Bailey Joachim is a fourth grade teacher working in the Salida Union School District in the Central Valley of California. She introduced Micro:bit to her student and offers her advice for other educators interested in trying out this approach to engaging students in STEM.

Tell us about your experience using Micro:bit with your fourth grade students.

I introduced the Micro:bit to my students with the goal of engaging them in hands-on learning and making coding accessible and fun. Since incorporating Micro:bits, I’ve seen my students improve in their ability to communicate ideas clearly, discuss challenges, and problem-solve. Even students who typically struggle to stay focused have been highly engaged during these activities. My favorite part of working with Micro:bits is seeing my students have fun while taking pride in their projects. Overall, Micro:bits has transformed my classroom into a dynamic, interactive space. Through their use, I am teaching Computer Science rather than just focusing on the tool itself. Micro:bits have provided an engaging platform, although the real focus in my classroom is introducing students to key computer science concepts like coding, problem-solving, algorithms, and logical thinking. By working with the Micro:bit, students can apply these foundational CS principles in a hands-on, interactive way that makes the learning process both meaningful and fun. Micro:bits simply serve as a practical, accessible tool to bring these important computer science concepts to life.

What advice would you give to educators who are interested in CS but feel unsure where to start?

I would highly recommend this approach to any educator looking to make STEM subjects more engaging and accessible for all students. The Stanislaus County Office of Education has also offered outstanding workshops through Seasons of CS for teachers new to teaching computer science. These workshops provided an opportunity to develop creative thinking and enhance problem-solving skills in the classroom. Being a part of Seasons of CS has boosted my confidence in teaching computer science to my students. Collaborating with other educators at CS trainings allowed us to brainstorm solutions together, learn from each other’s experiences, and share valuable insights. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this year-round workshop. I truly enjoyed collaborating with teachers who are dedicated to bringing out the best in their students and inspiring them to think creatively.