It’s often thought that to teach coding, you need a computer. Well, that might be correct for the majority of coding activities, but it’s also true that a great way to introduce basic coding concepts is through the use of games and activities that don’t need a computer. These activities might require nothing more than pencils and paper or a few Lego bricks and they could even happen outside the classroom on the playground or in the dining hall.

This type of activity is often called “Offline Coding” and they play a useful role in teaching children to think like a coder before they start using a computer.

Everyday Algorithms

Put the children into small groups of 4-5 and provide each group with large sheets of paper and marker pens. Ask them to write out an algorithm (sequence of steps) for an everyday activity such as brushing their teeth or making breakfast. Ask the groups to show their algorithms to each other. Perhaps act them out. Are they specific enough? Have they missed out any important steps or details?

For inspiration, check out Phil Bagge’s video “Making a jam sandwich”, which demonstrates a nice way to act this out with a class.

Make a Monster

Give the children some simple instructions to draw a monster and ask them to follow the steps. For example: draw a circle, add some eyes, add antlers, add four legs. Ask them to compare what they have drawn to what others have drawn.

Then put the children into small groups. Within each group, each person sketches out a monster (without showing the others) and writes an algorithm to instruct someone else to draw it. Each member of the group takes it in turns to read out their algorithm and the others can try and draw it. Then compare what they’ve drawn.

Discuss with the children the need for accurate instructions. How precise do you need to be to replicate the monster accurately? What information do they need and what information is unimportant?

Using Lego

The children could build mazes out of LEGO. They can then use arrow cards to build up a sequence of instructions to move a minifig around the maze.  This could be an introductory activity before the children use roamers or turtles such as Bee-Bots.

They could try a variation of the Make a Monster activity by building a shape out of Lego bricks, then trying to give the rest of their group instructions to replicate their build.

Human Robot

Similar to the lego maze idea, put the children into small groups and ask them to write an algorithm to guide a child around the room using simple, pre-set commands. As an extension task, could they use pick up and put down commands to have their “robot” deliver a package to another part of the room?

Fitness Routines

The children could devise an exercise routine comprising different types of activity such as star jump, run on the spot etc. Write each activity on a large sheet of paper, one per sheet. Decide on some finishing moves such as sit cross legged, strike a post, lie on the floor and write these on some more sheets of paper. On a final sheet of paper write “GO”. The children can lay these pieces of paper on the floor to create an algorithm for a routine. Start with Go and end with a finishing move. Then carry it out.

As an extension, introduce the idea of a loop. Put one activity inside a plastic hoop and write a number between 2 and 5 on a sheet of paper next to it. The activity inside the hoop can then be repeated for however many times the number on the paper tells them to.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. For more ideas, check out Code.org or CS Unplugged. Any more ideas, put them in the comments!

Glossary

Algorithm: An algorithm is a set of steps that need to be followed in order to solve a problem.

Decomposition: This involves breaking a process down into smaller, simpler steps.

Abstraction: This is the process of simplifying something to make it easier to understand or use. As an example, you could use a London Underground map and compare it to a real map of the station locations.