Are you a parent interested in bringing basic computing skills to your kids? The UCLA Computer Science Equity Project’s own Roxana Hadad and Sharisa Chan, both computer science educators and moms with littles, share one of their favorite activities they like to do at home with their kids that you can do, too!

Parents, we know you want to continue the great learning your kids are doing in school while at home. Finding fun ways to teach digital skills can help kids develop their identities as computer scientists and STEM-seekers. As parents and educators ourselves, we want our little ones to learn these important skills, but we’re not crazy about them spending tons of time in front of their devices, so we look for engaging, accessible, and easy-to-do activities that don’t require a computer.

We’re excited to share free (or low-cost) unplugged computational thinking (CT) activities we’ve used to engage our kids. These different problem-solving strategies can spark interest in computing, and connect to their learning in other subjects such as math, science, and English. CT goes beyond coding—it is a powerful approach to thinking about problem-solving that helps people break complex challenges into manageable steps and come up with creative solutions. 

CT and computer skills aren’t just for programmers; they involve valuable techniques and mindsets for anyone navigating our increasingly digital world—especially little ones! Following a recipe step-by-step or reading a map are examples of the kinds of skills that are also used when developing a computer program.

When children practice computational thinking, they develop skills that help them tackle everyday problems, work together with others, and think creatively. This is especially important for kids from diverse backgrounds, as it helps bridge gaps and ensures everyone has a fair chance to shine. As children continue to develop their CT skills, they can gain the confidence to take on all kinds of new challenges. 

Read on for a fun computational thinking activity you and your little ones can do at home: How Does Your Garden Grow?: