Introducing Unplugged Tots by Hannah Hagon
With coding now recognised as a core skill for the future, many parents and educators are looking for ways to introduce young children to computational thinking without relying on screens. Unplugged Tots: Introduce Children to the Foundations of Computer Coding is a new book by Hannah Hagon that does just that.
Computational thinking is a way of solving problems by breaking them down into smaller steps, spotting patterns, and giving clear instructions so a computer (or person) could follow them.
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Unplugged Tots introduces computational thinking through playful, hands-on activities designed for children aged 2½ to 8. The book is packed with engaging, screen-free ideas that make the building blocks of coding accessible, fun, and age-appropriate. This blog post will give you more details about Unplugged Tots and its author, Hannah Hagon’s thoughts on the digital world our children are navigating. I received a copy of this book for free, as always, views are entirely my own.
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A Quick Review of Unplugged Tots
What struck me most about Unplugged Tots is how approachable it feels. For many of us parents coding wasn’t something we heard of during our schooling and it’s still enshrouded in mystery for many. As an erstwhile early years and primary school teacher coding was not part of my teacher training. We’re in a world where we are trying to prepare our children for a world that’s moving so fast that we can’t even predict the lives and jobs of the future.
Knowing this, coding can sometimes sound intimidating, even for adults, but Hannah Hagon breaks it down into simple, playful steps that make sense for young children (and us adults too). The activities are clearly explained, easy to set up with everyday materials, and cleverly scaffolded so that children can build confidence as they progress. Not only does this confidence grow in children but through carefully considered next steps and teaching points confidence is increased in caregivers and professionals alike.
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Unplugged Tots Contents
Below you will find the contents pages for Unplugged Tots to give you and idea of what is covered.
I particularly like the flexibility built into the book. Each activity comes with suggestions for simplifying or extending the challenge, meaning it can adapt to different ages, abilities, and interests. It’s also refreshing to see a resource so firmly rooted in play, showing that children don’t need screens to start developing problem-solving, sequencing, and logical thinking skills.
Another aspect of the book that resonates well with me is Hannah’s emphasis on giving children the language to describe what they are experiencing. For example, words such as ‘debugging’ and ‘algorithm’ are used in appropriate contextualised scenarios that help children to not only become familiar with the language but understand what this specialised vocabulary means.
For parents, carers, and teachers looking for meaningful, screen-free ways to nurture curiosity and digital readiness in the early years, Unplugged Tots is both practical, empowering and inspiring.
A Sneak Peek at the Activities
To give you a flavour of what’s inside, here are a few examples of the kinds of playful, screen-free activities Hannah shares in Unplugged Tots. In the Jigsaw puzzles Activity below you get a clear understanding of the activity and how this will support computational thinking. You also find out what you need and how long something will take.
For me, the genius in the activities is the next part. A you can see below you get a comic strip/ graphic novel style depiction of the activity being ‘played out’. This is so insightful and really helps both parents and professionals consider the language and questions you can use to help develop your child’s understanding. Sometimes knowing what to say can be the hardest part and Hannah gives you a ready made script to support. You could even go through these comic strips together with older children; my daughter has just turned nine and we’ve enjoyed exploring these.
Each of the activities don’t require lots of specialist materials. The majority are with items you will find around the home. I love activities like the Sorting the washing one where you’re learning through everyday experiences.
Website Resources
Over on the Unplugged Tots website you’ll find a wealth of resources from Hannah Hagon to support you in your screen-free computational thinking journey! You can download a really handy guide from Hannah on preparing your child for their digital future here. You’ll get a free activity as well as Hannah’s accessible explanation of what coding and computational thinking is. You will feel empowered to start this digital journey with your family.
Interview with Hannah Hagon
I had the pleasure of interviewing Hannah about her educational journey, her inspiration for the book, and her thoughts on coding, play, and preparing our children for a digital future. Hannah shares many insightful thoughts and I feel her answers are important for all caregivers and professionals to read in this increasingly digital landscape that we are trying to navigate.
Personal Journey – Could you tell us a little about your own educational journey and what inspired you to write Unplugged Tots?
I’m Hannah Hagon, an author, educator, and mum of two based in Hertfordshire, UK. I worked in Legal IT for nearly 20 years with a bit of a break when my daughters were born so I’ve always appreciated and respected technology for being an enabler of progress. The spark for Unplugged Tots came in 2018 at a Raspberry Pi festival, where my daughters (just two and four at the time) were fascinated but struggled with screen-based coding games. That moment made me realise how much we need balance. I wanted to reimagine coding concepts like sequencing and logic in ways preschoolers could grasp through play, not devices. That’s the heart of Unplugged Tots: helping children build confidence and creativity while giving parents and educators an easy, engaging resource to guide them.
Unplugged Tots is a book of playful, screen-free activities that introduce young children to the foundations of coding through imagination and problem-solving. It gives parents and teachers practical, fun tools to spark curiosity and prepare children for the digital future, without needing tablets or apps.
