Today we concentrated on coding and the importance of teaching algorithms within programming . We can introduce coding to children from a young age through a number of simple apps that children can access in class on iPads. In the early years, children can be introduced to ‘Scratch jr’. whereby children have to create a sequence of commands that move characters that they themselves can create. Children can be left to explore scratch jr and learn for themselves how to use the app rather than learn from a teacher telling them what to do. This is an important way of teaching, taking a constructive approach of a ‘child centered’ active learning. ‘Scratch jr’ can be used across the year groups leading  up to year 6 who can apply their learning of text based programming. This app allows for the progression of learning and once the children gain familiarity with the app it will help them to become more confident in programming. There are a variety of other apps that can be used such as ‘Daisy the dinosaur’ and for older children ‘Hour of Code’. ‘Hour of Code’ is a fantastic website which allows children to use well known character to crack the code. In doing so children can practice their coding and programming skills in a highly complex and enjoyable way. I have added a extract from this game above demonstrating how complex it can be.