Texas Coding Studies — Grade 1
Comprehensive Course Syllabus
Course Overview
Our Texas Grade 1 Coding Studies course introduces young learners to the exciting world of computer science through fun, interactive, and age-appropriate activities. The curriculum develops computational thinking, logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills using visual programming platforms such as ScratchJr, Blockly, and Code.org.
Students learn coding concepts through stories, games, puzzles, animations, and STEM projects without needing prior programming experience.
Introduction to Coding
What is Coding?
Students learn what coding is, why computers need instructions, and how coding is used in everyday technologies such as games, robots, and mobile applications.
Thinking Like a Programmer
Students develop computational thinking by learning how to solve problems step by step using simple instructions.
Sequencing
Students understand that instructions must follow the correct order to complete a task successfully through games and everyday examples.
Algorithms
Students learn that an algorithm is a sequence of instructions used to solve a problem or complete an activity.
Unplugged Coding Games
Students act out instructions through movement games away from the screen to understand how programs work.
Arrow Codes & Symbols
Students use arrow cards and simple symbols to guide characters across a grid, one step at a time.
ScratchJr Programming
Exploring ScratchJr
Students become familiar with the ScratchJr interface, including characters (sprites), backgrounds, programming blocks, and simple project creation.
Moving Characters
Students use motion blocks to make characters move forward, backward, jump, and turn while creating simple animations.
Changing Looks
Students learn to change costumes, colors, sizes, and expressions of characters to create engaging stories.
Adding Sounds
Students make projects more interactive by adding sounds, recorded voices, and music to animations.
Logical Thinking
Patterns & Sequences
Students identify patterns and complete logical sequences to strengthen reasoning and computational thinking skills.
Problem Solving
Students solve simple coding puzzles that encourage logical thinking and step-by-step decision-making.
Debugging
Students discover that programmers fix mistakes by identifying and correcting errors in their programs.
Interactive Stories & Animations
Storytelling Through Coding
Students create animated stories by combining characters, backgrounds, movement, sounds, and dialogue.
Events
Students learn how coding projects begin when an event occurs, such as tapping a character or pressing the green flag.
Repeating Actions (Loops)
Students use simple repeat blocks to make characters perform actions multiple times without repeating code.
Introduction to Game Development
Simple Games
Students design beginner-friendly games such as mazes, treasure hunts, and matching games using visual programming.
User Interaction
Students create projects where users interact with characters using simple taps, clicks, or keyboard controls.
Creative Game Design
Students apply imagination to build fun games by choosing themes, characters, backgrounds, and objectives.
Digital Citizenship
Computer Basics
Students learn about computers, tablets, keyboards, mice, and other digital devices used in everyday life.
Internet Safety
Students understand safe online behavior, protecting personal information, asking adults for help, and being kind while using technology.
Responsible Technology Use
Students learn healthy screen-time habits, proper computer care, and respectful digital communication.
STEM & Creative Projects
Coding Challenges
Students complete weekly coding challenges that improve creativity, logical thinking, and confidence.
STEM Activities
Students participate in projects that combine Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through coding and problem-solving.
Final Coding Portfolio
Students create a digital portfolio showcasing their best animations, stories, games, and coding projects completed throughout the course.
Teaching Methodology
Our coding classes focus on learning through creativity, exploration, and hands-on practice. Students learn through:
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Grade 1, students will be able to:
Assessment & Progress Tracking
Student progress is evaluated through: