Lori Randall

Obsessed with computer science integration. Love sharing my journey. Presidential Award Winner (PAEMST) 2025, Marty robot Master. Discover Gracie fan!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

It’s going to be a fun day when your husband mentions a new tool demo on the job site! So, I grabbed the grandkids and we went to check it out.
The MULE Material Unit Lift Enhancer is the star of the show, a device that makes lifting heavy materials safer and easier.

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

@dailystem @dahlbys @AndieOlson21 Definitely! We have a bunch of Lincoln logs to get out for him to use!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

When I asked my 7 year old grandson to pick up sticks, I came outside to find him doing this instead!
I smiled. The sticks didn’t get picked up, but watching him dive into his own project reminded me of what we really want for our kids: to think creatively and solve problems.

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Thrilled to welcome the newest addition to our Coding Club Clan! She may not be coding robots yet, but she's mastered the if-then of touching hearts. Sarah is the newest debugger in training. It will be exciting to watch her grow surrounded by creativity and code (and cuddles).

[NewBoCo @NewBoCo]

Hey Iowa educators! Don't miss CS PD Week at Iowa State University from July 14th-18th! Applications close on June 10th, so don't wait. Learn more plus register > https://t.co/DQWcs2ZFAT

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Happy May Day! Tale-Bot is zipping around delivering May baskets to houses. The younger child was tasked to find the house with a specific number. The older child was challenged to solve an addition or subtraction puzzle, then deliver the basket to the house with that answer.

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Samantha and I are always in our element when we get to share our passion with fellow educators. The Iowa City kindergarten teachers were engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn new ways to support their “Tiny Techies” through unplugged activities. Thanks for a fantastic day!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

The students played "Snakes and Ladders," coding dice rolls, mouse movement, and using logic and algorithms. They decoded digraphs and applied math by counting squares and calculating sums, practicing coding while reinforcing math and reading skills! What fun! @MrValencia24

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

After reading the book, they decided to babysit me! We talked about algorithms, step-by-step directions, and they planned a playground adventure: swinging and sliding. Later at nap time, my "babysitter" told me to sleep while she stayed up to keep watch. An eventful day!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

@dailystem @McMenemyTweets @KinderTeacherB @dahlbys @MrsSchwamman @jackiemuller012 Exactly!!!!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

We used black and white tiles as pixels, to copy and create images by following color codes. The Pixel Boards introduce preschool students to idea of digital representation without a screen. Through this process, the kids began debugging, collaborating, and communicating too.

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

@dahlbys @McMenemyTweets @jackiemuller012 @MrsSchwamman She was a very proud and confident teacher!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Imagine a 2-year-old stepping into a middle school room, introducing Tale Bot Pro and BeeBot. She was excited to teach how these robots can follow simple commands to navigate mazes and tell stories. The girls realized that a young learner can grasp basics of coding through play!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Robot originally designed for children ages 3+- took a creative twist. They had blank mat, drew pictures on it, and turned it into an interactive coding game. One would look away while the other placed TaleBot to start, and gave instructions like 'get to the pizza in six steps.'

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Thanks to CSTA Minnesota for inviting us to speak at your conference—what an energizing and inspiring day! It’s always a joy to share our passion for computer science education, especially alongside the amazing Samantha from NewBoCo.

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Join me and make a gift to support UNI on #LivePurpleGiveGold! #LivePurpleGiveGold https://t.co/ShuKaFIIcB

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

A Binary Tree is hands-on for kids to explore how tree structures work in computer science. They used wooden pieces, sorting them by size and color-just like how computers sort and connect things. Kids learned that "bi" means two, and saw how each tree part splits into two more.

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Two-year-old is coding within a grid, alongside or without a robot. How does it impact her? It helps her understand sequencing and patterns. This activity encourages problem-solving skills, cognitive growth, and creativity. She loved the Play Set from @McMenemyTweets !

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

Computer science isn’t just about coding, it’s about connection. We have collaborated, solved problems, shared ideas, and celebrated successes. Computer Science has built a bond that goes across a state and beyond a border. The friendships formed will stick with us for life!

[Lori Randall @MrsRsecondgrade]

It is wonderful to see the students engaged, focused, and having fun!

[Beth Smith @KinderTeacherB]

@MrsRsecondgrade gave us a new idea for using our number mats. When we land on a number we count out that many counters and leave it there. The kids loved the challenge of coding around the newly created obstacle. #CodeBreaker #Coding #MathPlay