Playing with Code

This chapter describes the importance of play and creativity in educational coding experiences for children. Classical developmental theories of play are introduced, and used to describe methods that children can approach technology in a playful way. Physical and social play are of particular importance for young children’s learning, and Bers presents a useful heuristic of digital playpens versus playgrounds to support holistic, playground-style learning in digital spaces. The chapter concludes with a discussion of strategies and examples for supporting these types of hands-on play with digital learning tools.