Today in Year One, our pupils took their first steps into computational thinking as part of our Maze Explorers unit, using the 2Go program from Purple Mash. The lesson was all about learning how to give clear instructions, follow routes and solve problems step by step.
We began by introducing the children to 2Go and reminding them of the skills they would need to be successful: watching carefully, listening carefully and thinking brilliantly. This helped set the tone for a lesson where concentration, resilience and teamwork were just as important as using the technology itself.
Challenge 1: Guiding the Fish 🐟
In the first activity, the children were tasked with guiding a fish through an underwater maze to reach a treasure chest. Using the direction keys, pupils had to decide which way the fish should move and how many steps it needed to take.
Before pressing any buttons, children were encouraged to plan their route by tracing it with their finger and talking through their ideas. This helped them understand that computers don’t “guess” – they only do exactly what we tell them to do. When mistakes were made (and they were!), pupils learnt that this was part of the process and confidently used the undo and rewind buttons to try again.
This activity was a great introduction to the idea of giving commands and helped children develop their understanding of left, right, forwards and backwards.
Challenge 2: Driving Through the Town
The second challenge built on these skills by introducing a new town map. This time, the children had to drive a car first to the bank and then on to the hospital.
The grid was more detailed, and pupils were introduced to a number pad, allowing them to give instructions such as “forward 3”. This was an exciting step forward and really stretched their thinking. Children carefully counted squares, discussed different routes, and explained their reasoning to adults and peers.
Some pupils even challenged themselves further by visiting extra locations around the town or creating their own routes.
Key Vocabulary and Skills
Throughout the lesson, pupils were confidently using new computing vocabulary such as:
Command
Direction
Route
Undo
Delete
Unit
By the end of the session, children could clearly explain how to move a character, fix a mistake and start again if something didn’t work the first time.
Why This Matters
This lesson wasn’t just about moving characters on a screen. It was about developing logical thinking, perseverance, and confidence with technology. The children showed fantastic focus and enthusiasm and it was wonderful to see them celebrating both their successes and their learning from mistakes.
A brilliant start to our computing journey this term!
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