- Definition
Coding is like writing instructions for a computer to follow, telling it what to do step-by-step.
Arranging blocks that say 'move forward' and 'turn left' to guide a character through a maze is coding.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Coding is like writing a recipe for a robot, telling it exactly what to do one step at a time.
Ask your child: How would you tell a robot to stack these blocks?
Common mix-up: Kids may think coding is just playing a game on a screen. The key idea is that coding involves creating the step-by-step instructions that tell the game what to do.
Examples
- Telling a friend 'walk two steps, turn right, walk one step' to get to a toy.
- Using code blocks to make a character on a tablet say 'hello' when you tap it.
coding is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 Science and Technology
- Grade 2 Science and Technology
- Grade 3 Science and Technology
- Grade 4 Science and Technology
- Grade 5 Science and Technology
- Grade 6 Science and Technology
- Grade 7 Science and Technology
- Grade 8 Science and Technology
+1 more mention across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
