California Coding Studies — Grade 1
Comprehensive Course Syllabus
Course Overview
Our California Grade 1 Coding Studies course introduces students to age-appropriate computer science and coding concepts aligned with the California Computer Science Standards for K–12. The curriculum focuses on computational thinking, algorithms, programming concepts, computing devices, problem-solving, digital creativity, and responsible use of technology.
Students learn coding concepts through visual programming, sequencing activities, games, puzzles, stories, and hands-on challenges rather than requiring advanced text-based programming.
Computers & Computing Devices
What Is a Computer?
Students learn what computers are, what they can do, and how people use computing devices to perform different tasks.
Types of Computing Devices
Students explore common computing devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, smartboards, cameras, and other digital tools.
Input and Output
Students learn the basic difference between input and output by exploring devices such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, microphones, speakers, cameras, and displays.
Choosing the Right Device
Students practice selecting an appropriate computing device or application for simple tasks based on what they want to accomplish.
Computational Thinking
Breaking Problems into Steps
Students learn to break a larger task into smaller, manageable steps and understand why organizing steps makes problems easier to solve.
Sequencing
Students learn that instructions must often be performed in a particular order and practice arranging steps correctly to complete simple tasks.
Patterns and Logical Thinking
Students identify patterns, recognize relationships, and use simple logical reasoning to predict what should happen next.
Finding and Fixing Mistakes
Students learn to examine a sequence of instructions, identify where something went wrong, and make changes to reach the desired result.
Algorithms & Instructions
What Is an Algorithm?
Students learn that an algorithm is a sequence of instructions used to complete a specific task or solve a problem.
Creating Everyday Algorithms
Students create simple step-by-step algorithms for familiar activities such as getting ready for school, making a snack, cleaning up, or organizing classroom materials.
Following Instructions Precisely
Students practice following instructions carefully and discover that computers perform instructions literally and in the order they are provided.
Algorithms Through Games
Students create and follow step-by-step instructions using movement games, puzzles, mazes, directions, and classroom challenges.
Introduction to Programming
Coding with Blocks
Students are introduced to block-based programming where visual blocks represent instructions that can be combined to create simple programs.
Commands and Sequences
Students use simple commands such as move, turn, jump, speak, or play sound and arrange them into sequences to control a character or object.
Events and Actions
Students explore the idea that an action can begin when something happens, such as clicking a button, pressing a key, or starting a program.
Simple Loops
Students are introduced to repetition and learn how a sequence of instructions can be repeated instead of writing the same instructions multiple times.
Debugging Simple Programs
Students test their programs, identify errors, and change instructions when the program does not behave as expected.
Coding Through Games & Creative Projects
Interactive Stories
Students create simple interactive stories by combining characters, backgrounds, dialogue, movement, and basic programmed actions.
Animations
Students create simple animations by programming characters or objects to move, change appearance, or respond to events.
Coding Games
Students develop simple games using sequences, movement, events, and basic rules while learning how programmers create interactive experiences.
Maze & Navigation Challenges
Students solve coding mazes by creating step-by-step instructions that guide a character from a starting point to a destination.
Problem Solving & Engineering with Code
Identifying Computational Problems
Students learn to recognize simple problems that can be solved using computing, algorithms, or programmed instructions.
Designing a Solution
Students plan a solution before coding by thinking about the goal, required steps, and actions that need to happen.
Testing and Refining Programs
Students run their programs, observe the results, identify problems, and make changes to improve how the program works.
Creating Computational Artifacts
Students combine coding skills to create simple digital projects such as animations, stories, games, drawings, or interactive activities.
Technology, Digital Citizenship & Creativity
Responsible Use of Technology
Students learn simple rules for using computers and digital devices responsibly, safely, and respectfully.
People and Technology
Students explore how computing technology helps people learn, communicate, work, create, and solve everyday problems.
Technology Then and Now
Students compare how people lived and worked before and after the introduction of newer computing technologies.
Creative Problem Solving
Students use technology and coding as creative tools to express ideas, explore possibilities, and develop solutions to simple problems.
Teaching Methodology
Our Coding Studies classes focus on computational thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and learning through hands-on coding activities.
Students learn through:
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Grade 1, students will be able to:
Assessment & Progress Tracking
Student progress is evaluated through: