Embracing Chunking: A Path to Success with BeeBots

The Power of Chunking in Learning

“My robot keeps going crazy!” was a common refrain when we first started working with BeeBots. Our students loved programming the BeeBots to drive in long, straight lines. However, programming a simple “dance” with a few turns often sent them straight into the frustration zone.

A few weeks later, those same students confidently programmed the BeeBots to navigate mazes of their own design. So, what changed? We learned about chunking.

What is Chunking?

Chunking is the process of breaking a larger task down into simpler steps, or chunks, to make it more manageable. This can be particularly challenging for neurodiverse students, but it is also something that can be explicitly taught and practiced.

Our First Experience with Chunking

We first practiced chunking during our morning meeting. I pulled out a few markers and crayons and pretended to draw a picture. I had a student volunteer to be my teacher and told me to clean up. I threw my hands in the air and exclaimed, “It’s too much! I can’t do it!!” My students quickly began offering suggestions. Did I need a friend to help me? What could they do? I explained that I felt overwhelmed by so many tasks that I couldn’t figure out where to start.

“Put the green lid on the green marker!” someone suggested. “Ok, I can do that,” I replied, feeling calmer. “Now do the orange one,” another friend chimed in. Step by step, each student guided me, and before long, the mess was clean.

Introducing the Concept of Chunking

Now that we had a practical example, I introduced the term “chunking.” We discussed other ways we could apply it. For instance, reading one word at a time instead of stressing about how long the book is. Looking at just one math problem instead of the entire page. Completing one step of a Lego build at a time. We discovered that we were already using chunking sometimes, but we hadn’t always recognized it in situations where it could help us.

Applying Chunking with BeeBots

That afternoon, I laid out an 8-step maze for my BeeBot. With the students' help, I attempted to code the entire sequence in one go multiple times. However, I kept pressing the wrong button somewhere in the sequence and had to start over. After a few failed attempts, I asked for suggestions on how to make this easier for myself. As I hoped, one of the students asked, “Could you do a smaller chunk?”

So, I did. Instead of trying to program the whole sequence, I programmed two moves and then tested my code. After that, I added two more moves and tested again. Suddenly, coding became much easier. I was working with manageable chunks.

Celebrating Success

That very afternoon, students began to conquer their mazes. One student had built a complicated 20-block maze, and I worried he may have bitten off more than he could chew. After a few false starts, he realized he could program about four steps at a time without getting too confused. Before long, he completed his maze and was adding a new route. Some students learned they could only program 1-2 steps at a time, but everyone discovered that they can code.

Chunking Becomes Everyday Language

Now, chunking has become a part of our everyday classroom language. Stuck on a math problem? Is there a chunk you CAN do? Does this book feel too challenging? Cover up everything but the first chunk. Want to build a Lego spaceship with your friend? Can you work on different chunks and then combine them?

The Broader Impact of Chunking

Incorporating executive function strategies like chunking is beneficial for students throughout the school day and beyond. It helps them manage tasks, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. When we break tasks into smaller, manageable parts, we empower our students to tackle challenges with confidence.

Conclusion: A Supportive Community for Diverse Learners

At Helix Academy, we aim to build a supportive community where diverse learners can thrive. By providing a unique, personalized learning environment, we empower all students, including neurodivergent and gifted learners, to succeed academically and socially. Embracing strategies like chunking is just one of the many ways we support our students on their learning journeys.

Let’s continue to encourage our students to break down their challenges into manageable chunks. Together, we can help them thrive!