In the rapidly evolving digital world, computational thinking and programming education are recognized as integral components of modern education. The book Teaching Computational Thinking and Programming offers a comprehensive approach to introducing these skills in preschool and primary education, with an emphasis on utilizing ScratchJr, an easy-to-use visual programming environment specifically designed for young children.

Programming can be challenging, but it also presents an excellent opportunity. Exploring a whole new world of creativity and thinking, we discover innovative ways to understand the world around us. At the same time, we equip our students with some of the most important skills for the 21st century. Through programming, we can teach them to be creators, preparing them to shape their future and the world of tomorrow.

With practical activities, suggested projects, and structured learning pathways, the book guides educators—even those without prior programming experience—to effectively integrate coding instruction into their classrooms.

Contents:

• Introduction to programming languages
• The importance of computational thinking and programming in education
• Approaches for assessing computational thinking in education
• Teaching programming as a tool for cognitive development
• Theoretical issues in teaching coding to young children
• Creative learning in coding and computational thinking: teaching strategies
• Unplugged activities
• Educational robotics
• Why ScratchJr?
• Installing ScratchJr
• Getting started with ScratchJr
• Managing a project in ScratchJr
• Drawing applications in ScratchJr
• My first project in ScratchJr
• Movement tiles
• Appearance tiles
• Sound tiles
• Control tiles
• Activation tiles
• Ending tiles
• Curriculum "Coding as a Second Language"
• Assessment tools for computational thinking through ScratchJr