This presentation provides information about practical activities for introducing algorithms to young children.

1. +
Algorithms KS 1 & KS 2
ByYasemin Allsop

2. Algorithms
An algorithm is a set of precise
instructions to solve a problem or
achieve a goal.

3. Algorithms
Always start with hands-on activities
• Children to create a dance routine for
their friends
• Galactic Wars algorithm using tissue
paper
• Making toast - role play
• Cleaning teeth – role play
http://www.incredibox.com

4. KS 1
Creating a storyboard of instructions to make toast

5. KS 1
Creating a word algorithm for cleaning teeth
http://prezi.com/mflcjjrltuo0/algorithm-to-
brushing-your-teeth/

6. KS 1
Using Bee-bot
Retelling the main events of a story
Solving simple maths problems
Moving around a maze
Identifying shapes

7. KS 1 & KS 2
Coming up with steps to complete a maze
online or on-paper.
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/back_to_school/games/mazes/

8. KS 1 & KS 2
The students work in pairs. One student blindfold the other student or close the eyes.The
blindfolded student completes the maze by following the verbal instructions given by his/her
partner.They switch roles.You could even create a giant maze in the classroom using paper
for children to walk around.

9. KS 1 & KS 2
Sequences of instructions for controlling the
on-screen robot
http://www.iboard.co.uk/iwb/Controlling-Round-a-Route-693

10. KS 1 & KS 2
Sequences of instructions for controlling the
on-screen robot to draw simple shapes
http://www.iboard.co.uk/iwb/Drawing-with-a-Control-Toy-697

11. KS 1 & KS 2
Sequences of instructions for controlling an
on-screen robot to draw simple shapes
http://www.iboard.co.uk/iwb/Drawing-with-a-Control-Toy-697

12. KS 1 & KS 2
Supporting learners
http://www.iboard.co.uk/iwb/Drawing-with-a-Control-Toy-697

13. KS 1 & KS 2
Extending Learners
http://www.iboard.co.uk/iwb/Drawing-with-a-Control-Toy-697

14. KS 1 & KS 2
Partner work
http://www.iboard.co.uk/iwb/Cheese-Sniffer-657

15. KS 2
Flow charts
• Flow charts show sequences of events
• They are made of shapes such as rectangles and diamonds.
• All the flow charts begin with a START symbol and finish with the END
symbol
• Actions/process/instructions represented using rectangles and
decisions represented through diamonds. Diamonds are used for
asking questions.
http://raychambers.wordpress.com/touch-develop-ks2
Start
End

16. KS 2
http://raychambers.wordpress.com/touch-develop-ks2/
This activity was planned by Ray
Chambers. Please see the link to
his website below for more
fabulous resources.
Using the Waking up worksheet,
you need to put things into the
correct order.
Think of the order you would
complete these in, is it logical?
Extension: - Build your own
flowchart based on an activity you
complete daily. Include at least one
decision.

17. KS 2
Creating an animation of a simple dance
routine using Scratch

18. KS 2
Creating an animation of a simple dance
routine using Scratch

19. KS 2
Look at this swimming animation and think
about steps for creating it.

20. KS 2
Thank you!
y.allsop@mmu.ac.uk
@yallsop