A Methodology Proposal Based on Metaphors to Teach Programming to Children

Abstract

Interest in studying Computer Science has been extended to children. However, it is unclear which educational method should be used. Teachers need help to tackle this task. Therefore, this paper proposes using metaphors such as recipe/program (and sequence), pantry/memory, and boxes/variables. It also illustrates the possibility of applying these metaphors to any resource available to the teacher. Four step-bystep scripts of how to use the metaphors in class are provided, with the opinions of sixty-two children (enrolled in grades fourth, fifth and sixth of Spanish Primary Education, 9 to 11 years in age) and their teacher’s opinion.