, experimental, and engaging ways. He enjoys playing instruments in local bands, taking care of his yard, and walking his basset hound, Sweet Pea.