SA Commissioner for Children issues early learning arm to digital challenge

South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly, has released an early learning extension to the popular Commissioners Digital Challenge, known as Early Learning Unplugged. 

The early learning version of the digital challenge has been specifically designed for children aged three to five years of age, and is available to download, free of charge, on the Digital Challenge website. No devices, such as tablets or phones, are required to participate in the challenge. 

The activities in the early learning challenge have been designed in collaboration with the Australian Computer Academy, and are intended for use in a range of settings, including preschools, early learning centres, libraries, kindergartens, playgroups, or at home with family. 

Designed to introduce and develop computational thinking concepts in children without the use of electronic devices, young learners remain “unplugged” as they play hide and seek, or create a robot dance routine, using cutouts of challenge mascot, Cody Buttons.  

“We know coding and computational thinking – basically knowing how to “speak” to computers – will be absolutely crucial skills for this generation” Ms Connolly said “but it’s less about learning a particular coding language, and more about learning how to think technologically.” 

The early learning challenges have been designed to prompt children’s thinking skills, and develop computational skills, in a fun and engaging way, she said. 

Aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the activities for early learners can be completed in small or large groups, or individually. Two versions of activities are available, with one tailored to educators, and the other to families. 

Those early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings taking part will receive colourful promotional material to share with their community via print based and social media. 

For more information, or to download the activities, please see here.