Hello from Burnaby

Hi, my name is Danielle Peters. I live in Burnaby (B.C., Canada) and I am a grade 3 teacher in the Surrey School District. I have previously taught grades 2, 5, and 6. I am also one of our districts Coding teachers. Once a week I visit other schools and teach students about design thinking, coding, and programming. I also teach the classroom teacher how to implement the new ADST curriculum. I am passionate about literacy and authentic assessment. I majored in English Literature and Visual Arts in my undergrad. On the side I enjoy hiking, photography, and reading. This is my 5th or 6th class in the MET program. I recently completed the 4 core courses. I am looking forward to learning how digital technology can support my students in numeracy and science. I am also looking forward to connecting with more educators. I have made great connections through the MET program.

9 comments

  1. Hi Danielle,
    That’s awesome you’re a district coding teacher. I want to start teaching coding to my grade 6/7’s and have heard from another colleague that Khan’s Academy works well. Have you heard about his program? Do you suggest any other websites or programs?
    I’m looking forward to working with you over this course.
    Sean

    1. Hi Sean!
      I always start with ‘unplugged’ activities to help students understand what coding, programming, and computational thinking is, before jumping into technology. The first app I introduce is called ‘Lightbot.’ This is a great introductory app because it builds upon the unplugged activities. Next I would introduce Hopscotch or Scratch Jr (both are block-based coding). Finally I would work towards Scratch. Scratch has so many amazing tutorials that you can work through with your class. Recently I traded classes with a grade 7 group so I could teach them how to program their own ping pong game. If you have any other questions let me know. I also tweet a lot of the ‘Applied Design, Skills and Technologies’ resources out, as well as my favourite coding activities that match the curriculum. 🙂 @DeeKellyP

  2. Hi Danielle!

    I have heard so many great things about the Surrey School District and it sounds like you have a great position as well! I look forward to learning more about your experience with implementing the new ADST curriculum with fellow teachers. You have such a unique background, that it must be great to have a visual design background coupled with technology and design thinking. Thanks for sharing your twitter handle!

    Cristina

  3. Hi Danielle!

    Just out of curiosity, how did you learn coding? It wasn’t something that was taught when I went to school, but I would really like to learn (in my spare time, if possible). Are you self taught or did you attend courses? How did you get started in it?

    Mo

    1. Hi Mo,
      To be completely honest, I taught myself. If you follow me on twitter (@DeeKellyP) I have tweeted out resources and picture books I use with my grade 2’s and 3’s. I played around with different apps and understood the basics. I also went to a workshop on Scratch to understand how their coding program works and to a pro-d hosted by Microsoft Vancouver. I would play around with Hopscotch (coding blocks and tutorials) and Scratch (tutorials). I was also asked to join the districts coding team by the ADST helping teacher. He connected me with an awesome colleague who mentored me for a day as I shadowed how she hosts workshops.

  4. Hello again Danielle,

    I grew up in Burnaby and spend my summers there (looking forward to returning at the end of June). Right now I’m focused on closing out the year and my 3 MET courses. Sounds like you have a very interesting job in Surrey. Would love to hear more about it.

  5. Hi Danielle

    I look forward to hearing more about what you do with students when you are teaching “…design thinking, coding, and programming…” What type of photos do you enjoy taking?

    Christopher

    1. I am an avid hiker so I am constantly photographing nature. I also blog for different publishing companies so I photograph books and coffee on the side. 🙂

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