Unit 1.5 – Maze Explorers - Lesson 2 | Challenges 3 and 4

Today in Year One, pupils continued their Maze Explorers journey in Computing, building confidently on the skills introduced last week using the 2Go program on Purple Mash. The focus of Lesson two was on extending directional control, creating simple algorithms and debugging instructions when things didn’t go to plan.

We began the lesson by revisiting what the children remembered from Lesson One. Pupils were able to confidently explain how they had controlled characters on screen and were keen to demonstrate their understanding of directions and counting steps. This recap helped reinforce key vocabulary such as direction, command and route, setting the children up well for the new challenges ahead.

In Challenge Three, pupils were introduced to new diagonal direction keys, allowing them to cut across the map rather than only moving forwards, backwards, left or right. Their task was to visit four island ports in the correct order and then travel on to the lighthouse.

Before starting, children were encouraged to study the new buttons carefully and predict what they might do. This led to thoughtful discussions about efficiency, with pupils comparing different routes and deciding which would be the fastest or require the fewest commands.

Children planned their routes carefully, counted squares and enjoyed testing out different approaches. When routes didn’t work as expected, pupils confidently used the undo function and adjusted their instructions — showing growing independence and resilience. Some pupils challenged themselves further by experimenting with alternative routes and comparing their solutions with friends.

The second part of the lesson introduced a key computing concept: algorithms. In Challenge 4, pupils helped Little Red Riding Hood safely reach her grandmother’s cottage — without getting eaten along the way!

This time, instead of pressing directions one at a time, children created a list of instructions by dragging direction keys and numbers into a command box. This helped pupils understand that an algorithm is a precise, step-by-step set of instructions that must be in the correct order.

We modelled the process together as a class before pupils worked independently. Children tested their algorithms using the play button and quickly learnt the importance of pressing rewind to reset before trying again. When instructions didn’t work, pupils debugged them by changing numbers, directions, or the order of commands — a fantastic demonstration of perseverance and logical thinking.

Learning Beyond the Screen

Across both challenges, pupils showed impressive growth in their computational thinking, problem-solving skills and confidence. They worked collaboratively, explained their thinking clearly and showed a strong understanding that mistakes are an important part of learning.

By the end of the lesson, pupils could confidently say that they:

✔️ Used diagonal direction keys

✔️ Created a simple algorithm

✔️ Debugged instructions when they didn’t work first time

Another excellent session in our Maze Explorers unit — we’re incredibly proud of how thoughtfully and enthusiastically Year One are approaching their computing learning!