Computing · Year 3

Active learning ideas

Representing Algorithms: Flowcharts

Active learning works for algorithms because students need to see how small changes in sequence change outcomes. When Year 3 students physically trace flowcharts or predict code steps, they move from passive listeners to active problem-solvers who understand why order matters in programming.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS2: Computing - Algorithms
• KS2: Computing - Logical Reasoning

• 30–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Hundred Languages
• 30 min · Whole Class

Format Name: Flowchart Charades

Students act out simple, sequential tasks like making a sandwich or brushing teeth. The class then works together to create a flowchart representing the actions, identifying the correct symbols for each step. This links physical action to visual representation.

Explain how a flowchart visually represents an algorithm.

Facilitation Tip

During Peer Teaching: Code Predictors, pair students so one predicts the sprite’s path while the other follows the code blocks with their finger.

• Understand
• Apply
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 02

• Hundred Languages
• 40 min · Pairs

Format Name: Personal Algorithm Design

In pairs, students design a flowchart for a simple routine, such as getting ready for school or playing a board game. They use pre-made symbol cards or draw them, discussing the sequence and decision points with their partner. This encourages collaborative problem-solving.

Design a flowchart for a simple game or task.

Facilitation Tip

In Simulation: Live Coding, pause the program after each block and ask the class to predict what happens next before pressing continue.

• Understand
• Apply
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Hundred Languages
• 35 min · Small Groups

Format Name: Debugging Flowcharts

Provide students with pre-made flowcharts that contain errors or illogical steps for simple tasks. Students work individually or in small groups to identify the mistakes and correct the flowchart, reinforcing their understanding of sequential logic.

Evaluate the benefits of using flowcharts before writing code.

Facilitation Tip

For Collaborative Investigation: The Shape Challenge, provide pre-cut flowchart symbols so students physically arrange them to test different sequences.

• Understand
• Apply
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach algorithms by making the invisible visible. Use concrete analogies like reading a book or following a recipe to explain linear flow. Avoid abstract explanations; instead, have students act out the steps or trace the paths with their fingers. Research shows that when students physically simulate the process, they better grasp why order affects outcomes.

Students will confidently predict algorithm outcomes, use flowchart symbols correctly, and explain why reordering steps changes the result. They will describe the linear flow of commands and identify logical errors in simple programs.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Peer Teaching: Code Predictors, watch for students who assume all blocks run at the same time.

  After demonstrating the 'finger-trace' method, have students repeat the process in pairs, pointing to each block as the sprite moves to reinforce the top-to-bottom sequence.

• During Simulation: Live Coding, watch for students who blame the computer when the sprite doesn’t move as expected.

  Pause the simulation and ask students to read the code aloud step-by-step, identifying where the sequence differs from their expectation to shift focus to logical errors.

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Methods used in this brief

• Hundred Languages