Programming for Primaries Posted on 11 March 2024 by Barefoot Computing - Guest blogger in EdTech | Resources | Schools Go Barefoot this Programming for Primaries week!Three fun-filled activities to transform your computing classroom. Barefoot Computing empowers primary school teachers across the UK to deliver the computing curriculum brilliantly with free workshops, helpful online guides and free engaging lessons. Barefoot is on the side of teachers; helping them inspire pupils to think, learn and thrive in a digital world.Barefoot was set up in 2014 to prepare primary school teachers for the changing computing curriculum by BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT and their Computing at School network. In a world where technology is advancing at lightning speed, it's crucial for teachers to stay up to speed. Established in 2014, to support teachers through education reforms, and the introduction of computing to the National Curriculum, Barefoot is currently celebrating ten years of workshops and fun, free resources – created by teachers, for teachers. Barefoot is committed to empowering teachers and inspiring students to thrive in a digital world. Our efforts have reached millions of pupils and tens of thousands of teachers, making a significant impact on computing education in primary schools nationwide. But the work doesn't stop there. As we look to the future, Barefoot and Computing at School (CAS) are focused on addressing the broader societal issues surrounding technology and exploring how computing education can be part of the solution. It's a daunting task, but one that is essential for shaping a more digitally literate and responsible generation! Still need convincing? Check out some of our favourite free resources below: EARLY YEARS (EYFS) ‘BUSY BODIES’Linked to key computational thinking approaches for EYFS, Busy Bodies provides four activities that help children discover how bodies move and grow. Using the resources provided they explore and learn about parts of the body, growth and movement. Simple algorithms are created and adapted to form a routine of movements. “The children really enjoy computing and they find it empowering, and the Barefoot resources also develop ‘soft skills’ like collaboration and teamwork. You really do get the children to see that tech is a tool to be used to solve problems in all aspects of their lives.” – Ben Davies, St. Paul’s Primary School, via CAS. KS1 & KS2 ‘ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURES IN CODING’Barefoot’s ‘Accessible Adventures in Coding’ enables primary pupils to consider how diverse accessibility needs, such as visual impairment or speech impairment, affect how people use their digital devices. Through experimenting with a range of accessibility tools, followed by programming their own tool, pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of inclusive technology and programming concepts. “Tech can change lives in so many ways but too many people still face barriers in unlocking its potential. So it’s fantastic that Barefoot is helping children who will be the future users, creators and consumers of tech to understand how to ensure it can benefit everyone and to develop the computing skills in a fun and engaging way to make that happen in a fun and engaging way.” – Dr. Jon Chippindall, Computing Lead, Crumpsall Lane Primary School. SEND ‘RIVER CROSSING’ In this lesson tailor-made for SEND education, pupils solve the traditional problem of a farmer trying to get a chicken, fox and corn across a river by acting it out. In doing so, they develop their logical reasoning skills. Teachers also have the option of using the activity to develop understanding of algorithms, decomposition and debugging. “Understanding how many people are excluded from using digital devices is the first step to ensuring that technology is developed with inclusivity in mind, helping to remove barriers and ensures people with a wider range of abilities are included.” – Isabella Lieghio, Director, Icon Learning Education Consultants. Why not check out a Barefoot workshop while you’re at it? Delivered remotely by one of our expert volunteers, key topics include EYFS, Computational Thinking, and Introduction to Programming in Scratch. Private workshops for your school are also available, on request. Join Barefoot today, or get in touch with the team at enquiries@barefootcomputing.org Want more advice about teaching computing in the classroom? Why not check out our Kent Teach Parent and Teacher Guide to Coding