Today we’re learning conditionals. A conditional is a simple rule: it checks a condition (the “IF” part) and tells you the action (the “THEN” part). Computers use these rules all the time and follow them exactly.

Say to the class (short and friendly):
“An IF is a check. A THEN is what we do.
If I show red, then take one step.
If I show blue, then turn on the spot.
If it’s anything else, freeze.”

Write IF → THEN (→ ELSE) on the board and point as you speak. Emphasise that if the action doesn’t match the rule, that’s a bug—we fix the words and try again.

This lesson includes two versions of the games—one for a small classroom space and one for a larger hall/outdoor area. Pick the option that best fits your group today; both versions hit the same learning goal (using if…then rules). You can also start in-class and switch outside later if energy or space needs change.

Set the scene (to pupils):
“Today you’re cars. Cars follow conditions: IF the light is green, THEN go; IF it’s yellow, THEN slow; IF it’s red, THEN stop.”

Setup (1–2 min):
Mark a simple loop/track with cones. Space pupils out on the track.

Core rules (start here):

• IF green, THEN go (quick small steps).

• IF yellow, THEN slow walk.

• IF red, THEN stop/freeze.

Run one slow lap to practise the three lights.

Make it more fun (pick a few add-ons)

Announce these as extra IF…THEN rules during play. Keep it snappy!

• IF I say “tractor,” THEN move big and slow (wide turns, “chug-chug”).

• IF I say “Ferrari,” THEN tiny, fast steps (safe “vroom!”).

• IF I say “bus,” THEN travel in pairs (side-by-side, wider turns).

• IF you hear a “siren,” THEN pull over to the side and freeze (ambulance passing).

• IF you reach a “speed bump,” THEN squat once and carry on.

• IF I call “roundabout,” THEN spin once before continuing.

• IF I call “tunnel,” THEN duck low for three steps.

• IF I say “roadworks,” THEN tiptoe past a cone.

• IF I call “pothole,” THEN hop over an imaginary hole.

• IF you see the “zebra crossing,” THEN stop, count 3, then go.

• IF I say “speed camera,” THEN freeze and smile for one beat.

• IF I say “flat tyre,” THEN hop on one foot for three steps.

• IF I say “electric car,” THEN silent tiptoe for five steps.

• IF I say “bicycle,” THEN pedal arms while walking.

• IF I say “police stop,” THEN hands up, freeze until “go.”

• IF I say “fuel stop,” THEN pull into the “pit,” clap-clap-clap, then rejoin.

Big idea: Pupils practise if…then by sprinting to a stack of coloured cones. Each colour = condition that triggers a specific action. They perform the action and run back to tag the next runner. You add more colours/conditions as they master the rules.

Equipment

• 3–5 stacks of mixed-colour cones (one stack per team/lane)

• A large Colour → Action key on the board or a printed card at the start line

• Cones to mark lanes and a turning point

Set-up (1–2 min)

1. Mark 3–5 lanes with a start line and a cone stack 8–12 m away.

2. Post the Colour → Action key where everyone can see it.

3. Split pupils into equal teams behind each start line.

Teach the rules (30–60 sec)

• “IF you draw red, THEN do a squat jump once and run back.”

• “IF you draw blue, THEN do 3 jumping jacks,” etc.

• Demo one full run slowly: run → pick top cone → do action → return → tag.

Suggested Colour → Action key (edit to suit)

• Red = 1 squat jump

• Blue = 3 jumping jacks

• Yellow = turn around once

• Green = freeze pose for 2 counts

• Orange = 4 side steps (2 each way)

• Purple = robot arms for 3 counts

• White = balance on one foot for 3 counts

• Black = tiptoe 5 steps

How to play (Round structure)

• Round 1 (single condition): Runners take the top cone only, perform its action, and return. First team to 6 clean turns wins.

• Round 2 (two in a row): Call “Pick 2!” Runners take the top two cones and must perform in order (great for then).

• Round 3 (introduce ELSE): Add a pink cone = “Else: if it’s not red, then clap twice.” If a pupil draws pink, they follow the else rule instead of the colour action.

• Round 4 (repeat/loop spice): Add a striped cone = “Repeat ×2 last action” to match your loop visuals.

Teacher moves that keep it fun

• Call quick rule changes mid-game: “Blue now means wave!” (debug together if someone forgets).

• Vary the pick count (“Pick 3!”) to chain conditions.

• Rotate a runner-ref who watches for correct actions and shouts “Bug—reset!” (redo that turn).

Goal: Hear the condition word (“Simon says…”) before acting.
Setup (1 min): Pupils at spots. Agree 3–4 simple actions (clap / tap knees / turn / freeze). Write on board.

How to play (5–7 min):

1. Explain: “IF I say ‘Simon says’, THEN do the action. Else (no ‘Simon says’) don’t move.”

2. Start slowly: “Simon says clap… turn… Simon says tap knees…”

3. Mix pace and add two-step chains: “Simon says clap, then turn.” (Order matters = sequencing.)

Make it richer (2–3 min):

• Add a Repeat ×2 call: “Simon says repeat ×2 [clap].” (Match your loop visual.)

• Pupil leader: a confident pupil becomes Simon for one minute.

• Mini-debug: If someone moves without the condition, say “Bug—reset!” and replay the line.