Glen Cove Second Graders Learn to Code

Glen Cove students at Deasy Elementary School received a lesson in coding during their recent STEM classes.

During the second-grade lesson, which was taught by STEM teacher Jessica Cialeo, students learned that computers and electronic devices do not have a brain and cannot think for themselves. Therefore, people called computer scientists need to “write” directions for the devices so they can perform tasks. The children were then introduced to coding and given guided practice using Code.org and the iPad applications Kodable and Daisy the Dinosaur. The students thoroughly enjoyed using the apps to create block coding, which allowed them to move BB8, a “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” character on their iPad screens.

Cialeo’s lesson was coordinated as part of Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of Code, which is a global movement that reaches tens of millions of students in more than 180 countries. Deasy Principal Ken Craft and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Dr. Michael Israel attended the lesson and assisted the children in their assignment.

District elementary students in Ken Altamirano and Cheryl Carmody’s STEM classes also participated in grade level appropriate coding lessons as part of the Hour of Code celebration.

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of Glen Cove City School District

1. STEM teacher Jessica Cialeo taught second-grade students about coding.
2. Second-grade students Sarah Ayiku and Finneus Burns worked together to move BB8 on their iPad.
3. Deasy Principal Ken Craft looked on as second-graders Boglarka Molnar and Elier Granados worked on their coding assignment.
4. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Dr. Michael Israel assisted Patrick O’Brien and Aidan Ham (right) during the lesson.