Teaching Programming in Primary Schools
Understand key programming concepts and apply them using Scratch, with this introductory course for primary or K-5 teachers.
- Duration4 weeks
- Weekly study2 hours
- 100% onlineTry this course for free
Teaching Programming in Primary Schools
Understand key programming concepts and apply them using Scratch.
This free online course will provide a comprehensive introduction to programming, designed for non-subject-specialist primary or K-5 teachers.
Over four weeks, we’ll introduce you to key programming concepts. You’ll have the chance to apply your understanding of them through projects, both unplugged and on a computer, using Scratch as the programming language. You’ll discover common mistakes and pitfalls, and develop strategies to fix them.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to Programming
Introduction
Welcome to 'Teaching Programming in Primary Schools'.
Algorithms
Learn what an algorithm is, and discover examples of algorithms in the world around you.
Programming using Scratch
This section introduces you to programming in the Scratch environment.
Sequencing
Learn how programs are made up of sequences of precise instructions.
Final Challenge
Apply your knowledge of sequencing by creating your own drawing.
Week 2
Repetition
Introduction
Welcome to Week 2, where you'll learn all about repetition.
Creating Art
Learn how to use repetition to create your own unique shapes and patterns.
Making Music
Learn how to use repetition to create music with repeating patterns.
Final Challenge
Apply your knowledge of repetition by creating your own animation.
Week 3
Variables
Introduction
Welcome to Week 3, where you'll learn all about variables.
Voting App
Learn how to use variables to create an app allowing users to vote on their favourite animal.
Story Time
Learn how to use variables to create custom-generated stories based on data provided by the user.
Final Challenge
Apply your knowledge of variables by creating your own ghost-catching game.
Week 4
Selection
Introduction
Welcome to week 4, where you'll learn all about selection.
Capital Cities Quiz
Learn how to use selection to create a quiz.
Animal Classification
Learn how to use selection to create an animal classification program.
Final Challenge
Apply and combine your programming knowledge by creating your own project!
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain key programming concepts; algorithms, sequencing, repetition, variables and selection.
- Produce programs using the Scratch programming language.
- Reflect on your learning and create ideas for your classroom practise.
- Explore programming concepts through projects, both unplugged and digital.
- Apply a cross curricular approach to programming.
Who is the course for?
Teaching Programming in Primary Schools is designed for non-subject-specialist primary or K-5 teachers. You do not need any prior experience of programming to take part.
What software or tools do you need?
Learners need access to Scratch. Some aspects of the course use Scratch blocks that require the use of a keyboard.
What do people say about this course?
I thoroughly enjoyed this course, having previously taught Year 5 students. I was unaware of the immense activities involved in Scratch and all the exciting creations that you can have fun with. I will certainly be using this in the future. Thank you!
Caron Thornhill
I appreciate the way the course instruction was designed. The design fostered confidence because the steps we learned and practiced were clearly outlined. This aspect gave room for exploration and creativity. I look forward to practicing all the things I've learned and then share it with faculty as part of their ongoing professional development.
Dr N'Quavah R. Velazquez
Who will you learn with?
I am Director of Informal Learning at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, previously a secondary ICT and Computing teacher.
Who developed the course?
Raspberry Pi Foundation
The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world, so they are capable of understanding and shaping our increasingly digital world.
National Centre for Computing Education
National Centre for Computing Education courses
Learner reviews
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