When you think about computational thinking, you often picture advanced coding classes or high school robotics clubs. But in reality, the foundations of computational thinking should begin much earlier.
Computational thinking is primarily associated with computer science, but it evinces a broader concept. It encompasses a selection of problem solving skills that encourage students to address large-scale problems by breaking them down into smaller components that can be addressed methodically. Introducing young learners to the basic problem-solving strategies that underlie computer science helps them in almost every learning discipline, helping them develop creativity, resilience, and logical reasoning skills that extend far beyond the computer screen.
At the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE), we believe that cultivating computational thinking in early childhood is an investment in both the future of education and the future of innovation. With the right approach, educators can nurture these skills in playful, age-appropriate ways that align with the natural curiosity and imagination of young children.
What Is Computational Thinking?
Computational thinking is not about learning to code; it’s about learning how to approach problems. At its core, it involves four key elements:
- Decomposition: Identifying how to break up a big problem into smaller, more manageable parts in an efficient way.
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying similarities or trends in the nature of problems so that you can discern how to solve them.
- Abstraction: Focusing on the essential details and filtering out the noise.
- Algorithmic Thinking: Creating step-by-step instructions or processes to solve a problem.
For young learners, these concepts can be introduced through play, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
5 Strategies to Foster Computational Thinking in Early Childhood
1. Storytelling and Sequencing Activities
Simple activities like retelling a story in proper order, arranging picture cards to show daily routines, or giving step-by-step instructions for making a sandwich all introduce the concepts of sequencing and algorithms. Children learn that order matters and that steps build toward a goal in a logical manner, and that some orders can be changed to achieve the same result in a different way, or to achieve a different goal.
2. Games and Play-Based Learning
Board games, puzzles, and block-building naturally foster problem-solving, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning. Adding coding-themed toys like Bee-Bots, Code-a-Pillar, or LEGO® Coding Express gives children hands-on ways to create algorithms while having fun.
3. Integration with Math and Literacy
Pattern-making with shapes or colors, classifying objects in different ways, or even clapping out rhythms in songs or poetry help children recognize patterns and practice abstraction. Likewise, telling a story or riddle with a “misfit” component and encouraging children to identify what doesn’t make sense roughly mirrors the troubleshooting process that applies in computing and other situations, such as deducing a mystery.
4. Introducing Simple Coding Tools
Early coding platforms like ScratchJr allow children as young as five to create digital stories and games using visual, block-based coding. These tools encourage young learners to see themselves as creators and not just consumers of technological tools.
5. Encouraging Collaboration and Reflection
Group projects where children build together by each focusing on a different facet of a build, solve puzzles, or direct a robot to reach a goal teach collaboration and iterative problem-solving. After activities, ask reflective and thought-provoking questions: What worked? What didn’t? What could we try differently? These conversations reinforce resilience and a problem-solving mindset.
NCCE’s Commitment to Early Learning
Early childhood educators don’t need to be computer science experts to foster computational thinking. The key is creating opportunities for exploration and connecting activities to real-world problem-solving. Professional learning and peer collaboration can help teachers feel confident in weaving these concepts into everyday lessons.
Importantly, computational thinking should complement rather than replace periods of play, storytelling, and social-emotional learning. The goal is not to accelerate children into coding, but to strengthen the thinking skills that will support them across subjects and throughout their lives, whether or not they end up working in technology fields.
NCCE is passionate about supporting educators at every level, including early childhood, with strategies and resources for preparing students for the future. Our professional learning opportunities and practical tools can help teachers integrate computational thinking in age-appropriate, engaging ways.
If you’re ready to explore ways to bring computational thinking into your early childhood classroom, contact NCCE today to discover how our training and resources can help. To get to know us better, register to attend NCCE 26, February 25-17 at the Seattle Convention Center!