In computing this week we explored the idea of algorithms. We started by chatting about what the word algorithm actually means, then revealed that it’s simply a clear set of instructions, something we can show with text, pictures, symbols, or even numbers. After that, we used Scratch, Dinosaur Move game and let the children watch how the dinosaur reacts to the arrow keys and space bar. We then introduced the concept of decomposition, breaking things down into smaller parts and the children wrote predictions about the algorithms behind the game.
The children then followed a set of instructions and reflected on whether they were clear, discussing how we could improve them to make the algorithm even better.
In PE, the children loved playing golf, where they worked on their hand/eye coordination and learned to use the golf stick to hit the ball in the intended direction. It was definitely a tricky skill to master, but the children persevered and made fantastic progress.
Thank you to all the parents who were able to join us for our Hooks into Books session. The children loved their new book, How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers, and after listening to the story they loved creating their own star constellation pictures.