In the Foundation Phase, coding and robotics introduces young learners to technology, problem-solving and critical thinking through engaging and age-appropriate activities. The new CAPS curriculum introduces a process-driven approach to develop computational thinking through hands-on learning from a young age.

Coding refers to the process of creating instructions for computers to follow. In the Foundation Phase, coding is introduced through simple, engaging activities that do not require advanced computer skills. In the CAPS Curriculum the content focuses on pattern recognition, algorithm design and coding.

Robotics involves designing, building, and programming robots to perform tasks. In the Foundation Phase, robotics is presented in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for young learners. The content focuses on understanding robots (their components and functions), designing and building robots, and then programming them to perform tasks.

Coding and Robotics are being introduced into South African schools because the Department of Education believes these are essential skills for learners in the 21st century. The curriculum equips students with valuable foundational skills that benefit them in all aspects of life.

Here’s how coding and robotics contribute to education:

Develop essential skills: These subjects foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity – all highly sought-after skills. They teach students to break down complex problems, think critically, and approach challenges in innovative ways.

Boosts core subjects: Coding and robotics can strengthen core subjects like maths, languages and science. This pedagogical approach integrates these subjects into the coding process. For example, students may use their reading skills to understand coding instructions and perform mathematical calculations without realising it.

Prepares future generations: The world is extremely reliant on technology, and a digitally literate population is crucial for South Africa’s future economic success. By equipping students with coding and robotics skills, the country is investing in a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

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As per Ashric Don, the Deputy Chief Education Specialist: Coding and Robotics in the Western Cape Department of Education, Coding and Robotics will be compulsory for the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) starting in 2025.

The Department of Basic Education has released the CAPS Coding & Robotics Curriculum Standards which can be downloaded here.

The Code4Kids (c4k.io) platform is aligned with the CAPS Curriculum and provides free and paid content for Grades R-3. Find out more about the Code4Kids CAPS aligned solution here on this page

It can be daunting to teach coding and robotics without any previous experience.

Here are a few steps you can take to get started:

Tap into existing resources

If you have not done so yet, start by thoroughly exploring the Department of Education’s Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for coding and robotics. This will provide a clear understanding of the learning objectives and expectations. Additionally, participate in workshops, courses, or even online sessions offered by the Department of Education, universities, or private STEM education specialists.

Code4Kids (c4k.io) offers free teacher training workshops. Our resources are designed for all teachers. From those who are just starting on this journey, as well as experienced teachers who are looking for a fun and authentic way to teach the subject.

Embrace Peer Learning

Connect with other teachers who are also learning coding and robotics. Form a professional learning community (PLC) to share resources, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from each other’s experiences. This collaborative approach can be a powerful way to build confidence and expertise.

Start with what you have

Coding and robotics are not isolated subjects. Find ways to integrate relevant concepts with other subjects like maths, languages, and the arts. This can make learning more engaging for students and leverage existing classroom resources. For instance, a teacher might use blocks, coloured paper, and toys to teach algorithms and pattern recognition, without the need for advanced (and often expensive) robotics kits.

Maths: Coding relies heavily on logical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are central to mathematics. Use existing maths problems and exercises and reframe them with a coding twist. For example, creating algorithms to solve maths problems step-by-step.

Languages: Coding involves creating instructions and understanding sequences. Language arts teachers can use this connection to introduce basic coding concepts through activities like writing clear instructions or identifying patterns in stories. Use online resources to help, for example, Scratch and Scratch jr can be used to create stories and animations.

Other Subjects: Even seemingly unrelated subjects can be used to teach coding principles. For instance, Social Studies teachers can explore decision-making through branching scenarios (like “if/then” statements in coding).

Yes, Code4Kid (c4k.io) will be offering free Teacher Training Workshops. Create a Code4Kids account to keep up to date

The foundation phase is the perfect time to introduce young learners to the exciting world of coding and robotics. While computers and robots themselves are fascinating, the key concepts of computational thinking can be effectively taught without them.

Unplugged vs Plugged Activities

Unplugged Activities: These activities involve no computers, tablets, or robots. They focus on the core concepts of coding and robotics using physical objects and student interaction. Activities like building with blocks according to instructions, playing coding-themed games with cards, or acting out a program with body movements are all unplugged examples.

