A three-page unplugged worksheet that introduces the heart of KS1 computing — algorithms and programs — without needing a screen. Page 1 builds the concept of an algorithm by asking children to write step-by-step instructions for an everyday task (making toast). Page 2 introduces debugging — finding and fixing the bug in a set of broken instructions. Page 3 has children program a robot to navigate a grid using arrow commands.
These three pages map directly to NC requirements 1 (algorithms), 2 (debugging), and 3 (predicting behaviour). Answer key included with notes on multiple valid solutions — programming nearly always has more than one right answer.
An interactive programming puzzle that mirrors the unplugged worksheet but in a visual environment. Children tap arrow buttons to build a sequence of instructions, then press RUN to see Robbie execute their program. If he hits a wall, they can DEBUG — clear the program and try again.
Five levels of increasing complexity introduce the core programming concepts: sequencing, prediction, debugging. Each successful level rewards a star; bug counter shows how many attempts were needed.
A 7-slide tour through KS1 computing. Each slide tackles one big idea: what counts as a computer (more than you think!), what an algorithm is, how programs work, what a bug is, and how to stay safe online.
The online safety slide uses the standard UK SMART rules adapted for KS1 children: Safe, Don’t Meet, Accepting, Reliable, Tell. Best read with a grown-up.
A planning companion for the KS1 computing unit. Maps every resource to specific NC requirements, gives clear guidance on when to teach UNPLUGGED (no device) vs PLUGGED (with device), flags the misconceptions Y1–Y2 children most commonly bring, references the standard UK online safety frameworks (CEOP, ThinkUKnow, SMART), and lays out a 6-lesson scheme.
Particularly useful is the section on online safety incident response — the protocol when a child reveals something concerning during a lesson.
