How do we build coding and digital thinking skills in young children without putting them in front of screens?
At Herzlia, innovation does not start with a screen. It starts with curiosity, thoughtful teaching and a deep understanding of how children learn best.
This thinking sits at the heart of the 6 Bricks programme, currently being introduced across Herzlia preschools. Through hands-on, play-based learning, pupils develop early coding and ESTEAM thinking skills such as sequencing, pattern recognition, logic and problem-solving. These are the same foundational skills required for digital literacy later on, but they are developed in a screen-light, age-appropriate way using simple, tactile materials.
As pupils work together, they are not only learning how to think, but how to communicate, collaborate, regulate their emotions and persevere when something does not work the first time. Learning is active, social, and fun.
Kerry-Ann van der Merwe, Herzlia’s Head of Innovation, explains, “The skills behind coding can be developed without a screen or a robot. When children play, they are learning how to think.”
Herzlia Pre-school Principals – Karen Kaimowitz (Herzlia Gan Aviv Pre-primary) and Monique Peer (Herzlia Alon Ashel Pre-Primary) – are currently planning the roll-out of the programme to ensure it is embedded thoughtfully and meaningfully within each school’s context. The focus is not on novelty, but on strengthening learning and nurturing confident, curious pupils from the earliest years.
This approach reflects Herzlia’s balanced view of technology and digital wellbeing. While technology can enhance learning, it is never treated as a shortcut to thinking. Programmes like 6 Bricks remind us that play is not separate from learning. Play is learning!
This work was recently shared on a wider platform when Kerry-Ann van der Merwe was invited to participate at Schoolscape, hosting a Guru Stand, presenting, and serving on an expert panel focused on game-based learning and digital wellbeing. Drawing directly from classroom practice, her contribution highlighted Herzlia’s belief that innovation is strongest when it is grounded in real learning experiences.
At Herzlia, innovation is not a trend or a buzzword. It is embedded in our pedagogy and led by educators who are reflective, values-driven and deeply invested in their pupils. From the early years through to broader educational leadership, we continue to model what meaningful, responsible innovation looks like.
