Teaching Primary Computing: Everything a Non-Specialist Needs to Teach Primary Computing

Computers are just for playing games, right? Many of your pupils will think so. It may be a cultural shift for both the pupils and their parents to change that perception of computing. However, the learning gained from the ‘games’ played on computers in the primary classroom is paramount. The teaching ideas in this book use mostly free tools, which operate across the many platforms that primary schools use. Based on the National Curriculum, the book is split into year groups, and each chapter offers practitioners an essential summary of all the information and vocabulary they need to successfully implement the activity in the classroom.

Table of Contents

Year 1
1 Using and understanding computing Focus: Digital images and photography
2 e-Savvy Focus: Finding, using and understanding online images
3 Coding Focus: The basics and movement

Year 2
4 Using and understanding computing Focus: Sound and audio
5 e-Savvy Focus: Calling and cyberbullying
6 Coding Focus: Audio, speech and music

Year 3
7 Using and understanding computing Focus: Communication and networking
8 e-Savvy Focus: Research and sources
9 Coding Focus: Hacking, debugging and changes

Year 4
10 Using and understanding computing Focus: Design and collaborative projects
11 e-Savvy Focus: Spam and shopping
12 Coding Focus: Python and developing games

Year 5
13 Using and understanding computing Focus: Mapping and 3D design
14 e-Savvy Focus: Trolling and trails
15 Coding Focus: 3D gaming and sensing

Year 6
16 Using and understanding computing Focus: Video, animation and changing reality
17 e-Savvy Focus: Organisation and malware
18 Coding Focus: Coding animation, apps and final fun