| Example #1: A child programs a character to move right 10 times using 10 Move Right blocks, and is excited when a peer suggests that he can use parameters next time. |
| Example #2: When creating a program about a book read in class, a child changes the ending of the story. |
| Example #3: A child’s peer tells her that she is wrong for tapping individual blocks to run her program, but she explains that there are many ways to run a program correctly. |
Teacher Insights on Practicing Open-mindedness
The following excerpts were taken from interviews with teachers who were asked to describe instances in which their students practiced open-mindedness, as well as times in which the teacher personally practiced open-mindedness while implementing the Coding as Another Language-ScratchJr curriculum.
I definitely needed to have an open mind and the flexibility of okay, well, we think that this lesson is going to go this way, and then it does not go that way at all, so we might have to backtrack or review a lesson that we’ve already done.
— Gianna, Kindergarten Teacher
I definitely felt like I had maintained an open-mindedness. I was always curious to see how the kids were going to initially approach something, or how they were going to problem solve, especially in that final project, going in and making one instructed change turned into them changing their whole code, even though it had been great to start.
— Christian, First Grade Teacher
Watch Open-mindedness in Practice
Send & Receive Help
While collaborating on a coding project, a child is open to receiving help from his partner.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Notice the body language of the children (e.g., are they facing each other or have their backs turned?). How does body language promote open-mindedness while working together?
• Notice the way the children communicate with each other. How does communication style foster open-mindedness between students?
What Color Should I Pick?
A child is open to suggestions from her partner while customizing her character.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Can you think of other coding activities that can facilitate open-mindedness and collaboration between students?
‘Hello’ Around the World
A teacher promotes open-mindedness by asking her students to say hello in different languages.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Notice the body language and facial expressions of the teacher. How can this encourage open-mindedness from her students?
• Notice that the children do not speak over one another when sharing ideas. What are other ways children can practice open-mindedness during whole group activities?
New Ideas
A teacher suggests a new idea to her student to make their program run longer.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Notice the way the teacher speaks to her student. How can the way in which we communicate foster open-mindedness?