This was a very interesting session in which we discussed what defines computational thinking. We concluded that computational thinking is NOT:

-Thinking like a computer

-Thinking like a computer scientist

but that it IS:

-Thinking about the steps to solve problems or rules that govern the system

We looked in particular at `algorithms`, which are essentially a sequence of instructions and rules. Computer programs are written with algorithms, and we learnt how much detail needs to go into them. We had a go at writing detailed instructions for how to make a pizza, and then how to make a jam sandwich, and one of us had a go at following these latter instructions (following them very literally), with hilarious results!

I feel that it would be great fun to have a go at this kind of activity with children. You could perhaps split them into threes, and two of the three can try and write intructions for the 3rd child to get to a particular place in the room, having to get around all of the obstacles in the way.