You know the move blocks. Now the robot learns to read words. Each block has a code name. Right is move_right(). Up is move_up(). Left is move_left(). Down is move_down().
move_down()
move_down()
move_right()
One line, one step
The robot wants to reach the star. Write one line for each step. The robot reads from the top line down. This code says down, down, right.
move down
move down
move right
Watch the robot
Here is that code as blocks on a board. Tap Run the program. It goes down 2 squares. Then it goes right 1 square. It lands on the star.
move_right()The robot knows thismove rightThe robot is stuck
Spell it just right
The robot is very fussy about spelling. Put a low line between the two words. End with two round brackets. The robot does not know move right.
move_up()
move_up()
move_left()
Your turn
The blocks are up, up, left. Say the code out loud, one line at a time. Then check your lines with this box.
For parents
Goal: Your child learns that each arrow block can be written as one line of real code.
Point to each line and ask: which way does the robot go?
Spell move_right() together, with the low line and the two brackets.
In the labs your child reads code, sorts lines the robot can read, and builds a program. Tap See it as code to show the blocks as real lines.
Away from the screen: Write move_up(), move_down(), move_left() and move_right() on four cards. Hold one up, and your child takes one step that way.