Today we're going to be focusing on a fundamental skill that every computer programmer needs: sequencing. Sequencing is simply the art of putting things in the correct order.
Think about the steps you take to get ready in the morning, or the instructions in a recipeβthe order is everything! Computers are the same way. They can't guess or improvise; they rely on a perfect sequence of clear instructions to get any job done. If the order is wrong, the program won't work.
Today's lesson is designed to help us train our brains to think in a precise, logical order. By practising this, we're developing the exact skills needed to write amazing computer code!
Remind them of the key rule: you should only follow a command if it starts with the phrase, "Simon says." This is the special condition that must be met for the instruction to be valid. You can decide whether to play for fun or as a knockout game.
Play a few rounds, starting with simple commands to get everyone listening carefully:
"Simon says, touch your nose."
"Simon says, jump up high."
"Clap your hands." (See who gets caught!)
"Simon says, stand on one foot."
Observe how well students listen and ensure they understand the importance of following the instructions precisely. This helps them learn the value of specific, clear steps, a core idea in sequencing.
Complete the following sequencing activity on your IWB.
This activity will involve showing pictures of daily events.
Ask the students to come up and drag the pictures into the correct sequence, starting with what happens first and ending with what happens last.