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Great article that explains why we should be teaching computational thinking and coding. 

Probably the most succinct explanation - and one of the most cogent metaphors - for why the computer coding initiative is so important!

This article presents a broader picture of coding that includes computational thinking (CT) especially at the elementary level. It is helping me as I am constructing my own understanding of coding , CT and their applicability.

This article made me research more on Computational Thinking. Here is a site that can give you examples of how this might look in your classroom. Check out CT Models in the K-12 curriculum. http://www.google.com/edu/computational-thinking/

Scroll down to the Practical Tips for the Early Grades section. There are some interesting thoughts about various modes of exploration and learning from independent to pairs and groups. The list of seven skills that support pre-reading is helpful as we explain to others the benefits of coding for pre-readers and beginning readers.

This is a really useful article and worth a read.

Interesting! I know we use Kodable and Beebot with our students but I hadn't seen the LEGO version. Having 2 boys who love LEGOs I decided to put it on my iPad and see what they thought. They both really enjoyed to robot and making him move around. To me it got hard faster than Kodable but honestly they didn't seem to mind. (and it didn't seem hard for them just me. :) It may be a thought to have another coding program to put in Kindergarteners hands.

The article says coding is "thinking and planning in order to make things happen"...the link for the quotes from the country's leaders (Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Sheryl Sandberg, etc.) all reference "learning how to write a computer program" I wonder if computer programming will be part of the Middle or High School curriculum eventually.