Learning to Code with a Pretend Play Storytelling Model

In previous research and development, the developers created codeSpark, a game that employs a visual and block-based approach with puzzles to teach programming skills to children ages 5- to 9-years old. In this project, the developers created a prototype of a fantasy-based story to be integrated within the existing game. The pretend-play scenarios included characters, storylines, and incentives to further engage young children and make greater connections to learning goals. Pilot research at the end of Phase I with 8 grade 1 and 2 classrooms over a 1 week demonstrated that the prototype functioned as planned. It also found that teachers believed the fully developed game could be implemented within a classroom and that students were engaged while playing the game prototype.