How to Make Time for Computer Education and AI Literacy in an Elementary School Day
By Andreas Tsouchlaris, Binary Logic & Pat Keeney, McGraw Hill
Many K-5 educators understand the importance of computing for their students’ futures. However, fitting it into an already-packed school day, especially in elementary school, is no easy task. In early grades, teachers prioritize reading and math skills as they plan instructional time. But, when carefully designed according to students’ developmental needs, computing education can be extremely valuable even for our earliest learners.
So, how do school leaders change priorities, schedules, and staffing to make time, without sacrificing non-negotiables?
At this year’s Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) conference, we heard from school leaders about the challenges they face in bringing computer science (CS) into the classroom. Some are integrating computer science into homeroom instruction, but finding that their teachers feel unprepared to teach the subject matter. Others have added it as a special, but securing the funding and finding qualified staff remains a hurdle.
Our conversations with educators at CSTA inspired us to brainstorm some ideas for integration. We believe that the right curriculum can make all the difference in preparing your staff, engaging your students, and making the most of what time you do have for computer science.
Here are a few of our recommendations to make time for computer science education:
Keep lessons short, engaging, and impactful.
Start small. If you only have 20 minutes each day — or a few days a week — to dedicate to computer science, then make the most of your time with focused, interactive lessons. Prioritize hands-on activities and real-world applications that spark curiosity and allow students to explore high-priority concepts like AI. The textbook and the supplementary worksheets provide scaffolded activities and projects to select from.
Here are some examples from Level Up through Digital Discoveries, our 1–12 foundational computing program:
- In grade 1, students practice generating images from text with AI in Paint and remove background images with AI, developing an understanding of how AI can automate tasks.
- In grade 5, students explore types of AI in their daily lives and discuss responsible use through bite-sized content and quick written responses. Check out this sample from grade 5 of Level Up through Digital Discoveries for more insight into lesson structure.
If time is limited, try a flipped classroom approach. Students can explore new skills at home by following the clear, step-by-step screenshots and instructions in the textbooks. This way, when they come to class, you can focus on applying those skills through project work, worksheet activities, or cross-curricular tasks. For example, students might practice basic Word formatting on their own, then use class time to design a science report or create a history poster, turning their independent practice into meaningful, collaborative work.
Capitalize on cross-curricular connections.
Since math and literacy take up the largest chunks of instructional time, why not use those subjects as an entry point into computer science?
Take advantage of cross-curricular intersections by emphasizing the presence of math and reading in computing. Here are some examples from Level Up through Digital Discoveries:
- Throughout the program, students practice writing through short reflection questions and creative prompts. Keyboarding is critical for more advanced writing work in ELA classes. Reflection questions at the end of each computing unit can double as ELA writing practice.
- Recall the Grade 1 activity in Paint? The Teachers’ Edition reminds teachers to make connections to math as students recognize and create shapes on the computer.
- Teacher Editions provide cross-curricular ideas across grade levels and topics that make it easy to integrate CS concepts into various subjects. For example, using spreadsheet formulas can strengthen math skills, and talking about cybersecurity and safe online habits can build students’ understanding of digital safety and ethics.
Make computing skills real and relevant.
Computer education becomes more compelling — and easier to prioritize — when it’s clearly connected to real life. A strong computing curriculum will be packed with connections to students’ daily lives and futures through soft skills exercises, digital literacy practice, and AI skills.
Level Up through Digital Discoveries provides students with extensive hands-on experience in real-world problem-solving and practice with essential skills they’ll use in future grades and beyond — including typing, internet safety, digital communication, basic coding, and AI literacy.
Here’s a simple example from one of our earliest lessons in Grade 1, which introduces students to the concept of a computer and invites them to consider the role computers play in their everyday lives:
Here’s one from Grade 2, where students learn about computer usage safety:
And here’s one from Grade 5, where students learn how to design a document in Microsoft Word:
In truth, every lesson in Level Up through Digital Discoveries is an example of real-world applicability: the skills students learn from a high-quality computing program will be useful in their careers, making every moment spent on the curriculum a valuable way to spend class time.
Align with recognized standards.
Computer education may be an evolving field, but trusted organizations have outlined robust standards for curriculum designers to follow. The CSTA Standards emphasize inclusion, academic rigor, vertical alignment and progression, and core concepts. ISTE’s Computational Thinking Competencies outline a path for students to learn to use computers to solve problems.
Level Up through Digital Discoveries aligns with both sets of standards, ensuring that instructional time is always well spent. The program even aligns with an early draft of international AI standards, which are in their first round of development — putting teachers and students ahead of the curve on meaningful, future-ready AI skills.
Use a turnkey program that any teacher can use with confidence.
One of the biggest roadblocks teachers and schools face is teacher confidence. Many K–5 educators feel unprepared to teach computer science — but with the right materials, they don’t need prior experience to jump in.
Level Up through Digital Discoveries is designed for any teacher, regardless of their background and experience, to implement it confidently and, this is important, joyfully! Many teachers find that they learn valuable workplace skills alongside their students — and have fun while doing it. There’s no reason that time spent on computing education should be anything but enjoyable for teachers and students alike, with compelling content and engaging activities.
Level Up through Digital Discoveries Teacher Editions provide clear guidance for teachers new to computing and pedagogical support for any tech specialists picking up a special who are new to teaching. They also include detailed supports for teaching new and evolving special topics, such as digital skills, coding, computational thinking, AI literacy, and digital citizenship — all of which will be new for many teachers, regardless of background, because they’re relatively new to all of us. This even includes emerging areas such as robotics and STEM activities.
Bringing computer science into the elementary classroom doesn’t have to mean overhauling your schedule or adding hours to your day. With engaging lessons, real-world relevance, and accessible materials, you can start small and make a significant impact.
With the right tools and curriculum, you’re not just making space for computing — you’re setting students up for success in a digital world powered by AI.
For more on Level Up Through Digital Discoveries, click the image below:
Pat Keeney is the lead responsible for the K-12 Career Education portfolio at McGraw Hill, a curriculum publisher with decades of experience supporting teachers, students, and schools. As a strategic design expert, Pat has helped numerous organizations develop programs that locally, regionally, and globally serve the educational needs of schools and communities in 5 different decades. Pat’s efforts have helped organizations like NASA, Stride (formerly “K12 Inc.”), and McGraw Hill connect with teachers and students to deliver outstanding highly effective educational experiences. At McGraw Hill, Pat’s team of talented professionals share in helping create best in class, print and digital products that promote strong student achievement and support teachers. Pat is the father of two successful adult children, one a Millennial and the other a Gen Xer, who continue to follow their paths of fulfillment. Find out more about Pat at https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachk23/.
Andreas Tsouchlaris is Academic Director at Binary Logic, where he leads the development of K–12 computing and AI literacy curricula worldwide. With over three decades of experience in educational publishing and technology, he focuses on preparing students and teachers for a future shaped by AI, next-generation digital skills, and emerging technologies.