Suggested resources include Scratch unplugged – a collection of blocks that can be printed off and coloured in. The blocks come with instruction manuals and team games that can be played. These activities highlight coding skills without using a computer or a robot. One member of the team plays the robot, the others act like a computer and combine their coding powers.

Plugged Activities: These activities involve using electronic devices like computers or tablets to write code and interact with programs or robots. Examples include using a coding app to control a character on the screen or programming a robot to navigate a maze with motors and sensors.

Code4Kids offers free unplugged activities when you create your free account with us. We also have free samples to download.

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Not all resources are available yet, but the Department of Education is aware of the need and is developing additional resources for ECD centers

Coding and Robotics, as a subject, is designed so that core concepts can be woven into your curriculum across various subjects in the foundation phase. Here are some ideas on how to create a fun and engaging learning experience that strengthens computational thinking skills, all while using a combination of unplugged (no computers) and plugged activities (with computers or robots).

Unplugged Activities: Building a Strong Foundation

Integration with Maths: Coding relies heavily on logical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are central to mathematics. Use unplugged activities to introduce coding concepts through maths. Challenge students to build algorithms step-by-step, like creating a program to calculate area using simple instructions.

Languages: Coding is all about clear instructions and understanding order. Language arts becomes a springboard for these concepts. Have students write precise directions or analyse the sequencing of events in stories. Is this a flashback, foreshadowing, or simply the next step? Use online resources to help, fore example, Scratch and ScratchJr can be used to create stories and animations.

Social Studies: Integrate coding and robotics into social studies the process of decision-making using branching scenarios in coding. Explore “if/then” statements by simulating historical choices a leader might face. For example, “If the king chooses war, then…”

Physical Education: Use bottle caps with arrows on them and let your students arrange the bottle caps on the floor. One group of students represents the instructors, the other group are the robots. The robots then follow the instructions to create a dance routine! This shows that coding isn’t just about computers – it’s about following instructions in the right order.

Plugged Activities (Optional – Introduce Later):

Coding Apps and Games: Once students have grasped core concepts through unplugged activities, introduce simple coding apps with age-appropriate interfaces. These apps often involve drag-and-drop commands to control characters or solve puzzles.

Educational Robotics Kits: As students progress, consider introducing educational robotics kits that allow them to build and program simple robots with motors and sensors. These kits are a great way to bridge the gap between unplugged and plugged learning. There are also free / inexpensive ways to make do without needing to purchase physical robotics kits. Online simulators such as Makecode & Tinkercad are great ways to get started.

Code4Kids (c4k.io) offers various resources to assist with content for online activities, interactive classroom activities, and other courses that include hands-on, practical coding experience. Create a free account to access our free resources.

Additional Tips:

Storytelling Power: Create coding-themed stories and have students act out the “code” using their bodies or simple props.

Playful Learning: Keep it fun with songs, rhymes, and collaborative games. Use items you already have, like a puzzle for example. Let your students work together to build the puzzles, and then ask them to explain how they did it. They may find it hard at first, but give them some guidance. Did they pair similar colours? Did they group the edge pieces together, and so forth. This process shows them that the order they did things mattered, just like in coding!

Visual Aids: Utilise pictures, diagrams, and flowcharts to represent the coding process in a way that’s clear and engaging for young learners.

By combining unplugged activities with a gentle introduction to plugged resources later on, you can nurture a love for coding and robotics in your foundation phase students. This approach equips them with strong problem-solving and analytical skills, preparing them for a future where these skills are increasingly valuable.

Code4Kids (c4k.io) will guide you through both plugged and unplugged delivery. If you have any questions for our team, please do not hesitate to contact us. Also be sure to register for our next teacher training workshops, here.

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Not all outcomes are specified yet, but there is a focus on developing basic coding skills and computational thinking, like problem-solving, decomposition (breaking down problems into steps), and algorithmic thinking (creating sequences of steps to achieve a goal).

The CAPS curriculum lists a set of skills that should be accomplished for each of the content areas in each Grade. They are broken into 5 areas: patterns, algorithm design, coding, robotics skills and digital concepts.

The foundation phase is the perfect time to introduce young learners to the exciting world of coding and robotics. While computers and robots themselves are fascinating, the key concepts of computational thinking can be effectively taught without them.

