TEX:CS

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• Voices of Impact: Dr. Margaret Quinn on Why the Future Starts in Preschool
  by Rhea Arakkal
  May 8, 2025

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPCCWMe1-5E

  We’re thrilled to highlight TexCS Principal Investigator Dr. Margaret Quinn, who recently took the stage at Texas A&M University’s Voices of Impact Speaker Series and made it clear that early childhood education isn’t just important, it’s essential.

  In her talk, “The Future Starts in Preschool,” Dr. Quinn dives into how computational thinking can ignite early literacy, build problem-solving skills, and shape future-ready learners starting in pre-K. She also shines a spotlight on the incredible, innovative work of TexCS teachers who are bringing this vision to life every day.

  🎥 Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring presentation:
  🔗 Watch now

  Let’s keep amplifying the message: the future starts in preschool, and it starts with educators like you!

• 
  Why Early Childhood Education Matters More Than Ever
  by Rhea Arakkal
  May 8, 2025

  We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Margaret Quinn, Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture at Texas A&M University, whose work is featured in the Texas A&M Foundation’s magazine.

  In the article “Why Early Childhood Education Is More Important Than Ever”, Dr. Quinn discusses how she’s preparing future educators to equip young learners with essential 21st-century skills like computational thinking and written communication. Her research focuses on creating practical, future-ready classroom tools that help preschoolers thrive in a tech-driven world.

  As Dr. Quinn explains: “It’s difficult to predict the demands of the future, but we know there will be an increase in technology and a need for strong, meaningful ideation.”

  We’re honored to see her impactful work recognized and shared on such a prominent platform.

  📖 Read the full article here:

  https://spirit.txamfoundation.com/Spring-2025/Why-Early-Childhood-Education-Is-More-Important-Than-Ever.aspx

• 
  Tex:CS in Action: Exploring Robots, Design, and STEM Thinking in Early Childhood
  by Rhea Arakkal
  May 8, 2025

  At Tex:CS, we know that children are natural engineers, problem-solvers, and creators. Through hands-on, screen-free activities, our classrooms are diving into early computer science concepts—and having a blast along the way!

  materials, our learners are getting to think like designers and work like engineers.

  What We’re Doing

  In Unit 2: We Can Do STEM, children explore design-based thinking and practice solving problems using the design process. One highlight: comparing and exploring the capabilities of TaleBot and Robot Mouse. These playful robots help children discover:

  • What a robot is and what it can do
  • How to break a task into smaller steps
  • How to plan, test, and improve a design
  • How to express their ideas through drawing and building

  From drawing prototypes to building homes for robots using recycled materials, our learners are getting to think like designers and work like engineers.

  Tex:CS in the Classroom

  Activities are now fully integrated into our daily classroom routines—not just one-off “Robot Days.” Children are making Tex:CS their own, applying these ideas across play, centers, and even dramatic scenarios like baking bread or designing cities for robots.

  Why It Matters

  This work isn’t just about robots. It’s about empowering children to lead, collaborate, and think strategically. We’re building the foundation for lifelong curiosity and problem-solving through culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate activities.

  See the Full Presentation

  Want to learn more about how Tex:CS supports computer science in early learning environments?

  https://texcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/texcs-presentation-for-texas-play-and-development-conference-1.pdf

  What’s Next?

  We’re continuing our Tex:CS journey with exciting experiences from Unit 3: Small Steps for Building Big, where we introduce modularity and challenge students to construct and combine robot-powered cities!

• 
  TexCS at Community Chats: Supporting Digital Balance for Children
  by Rhea Arakkal
  April 29, 2025

  On March 6th, TexCS PI Dr. Margaret Quinn teamed up with Dr. Tyler Prochnow to lead a lively and insightful Community Chat for College Station ISD families, educators, and leaders. This engaging session turned out to be a significant opportunity for attendees to connect, ask questions, and share experiences regarding the impact of technology on their daily lives.

  Their session, “Digital Learning and Online Social Connectedness,” sparked meaningful conversation around a challenge many families face: How do we make screen time work for our kids—not against them? This essential topic resonated with many attendees, as the balance between productive online engagement and the potential pitfalls of excessive screen time is a nuanced issue that affects parents and educators alike.

  From managing digital balance to using technology in creative, connected ways, Dr. Quinn shared ideas and tools to help families create high-quality tech experiences that support learning and relationships. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and being mindful of how technology is integrated into family routines. Dr. Prochnow contributed valuable insights into fostering an environment where children feel safe and empowered to explore the digital world.

  The session not only educated but also built a community of support among families and educators dedicated to enhancing the digital learning experience.

  

  

• Essential Questions for Unit 1
  by Rhea Arakkal
  March 22, 2025