Smart Start Beginning Coding - Grade 1
A fun, screen-free workbook that introduces first graders to core coding concepts through stories, games, and hands-on activities—building problem-solving skills and logical thinking one colorful page at a time.
$10.99
Quantity:
Complete Course
Consumable
In a Curriculum Kit
Nonreligious
2026 First-Grade Curriculum Kit
Smart Start Beginning Coding - Grade 1
Coding starts long before children sit down at a computer. Beginning Coding introduces first graders to the logical thinking skills behind computer science through colorful stories, puzzles, games, and hands-on activities—without requiring a screen.
Across eight themed units, your child will explore foundational coding concepts, including algorithms, sequencing, decomposition, pattern recognition, loops, debugging, and conditionals. Each concept is introduced through age-appropriate stories and activities that help children understand not only what these ideas mean, but how they apply to everyday problem-solving.
Rather than focusing on programming languages, Beginning Coding teaches children how to think like programmers. They'll learn how to break large problems into smaller steps, recognize patterns, follow sequences, identify mistakes, and create solutions through logical thinking.
The workbook follows the K–12 Computer Science Framework while remaining accessible to young learners. Along the way, children also strengthen skills such as following directions, visual discrimination, attention to detail, and fine-motor coordination.
With 115 full-color pages, eight story-based units, review activities, games, and a coding handbook, Beginning Coding provides a gentle introduction to computer science that feels approachable, engaging, and achievable for first graders.
By the end of the course, your child will understand the foundational ideas behind coding and develop problem-solving skills that extend far beyond technology.
See the first 8 pages of this book to browse all that it has to offer.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product below:
No. Smart Start Beginning Coding provides engaging, screen-free coding activities that build foundational skills. It does not require a computer.
- July 2, 2025
Great Intro to Coding for Young Learners
Dee
Smart Start Beginning Coding is a fantastic way to introduce coding to first graders. The lessons are simple, fun, and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners. My child enjoyed the hands-on activities and is excited to keep learning more!
- April 23, 2025
Great into course
Karolyn B.
My student looked forward to coding workbook days. She had no trouble following the concepts even though it is teaching high tech stuff that makes computers work. :) The instructions on the audio are also included in the workbook so you can choose if you’d like to read or listen to them.
- July 18, 2024
Excellent workbook
Sara W.
Our second child is now starting this. Our first flew through it and was probably his favorite workbook in 1st grade. It boosted his confidence due to being fun.
- April 28, 2024
fun introduction to coding
Amanda P.
Completely age appropriate and fun introduction to coding.
- December 20, 2023
Fun activity book
Danielle F.
My daughter likes this book; she could blow through a whole chapter at a time if I let her. Since she can read pretty well on her own I let her do a couple pages and come back to check, I think it helps her following directions skills!
- June 1, 2023
Sarah M.
My son loved this. It was one of his favorite things in school this year. I wish it went beyond first grade though. We were disappointed to see it stopped with first grade.
- March 15, 2023
so fun
Bina
Our kiddo loves this book and loves the activities because it involves cutting and gluing.
- February 17, 2023
My daughters favorite!
Tiffany C.
My daughter is dyslexic and this workbook helped her build confidence, and understand process that she previously did not understand. Great, colorful, easy to complete, defiantly will buy again for my son!
- February 12, 2023
Smart Start Beginning Coding
Hannah b.
Smart Start Beginning Coding was a very quick and easy book for my first grader. She really enjoyed being so good at something, and I am glad that not everything has to be hard.
- December 11, 2022
My daughter LOVES coding
Hayes
My daughter loves coding. This book is very simple. Lots of fun for her but I'd say this is probably quite a bit below her ability. She still has fun completing it as ak activity but she's not really learning anything new.
