Grades K–2

Ready-to-use activities, lesson plans, and courses for introducing computer science concepts to young learners.

Recommended Resources

CS² is committed to expanding open access of computer science education. To support this, we complement each section with a curated list of external resources. Please keep an eye out for future educator workshops. Here we will walk through how to make best use of these resources.

Curriculums and Courses

These resources provide foundational materials for early computer science education. They are carefully selected from trusted voices in computer science education and serve as inspiration for our content. Our educator focused workshop will have sections for navigating this content.

Code.org CS Fundamentals (Course A–B)

Story-driven puzzles plus unplugged warm-ups that track directly with your first eight weeks.

Visit Course →


ScratchJr Educator Guide

Printable pacing ideas and classroom management tips for K–2 storytelling projects in the ScratchJr app.

Download Guide →


Google CS First Storytelling

Adapt the Storytelling track for tablet centers or buddy classes to extend narrative algorithms.

Explore Track →


Experience CS

A free integrated curriculum for computer science. This project is supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google.

Visit Course →

Quick Wins for Immediate Use


Recommended Courses

Use the cards below to jump straight to the planning summaries, lesson packs, and differentiation ideas.

Section Overview

CS2 is dedicated to expanding open access to computer science education.

  • Essential questions: How do we give clear instructions? How can sensors help our community?
  • Core routines: call-and-response algorithms, floor grid coding, storytelling circles
  • Materials: story cards, sticker grids, optional Bee-Bot or unplugged arrows

Resources & Differentiation

  • Printable facilitator scripts + visual schedules
  • Emergent reader mini-books for take-home practice
  • Extension centers for early finishers (pattern block coding, felt board debugging)
  • Email contact@cscs.org for the full slide + printable bundle

Inside the Explorers Course

Use the cards below to jump straight to the planning summaries, lesson packs, and differentiation ideas.

Course Overview

Introduce computational thinking with playful characters who solve neighborhood challenges.

  • Essential questions: How do we give clear instructions? How can sensors help our community?
  • Core routines: call-and-response algorithms, floor grid coding, storytelling circles
  • Materials: story cards, sticker grids, optional Bee-Bot or unplugged arrows

Resources & Differentiation

  • Printable facilitator scripts + visual schedules
  • Emergent reader mini-books for take-home practice
  • Extension centers for early finishers (pattern block coding, felt board debugging)
  • Email contact@cscs.org for the full slide + printable bundle

Weekly Routines

Mix predictable rituals with joyful surprises so early learners feel confident experimenting.

Lesson Flow

  1. Warm welcome + SEL motion check-in
  2. Story circle introduces the week’s character challenge
  3. Unplugged modeling on the classroom grid
  4. Optional robot or tablet extension center
  5. Reflection circles + family postcard prompt

Facilitator Tips

  • Use picture icons on the board to preview each agenda item
  • Assign “debug buddies” to help peers retell steps
  • Capture photos for the final museum walk wall
  • Invite families for optional Friday build-alongs

Centers & Extensions

Unplugged

Mission Deck

Card prompts with step-by-step instructions for students to act out algorithms using props.

Includes printable mats + voice-over files

Family

Conversation Companion

Weekly postcard with vocabulary, at-home play prompts, and QR-linked read-alouds.

English + Spanish templates

Facilitator

Visual Schedule Slides

Large-print agenda slides with icons, timing cues, and call-and-response scripts.

Pairs with tactile schedule cards

Ready to Pilot the Explorers Course?

Tell us your pacing needs, class size, and device access so we can send the right facilitator bundle.

Coming Soon

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