CONCRETE, PICTORIAL & ABSTRACT APPROACH TO CS

There are clear similarities with the order and progression computing science play based provocations are provided for learners of any level.  

A concrete – pictorial  – abstract concept, similar to how we introduce mathematical concepts e.g. counting concrete objects such as pebbles, progressing onto subitising with visuals or with a dice then finally counting in our heads with no prompts to help us. 

In computing science, we look at the concrete stage as using our bodies, physical devices and objects we can physically manipulate. 

At the pictorial stage we are looking at block-based coding and using visuals suitable for pre readers such as pictorial algorithms such as visual timetables and simple sequences of instructions for baking and creating and retelling stories. 

Later on, in the abstract stage, we are looking at more complex coding, with less pictures and more words, introducing coding language such as Javascript and Python. 

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