RETSD Brings Coding and Robotics to Kindergarten and Grade One Classrooms

The River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at transforming early years education by integrating coding and robotics into kindergarten and Grade 1 math instruction.

Last winter, educators from across the division gathered for a dynamic afternoon of professional learning led by Daphne McMenemy, a nationally recognized early years educator, author, and speaker from Ontario. Daphne inspired teachers with her innovative use of technology to help the youngest learners develop foundational skills in numeracy and computational thinking.

Working alongside Early Years Consultant Lori Brooks and Technology Integration Consultant Richard Roberts, Daphne helped design interactive learning stations for teachers that combined early numeracy concepts with hands-on coding and robotics activities. These stations offered practical tools and strategies to bring 21st-century learning into classrooms.

Daphne then spent two additional days visiting eight early years classrooms across the division. During her visits, she read from her picture book Gracie and introduced students to coding Talebots, giving them the opportunity to explore problem-solving, collaboration, and computational skills in a fun and engaging way.

One participating teacher said, “I am so excited to see my students using computational skills, problem solving, and collaborating with one another.”

“Coding is a 21st-century skill that can provide future opportunities in the workforce,” added Roberts.

Since the event, several Kindergarten and Grade One teachers have begun incorporating coding and robotics into daily math instruction, helping to build a strong foundation for future learning and digital literacy.

RETSD remains committed to innovation in education and preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world.