Parents and policy makers are now recognizing the importance of teaching computer science to elementary school kids, especially over the past 18-24 months.  However, the tools and games appropriate for kids 5-9 are few in number.  codeSpark, a learning game company, has addressed this gap with a game called “The Foos” that teaches core computer science concepts in a cute virtual world.

The Foos is a self-directed game with a free teacher curriculum that covers core concepts like pattern recognition, sequencing, loops and conditionals. The curriculum uses both gameplay in The Foos and “unplugged” activities to teach key lessons. The game has no words, so pre-readers and non-English speakers can play.

For teachers the best part of The Foos is the flexibility it gives you for lesson planning.  You can choose to stop game play regularly to drive home specific points or just let the kids play and explore on their own.  The game is designed to walk kids down a tightly scaffolded learning path, even if teacher involvement is light.

codeSpark has received some nice recognition lately as the LEGO Foundation recently named codeSpark one of 30 companies Re-imagining Play and Learning. And last week The Foos received an Editor’s Choice award and one of the highest ratings of the year from Children’s Technology Review.

The Foos is free for Hour of Code and can be played on iOS, Android, Kindle Fire and the web.  To learn more visit http://thefoos.com.   Interested teachers can download free curriculum here – http://thefoos.com/hourofcode/.