RECAP The Podcast S5EP9: Computational thinking in the Early Years with Unplugged Tots

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Hannah Hagon...Hannah Hagon is an educator, author, and founder of Unplugged Tots, a movement inspiring families and educators to rediscover the power of screen-free play and genuine human connection. Her work is at the intersection of early childhood education and computational thinking, blending academic insight with hands-on experience to show how unplugged learning nurtures creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking from the very start.Hannah has co-authored academic research on computational thinking and unplugged approaches, collaborating with leading educators to explore how low-tech, playful learning builds future-ready skills. She is also the author of "Unplugged Tots" published by Raspberry Pi Press. A book designed to help teach the core concepts behind coding to preschool-aged children (and have fun while doing it!). Just like learning an additional language, the process of learning digital skills has numerous benefits for children (as well as parents, teachers, and caregivers), including improved communication, greater confidence, and perhaps the most important skill of all: the ability to learn from failure. The mission of Unplugged Tots is heartfelt and one that invites parents and caregivers to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the simple joy of play in a fast-paced, digital world.🔗Links:https://www.unpluggedtots.com/Unplugged Tots Book: https://www.unpluggedtots.com/unplugged-tots-bookSocials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpluggedtotsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnpluggedTotsLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unplugged-tots/Hannah's Academic research:An introduction to unplugged coding for preschool children: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342014814_An_introduction_to_unplugged_coding_for_preschool_childrenEncouraging computational thinking skills in preschool children with unplugged play activities: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360076579_Encouraging_computational_thinking_skills_in_preschool_children_with_unplugged_play_activitiesCan Pre-school Children Learn Programming and Coding Through Guided Play Activities? A Case Study in Computational Thinking: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352963389_Can_Pre-school_Children_Learn_Programming_and_Coding_Through_Guided_Play_Activities_A_Case_Study_in_Computational_Thinking?_sg%5B0%5D=kDP9LOCFyui_4E_EWjI4xyhp4kSOSpoROOMvGvQQYzea6-m__0XXrZX9FRbWmzLKCPTXTX3Czg5aXTYLPCj4e3O_fBaQGP55V84xBwLD.fOXHWvQtCO0lo700NoQXE82w4ARpENA7E_7WHAOcduI0t4usQ9xiSVWym5KO_mfdv8KsE6leI4mvIpel1USs_g&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19Computational thinking for preschoolers: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367541422_Computational_thinking_for_preschoolers?_sg%5B0%5D=kDP9LOCFyui_4E_EWjI4xyhp4kSOSpoROOMvGvQQYzea6-m__0XXrZX9FRbWmzLKCPTXTX3Czg5aXTYLPCj4e3O_fBaQGP55V84xBwLD.fOXHWvQtCO0lo700NoQXE82w4ARpENA7E_7WHAOcduI0t4usQ9xiSVWym5KO_mfdv8KsE6leI4mvIpel1USs_g&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19A Curriculum Framework and Assessment Approach for Computational Thinking in the Early Years: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385884433_Curriculum_Framework_and_Assessment_Approach_for_Computational_Thinking_in_the_Early_Years?_sg%5B0%5D=kDP9LOCFyui_4E_EWjI4xyhp4kSOSpoROOMvGvQQYzea6-m__0XXrZX9FRbWmzLKCPTXTX3Czg5aXTYLPCj4e3O_fBaQGP55V84xBwLD.fOXHWvQtCO0lo700NoQXE82w4ARpENA7E_7WHAOcduI0t4usQ9xiSVWym5KO_mfdv8KsE6leI4mvIpel1USs_g&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19