Benefits of Unplugged Coding in the Foundation Phase

The Citizen

07-08-2025

The curriculum is structured into three knowledge areas: Coding, Robotics, and Digital Concepts, with a strong emphasis on unplugged activities. These activities are designed to introduce computational thinking skills and provide a solid foundation for future learning in coding and robotics.
What does the concept of 'unplugged' mean for teachers and parents with children entering or already in the Foundation Phase in 2025? Simply put, unplugged coding refers to learning computational thinking skills without the use of digital devices. It involves hands-on and interactive activities that help children develop problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and creativity: all essential skills for coding and robotics.
Reinforcing these skills at home and in the classroom helps solidify understanding and ensures that learners develop confidence in their abilities.
Here are some practical ways to integrate unplugged coding activities both at home and classroom life:
● Sequencing and Pattern Recognition Games
Teachers and parents can introduce basic coding concepts through activities such as creating step-by-step instructions for everyday tasks, using beads and blocks to form patterns or arranging sequence cards. These activities help children understand the importance of order and logical sequencing in problem-solving.
● Role-Playing and Storytelling
Incorporate coding principles into storytelling and role-playing by asking children to create a sequence of events for a story and then acting this out. Teachers and parents can use picture cards to let learners arrange scenes logically, reinforcing algorithmic thinking.
Maze and Path-Finding Activities
Setting up obstacle courses or mazes and asking children to guide a toy, or themselves, through the course using step-by-step instructions, mimics the logic of coding algorithms. This teaches children how to break down problems into smaller and more manageable steps.
● Hands-On Construction and Manipulatives
Challenges such as replicating a given structure or following a step-by-step building guide, can be done using building blocks, LEGO bricks, or other construction toys. These can help children understand concepts like sequencing, loops, and debugging.
Classroom and Home-Based Coding Challenges
Teachers can create coding challenges using instructions on flashcards, where learners must solve a problem by arranging commands correctly. Parents can set up fun tasks at home, like asking their children to describe, step-by-step, how to make a sandwich, helping them understand the importance of precise logical instructions.
Key Take-Aways
The integration of unplugged coding in the CAPS Foundation Phase Coding and Robotics Curriculum highlights its importance in early childhood education. By implementing simple, hands-on activities at home and in the classroom, children can develop computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in an engaging way. For teachers and parents, embracing unplugged coding means equipping children with essential 21st-century skills in a fun and developmentally appropriate manner. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, unplugged coding will continue to play a crucial role in preparing young minds for the digital future. For more resources and information, visit www.bellavista.org.za
Article by Tayla du Plessis (Foundation Phase Educator at Bellavista School)