The Square Code is a mathematical language applied to creative design. It is based on a few simple rules that open the doors to a world for children where mathematics concepts meet the beauty of images. It is a universal language, so inclusive and close to the sensibilities of little ones that it can be learned and used very naturally, as it happens with numbers.

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THE VOLUME

Developing creativity with the Square Code presents a series of educational proposals based on the Square Code. The starting point of each activity is an image on 1 cm squared paper.

VOLUME STRUCTURE

This practical volume provides tools, instructions and materials needed to introduce primary school teachers and pupils to the Square Code. The first theoretical part explains the concept and methodology of the Code. The second practical part consists of 3 chapters, which correspond to three possible uses of the Square Code.

Introduction How the Square Code works

Ecosystems of the Square Code Simple designs to be replicated in many copies

Problems with pictures and Stories with numbers Proposals to combine drawing activities with mathematics

Little Stories and Stories without an ending Proposals for writing workshops

Additional materials

Alphabet Cards To stimulate creativity and language

Coding Cards Codes to execute by drawing to reveal hidden images of cute animals.

Didactic and pedagogical purposes of the method

There are many characteristics that invite you to use the Square Code as a tool within the primary school curriculum.

• Transversality: the Square Code lends itself to teaching in primary school in an extremely transversal way.
• Creativity: the Square Code is essentially a logical-mathematical language applied to drawing.
• Dynamism of language: the Square Code can be used by the teacher in any context.
• Gradual: the learning path through the use of the Square Code is organized in an extremely graduated manner.
• Replicability and sense of self-efficacy: the drawings built with the language of Square Code can be reproduced exactly.
• Freedom of thought and windows on the world: through the Square Code, children experience unexpected points of view, closer to their sensitivity.
• Spatial Orientation: Drawing on a grid of squares is a fun and natural way to learn to navigate in space.
• Three-dimensionality: Square Code admits a natural three-dimensional extension.
• Manual skills: the development of fine motor skills is stimulated through the use of small gestures.

Read some chapters from the book, which have been translated into English to facilitate your evaluation:

THE AUTHORS

Andrea Rota graduated in theoretical physics.  After his doctorate, he dedicated himself to teaching children: today he deals with the mathematical logic area from first to fifth grade. Author of the books in the Mathematical Children and “Creative Geometry” series and of the game book Magic Board, which are educational programs that are being tested at iSchool Circle with the collaboration of Pernice Editori.

Marta Magli graduated in philosophy. She coordinates at the iSchool Circle where she collaborates with Andrea on educational experiments. She creates school experiences that are authentic, as a time made up of enthusiasm and passion. She conveys an inexhaustible and contagious energy to her students.