Kindergarten Computer Science Screen Free
Kindergarten Computer Science: Why I'm Teaching Unplugged Lessons This Year
If you’ve been following education trends, you’ve probably noticed that computer science is becoming a requirement in many states. As schools work to prepare students for the future, elementary educators are being asked to introduce computational thinking and problem-solving skills at younger ages than ever before.
As an elementary librarian, I knew I wanted to make computer science meaningful for my students—but I also wanted it to be developmentally appropriate.
This year, I began teaching computer science to my kindergarten through fifth grade students, and one thing quickly became clear: my youngest learners needed a hands-on approach.
Why I Chose Kindergarten Computer Science Without Screens
At our school, we intentionally keep screen time limited for students in kindergarten through second grade whenever possible. While there are many wonderful coding apps and digital programs available, I wanted my youngest students to experience computer science through conversation, movement, collaboration, and play.
That’s why I created an Unplugged Computer Science lesson series.
These lessons teach important computer science concepts without using computers, tablets, or coding websites. Instead, students build, investigate, ask questions, test ideas, and learn that making mistakes is part of the problem-solving process.
Computational Thinking Through Children's Literature
One of my favorite ways to introduce new concepts is through a picture book.
In this lesson, students read Curious George and the Dump Truck before completing a hands-on engineering challenge. As they listen to the story, they identify problems, ask questions, make plans, test solutions, and improve their ideas—just like real computer scientists.
After the read-aloud, students work with partners to build a bridge for a toy using simple classroom materials. Along the way, they discover that their first idea doesn’t have to be perfect. Testing and improving are valuable parts of learning.
What's Included in This Kindergarten Computer Science Lesson
Kindergarten through Second Grade STEM Bridge Challenge Unplugged Computer Science Lesson 
This resource includes everything you need for a complete lesson:
- Step-by-step lesson plan
- Computational Thinking Vocabulary Cards
- Think Like a Computer Scientist Anchor Chart
- Bridge-building STEM challenge
- My Problem Solving Plan recording sheet
- Build-Test-Improve sequencing activity
It’s perfect for elementary librarians, computer teachers, media specialists, STEM teachers, and kindergarten classrooms looking for engaging, low-prep computer science lessons.
More Unplugged Computer Science Activities
This lesson is part of my growing Kindergarten Unplugged Computer Science series. My goal is to help teachers introduce foundational computer science skills through engaging, screen-free activities that students love.
If you’re looking for more elementary library lessons and STEM activities, you may also enjoy:
Ready to Teach Kindergarten Computer Science?
If you’re searching for a fun, hands-on way to introduce computational thinking without increasing screen time, this lesson is a great place to start.
Your students will practice asking questions, solving problems, working together, and learning that every great solution begins with trying.
👉 You can find the complete Kindergarten Computational Thinking Lesson in my Teachers Pay Teachers store here!
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