Matter | Guided Practice
Pre-K students will practice early coding skills through hands-on movement, sorting, and simple directions while exploring matter as solids, liquids, and gases. Using picture cards, body movements, and floor paths, children will follow and give simple sequences to move like different kinds of matter.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Matter | Anything that takes up space. |
| Solid | A thing that keeps its shape. |
| Liquid | A thing that flows and takes the shape of its container. |
| Gas | A thing that spreads out in the air. |
| Code | A set of directions to follow. |
| Sequence | Steps in order. |
| First | The step that comes before the others. |
| Next | What comes after the first step. |
Show a solid, liquid, and gas example. Name each one and model a movement for each: solid = freeze, liquid = wiggle and flow, gas = stretch and float. Invite children to copy.
Watch, repeat movements, and say the matter words with the teacher.
Explain that coding is giving clear steps in order. Use simple cards to model a 2-step path on the floor: first forward, then stop. Narrate using first and next.
Choral repeat the words first, next, and stop. Observe the modeled path.
Place picture cards or objects on the carpet. Guide children to sort items into solid, liquid, and gas groups. Ask simple questions: Is it hard or soft? Does it flow? Does it fill the air?
Help sort items into groups and answer yes/no questions.
Give a 2-step movement code using direction cards, such as jump, stop or spin, stop. Connect each code to a matter idea by asking children to move like a solid, liquid, or gas.
Follow movement codes and imitate matter motions.
Set up a simple taped path or arrow trail. Place a matter card at the start and a destination card at the end. Lead students to choose 1-3 direction cards and follow them together.
Place cards in order, walk the path, and say the steps aloud.
Provide small groups with a simple mat, a few direction cards, and matter pictures. Support children as they make and follow one short code sequence.
Create a short sequence, follow it, and point to the correct matter picture.
Ask children to show one movement for solid, liquid, or gas and to name one code word they used.
Share answers and demonstrate a movement.
Review the three states of matter and the idea that coding is giving steps in order. End with the class doing one final matter movement together: freeze like a solid, flow like a liquid, and float like a gas.
Teacher observation during sorting, movement coding, and floor path activities. Use a simple checklist to note whether each child can identify matter types, follow directions in order, and use basic sequencing language.