Today, you’ll introduce dance algorithms—repeating a pattern of steps—through playful code dances.

Explain to your students that their job is to follow the instructions exactly, keeping each step in the right order.

Say to the class, "Today you will follow an algorithm—copy each dance step exactly, in the right order!"

You may want to clear a little space; it’s about to get groovy!

Display the following sequence on your classroom screen.

Demonstrate each move individually so every child sees what it looks like (and how to do it safely). Put the entire sequence together in one go while saying the steps out loud, using sequential words to guide the routine:

"First, .. Next, ... Finally"

Do the sequence slowly twice with the class mirroring you. If anyone gets mixed up, call out, "Bug—reset!" and start from the top. This reinforces the idea that an algorithm must be followed exactly to work correctly.

Now, put the Random Dance Generator on your classroom screen. Explain that this tool will give them a new, random set of instructions to follow.

First, read the sequence exactly as shown on the screen and have the class copy it slowly once.

Then, have them do it again at a steady pace while you count out the steps. This helps them learn to follow an algorithm in time.

To get a new sequence, simply Spin to generate a brand new one.

For extra fun, let a volunteer press the Spin button to create the next algorithm for the class!

Now, distribute the "My Move" worksheet to each student. Ask each pupil to get creative and draw one simple dance move, then give it a short, memorable name in just one or two words.

Show a quick example on the board to get their ideas flowing, like "The Robot" or "The Spin."

Allow students enough time to finish their unique move on the worksheet. Once everyone is done, collect the finished sheets or have the pupils bring them up to you.

Now it's time to program a dance using your students' unique moves!

Select three or four of the completed "My Move" worksheets and stick them on the board from left to right to create a dance sequence.

Read the moves in order and demonstrate the entire dance once.

Then, have the class follow the whole sequence together, doing it slowly at first. Once they have the steps down, try it again at a steady pace.

If a move isn’t clear, invite its author to show it to the class and agree on a simple name.

This is their chance to debug the program and make it perfect.

If time allows, swap in a few new sheets and run more combos!