Parent Research – You describe the book as growing out of action research. What was it like engaging in this research from the perspective of a parent, and had you done anything similar before working on Unplugged Tots?
I was determined to quantify my ideas, so when opportunities arose through the Open University to conduct active research studies, I leapt at the chance. These projects led to peer-reviewed academic articles, one of which has since had over 1,000 reads and more than 60 citations – evidence that my work on screen-free computational thinking is sparking new ideas among educators and researchers.
A particularly pivotal moment came when I spoke with Dr. Val Critten, the grandmother of my youngest child’s best friend. We had both attended an event and were equally excited by what we saw. She introduced me to Emeritus Professor David Messer, and together we began exploring the idea of publishing an academic article on our pilot group and subsequent nursery cohorts. That work demonstrated, convincingly, that young children could learn the foundations of coding through screen-free, play-based activities.
Since then, I’ve continued to collaborate with Val and David on further research, and their support has been invaluable. This research underpins Unplugged Tots, grounding the book in evidence while also reflecting my perspective as a parent who wanted to prove what children are capable of when given the right tools and opportunities.
Play-Based Learning – Play is at the heart of your approach. What are your thoughts on play-based learning, and do you feel there’s ever an age cut-off point where play becomes less relevant in education?
I believe play should happen every day, and it certainly shouldn’t stop at a particular age. As adults, we often feel pressured to conform to societal norms, but I still happily swing on the swings at the park – at forty-something! It always makes my children laugh, and that sound is the best in the world.
Of course, what counts as play changes as we get older. For adults, it might be learning a new language, cooking, painting, reading, or playing a game. Whatever form it takes, play gives our brains space to slow down and recharge from the mental load we carry. It should nourish the heart, mind, body, or soul.
For children, play is never just about the activity itself. It’s how they learn to negotiate, communicate, listen, collaborate, move their bodies, and practice taking turns. And it doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom or playground – play and learning can happen anywhere.
By broadening children’s cultural capital through play-based learning, we’re giving them richer experiences and perspectives. These, in turn, shape the way they understand the world and build their own paths into adulthood.
Screen-Free Approach – The book is deliberately screen-free. Why is this such an important principle for you, especially when introducing coding concepts?
This is a very multifaceted question so I’ll break it down.
- Finances – I didn’t want money to be a reason why children were unable to learn the foundations of coding. Screens are expensive, tech is expensive, some of the coding tutorials are expensive. In order for our society to have the diversity that it needs I wanted to break the financial digital divide by providing easier access to these skills
- As a mum of girls who were 2 and 4 at the time of starting Unplugged Tots, I could see the attraction that screens had. Then with Covid turning all of their learning online, I could once again see the pull of the screens as forms of education AND entertainment and I knew that there must be other parents out there like me who wanted to redress the balance. Not ban screens (come 10pm on a Friday I’m there watching some trashy TV!) but instead have activities in my back pocket that I can whip out as entertainment. Not all screen use is terrible and it’s about being intentional with the screen use that we give our children, some of the content is educational and has been vetted by educational experts.
- Boredom factor – children need to be bored sometimes, having ‘nothing to do’ is good. It encourages independence, resourcefulness, creativity and problem solving. It stops this cycle of relying on something else to be the entertainer and instead puts the emphasis on to children to be the curators of their own entertainment rather than the consumers of entertainment that someone else has deemed appropriate. The trick with this is to ensure you have items around that they can pick up and tinker with so as adults it may be a change in our mindset too.
Value of Coding – In your view, what makes coding such a valuable skill for children to begin learning at a young age?
Technology is here to stay, and it’s advancing every day in both its capabilities and its risks. The challenge, of course, is that we can’t predict exactly what skills our children will need in the future – we don’t have a crystal ball. What we can do is give them a strong foundation of core skills that will serve them no matter what path they take.
Coding is valuable not just because it relates to technology, but because it builds those foundational skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, logical reasoning, collaboration, and communication. These are the kinds of holistic, transferable skills that can support children in any industry or pursuit.
So while I talk about coding, what I’m really talking about is computational thinking – a broader, more holistic way of approaching challenges. By starting early, children develop a solid foundation they can draw on, whether they go on to become coders, doctors, artists, or entrepreneurs.
Introducing Screens – At what age (or stage of development) do you feel children could or should begin using screens to build on the foundations introduced in your book?
I would always point families to the relevant Department of Health recommendations as a starting point. That said, I want to be very clear: it’s not my intention to shame or judge anyone for their use of screens. Every family has its own circumstances, and we can’t always know what dynamics or challenges they may be navigating.
When it comes time to introduce screens, I encourage parents to do so with intention and awareness. Ideally, the content (whether it’s a show, app, or game) has educational value, promotes positive development, or sparks curiosity. Of course, there will also be times when screens are simply a source of fun or entertainment, and that’s perfectly natural. The key is finding balance: mixing entertainment with other activities and being mindful of how screens fit into the wider rhythm of a child’s life.
Digital World Preparation – We’re living in a world where digital literacy is increasingly essential. How do you see books like Unplugged Tots helping to prepare children for the future?
