RaspberryPiFoundation: Teach kids computing: Programming

Over the following four weeks you will learn more about algorithms and programming, and how to teach young children to code.

You will:

• Look at how kids can create algorithms using direction cards, labelled diagrams, and flowcharts.
• Think about how you can help children progress through different levels of abstraction when creating a program.
• Consider a range of programming languages suitable for young people, including ScratchJr, Logo, and Crumble.
• Examine the key programming concepts of sequence, repetition, selection, and variables, and how you can introduce children to these, including by using real-world examples.
• Design programs using these concepts, and use the block-based programming language Scratch to implement your design.
• Review a lesson to put into practice what you've learnt in the course.

Week 1 - Introduction to programming

• What is programming?
• What's an algorithm?
• Moving from an algorithm to code

Week 2 - Repetition

• Identifying patterns in tasks
• Implementing repetition
• Different types of repetition

Week 3 - Selection

• Conditions
• Implementing selection
• Controlling program flow with selection

Week 4 - Variables

• What are variables?
• How can variables be used in programs?
• Adapting a learning resource for your class

What software will I need?

You will need access to Scratch 3, either online or installed on your computer.

For one activity in the first week, you will also need access to either the ScratchJr Android app, the ScratchJr Apple app, or the desktop version of ScratchJr.