Unplugged vs Plugged Activities

Unplugged Activities: These activities involve no computers, tablets, or robots. They focus on the core concepts of coding and robotics using physical objects and student interaction. Activities like building with blocks according to instructions, playing coding-themed games with cards, or acting out a program with body movements are all unplugged examples.

Suggested resources include Scratch unplugged – a collection of blocks that can be printed off and coloured in. The blocks come with instruction manuals and team games that can be played. These activities highlight coding skills without using a computer or a robot. One member of the team plays the robot, the others act like a computer and combine their coding powers.

Plugged Activities: These activities involve using electronic devices like computers or tablets to write code and interact with programs or robots. Examples include using a coding app to control a character on the screen or programming a robot to navigate a maze with motors and sensors.

Code4Kids offers free unplugged activities when you create your free account with us. We also have free samples to download.

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SASAMS are aware of the requirements for 2025 and will update their system before 2025.

The Western Cape Department of Education provides online resources to help teachers get started with coding and robotics. The WCED are also hosting an online training session in July, see more details here. Visit the Department of Education website for more information and resources.

Code4Kids (c4k.io) offers resources and teacher training workshops. Our CAPS curriculum is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable, catering to teachers with varying levels of experience in coding. Our next online workshops, Code4Kids Level 1 Teacher Training: CAPS Coding & Robotics, will take place in August and September 2024. Book your free seat.

Also access hundreds hours of free resources when you create your free account.

No, teachers do not need a specific qualification to teach coding and robotics.

The emphasis in early coding education (Grades R-9) is on developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and computational skills, which can be integrated across various subjects. Teachers with strong pedagogical skills can be effective in this area with some additional training and support.

So in short, as coding becomes more established in the curriculum, we might see the introduction of specific teaching qualifications for this area. But for now, the focus is on ensuring teachers have the support and training they need to deliver effective coding and robotics education.

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We understand that teachers in rural and under-resourced areas will need additional support. While we cannot speak on behalf of the Department of Education, we can offer some support from our side.

We suggest that you start with what you have. If you have access to the Rainbow books series, there are many examples of patterns and instructions that will help you get started.

At Code4Kids (c4k.io), we offer hundreds of hours of free content you can use (plugged or unplugged). Create your free account for access.

We understand that a computer lab is not a possibility for many schools. As long as you find small pockets of time in your timetable, you can integrate coding and robotics into your classroom with students, in groups, regardless access to a computer lab.

See our answers under Implementing CAPS Coding & Robotics in Foundation Phase: Grade 1-3 for some useful tips on how to integrate Coding & Robotics into the existing curriculum – with or without computers or devices.

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While the curriculum itself doesn’t directly address class-size, there are teaching methods that can be adapted to make it more manageable. The focus should be on creating a structured yet engaging environment where students can learn from each other and explore coding and robotics concepts collaboratively.

We therefore encourage teamwork and peer learning, where students can learn from each other and troubleshoot problems together.

At Code4Kids (c4k.io), many of our unplugged lessons are designed for group work. Unplugged activities generally lend themselves to working in groups.

For plugged activities, we suggest rotational stations for groups to help manage larger classes.

There is no mention of physical textbooks at this stage by the Department of Education. Online resources are being developed as far as we understand.

At Code4Kids, we offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes digital worksheets, lesson plans and teacher guides that can be printed or viewed online. Access our free resources when you create your free account.

Unfortunately, we are not able to answer that question based on information we have from the Department of Education.

Code4Kids (c4k.io) has developed an innovative digital platform which allows us to align with the curriculum and quickly adapt to any possible changes or updates.

There is no requirement for any paid software in schools. Code4Kids (c4k.io) provides a number of free resources as well as a paid solution. Our mission is to enable as many teachers as possible to successfully implement coding, robotics & ICT into their classrooms.

There are a number of free and engaging tools available such as Scratchjr, Scratch and MakeCode, as well as the Google education suite.

The curriculum is designed to be integrated with other subjects, not as a separate class. Coding concepts can be applied in various subjects like maths (pattern recognition, sequencing), languages (following directions, storytelling) and the arts.

This way, students learn coding skills while reinforcing other subjects, potentially reducing the need for a separate class. See answers under Implementing CAPS Coding & Robotics in Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) for more detailed suggestions.