Technology is extraordinary, and the pace at which it is evolving is both exciting and, at times, a little daunting. Many of the jobs our children will hold in the future don’t even exist yet, precisely because of technological advances. This makes digital literacy an essential skill – but the question is, how do we begin preparing young children for a digital future without immersing them too early in screens?
That’s where books like Unplugged Tots come in. They introduce the building blocks of computational thinking (such as sequencing, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and logic) through playful, screen-free activities. These early experiences help children develop the mindset and confidence that will later allow them to engage with technology thoughtfully, rather than passively.
Equally important, Unplugged Tots encourages children (and their families) to see technology not just as entertainment, but as something to be respected, questioned, and used with purpose. It helps plant the seeds of digital citizenship: understanding that technology is powerful, learning to make conscious choices about content, and recognizing the importance of balance.
In short, by nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and mindful habits from an early age, books like Unplugged Tots help prepare children not just to use technology, but to thrive in a digital world.
AI and the Future – With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, how do you feel AI will impact children’s learning and the skills they’ll need for the future?
AI has enormous potential to enhance children’s educational experiences, but I believe it needs to be approached with balance. Nothing can replace the energy of a teacher who is passionate about their subject – engaging with children, listening to them, sparking conversation, and nurturing their unique interests and strengths.
AI should be seen as exactly that: a tool. It can enable innovation and progress, but it should never overshadow the human connection at the heart of learning. The real opportunity lies in equipping children with a toolkit that combines computational thinking and digital literacy with emotional intelligence, creativity, and collaboration.
If we can foster this blend of skills, children will be better prepared not only to use AI effectively but also to question, shape, and direct it. In that way, they can approach the future through a “tech for good” lens – harnessing AI not just for efficiency, but to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create a more thoughtful digital world.
Favourite Activity – Do you have a favourite activity from Unplugged Tots, and what makes it particularly special to you?
My favourite activity will usually be the messier ones, the Cloud Dough activity has a special place in my heart for a number of reasons.
- It opens up lots of opportunities for discussions about texture, smell, creativity, problem solving which helps raise the confidence of children
- This was the activity that the children of Eben, the founder of Raspberry Pi were playing with when Eben and I first met and spoke and where I told him of my intentions with Unplugged Tots and he saw my passion for this movement and, well, long story short, he published this book!
- When I’ve done this in community groups the adults always express how easy it is to tidy up in the end. They also express how soothing it is to sit, mix, mould and create with their children, not for them, this is usually accompanied with comments around how amazing the cloud dough smells and how soft hands feel after kneading the dough.
Practicalities for Parents & Teachers – Do families or educators need lots of additional resources to make the most of your book, or is it designed to be easily accessible with everyday materials?
I know how busy parent life is and how much we want the best for our children but sometimes with finances being stretched we have to make something out of nothing and that’s what I wanted the core of my activities to be – using objects found in homes, neighborhoods, high street stores so that anyone can play and learn computational thinking skills. I knew I had to make it really easy for everyone so that we can help as many children as possible learn these critical skills.
Feedback & Stories – Have you had any memorable feedback from parents, teachers, or children who have tried the activities?
The feedback I love getting is always from the children themselves, I’ve had cards of thanks and pictures of me but when the parents give me feedback it really helps me feel I’ve made an impact and that is so important for me and my movement/mission. Some notable quotes include:
- “Fantastic initiative and a very much needed set of skills to teach children and adults!”
- “Thank you! The kids enjoyed all the activities, great way for them to be creative and engaged in the process of making their creations”
- “Fantastic session with some simple, yet really fun and engaging activities, looking forward to reading your book!”
- “Lovely open-ended activities which we love, my daughter really enjoyed creating. We will do more messy play at home.”
- “Really good play area. Lovely lady and two young girls helping. My grandchildren had a wonderful time thank you.”
Looking Ahead – Finally, do you see Unplugged Tots as the beginning of a series, or are there other projects you’d love to explore in the future?
To complement the book I have monthly emails that I send out to families either with a PDF of activities or with a PDF and a series of videos providing more support. More information can be found here:
https://www.unpluggedtots.com/unplugged-tots-subscription
Unplugged Tots is a movement to reclaim some balance between screens and play, tech and education and family harmony. It’s just the start of this journey and I’m thrilled that there are so many people who share in this ideal that our children deserve better and are actually feeling empowered.
Final Thoughts
Unplugged Tots is a wonderful reminder that teaching coding doesn’t have to mean handing a child a screen. By focusing on play, curiosity, and problem-solving, Hannah Hagon has created a resource that gives children the tools they need to thrive in a digital world — while keeping the learning joyful and accessible.
I’m excited to share my full interview with Hannah above, and I hope it’s given you a deeper insight into her approach and passion. If you’re curious to explore more, I highly recommend giving Unplugged Tots a try — whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer, you’ll find plenty of simple, engaging activities to spark learning and fun at home or in the classroom.
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Further Reading
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