The links below are to online activities that align with the work that your child has been undertaking in Computing:

 

• Purple Mash

• BBC Bitesize

• Coding

• J2E Coding

• Scratch

• Kodu Game Lab

• Khan Academy - Programming

• Barefoot - This website includes learning together activities, mini missions and projects and interactive learning games all based around Computational Thinking and Skills. There are downloadable resources, worksheets and activities which are all absolutely free. Downloadable activities and games for children, links to live lessons and a guide for parents - includes cross-curricular lesson plans and resources that unpack computational thinking in a range of subjects.

• Blockly - Blockly Games is a series of educational games that teach programming. It is designed for children who have not had prior experience with computer programming. By the end of these games, players are ready to use conventional text-based languages.

• Internet Matters - This website gives a lot of advice to parents as well as resources for staying safe online

• Teach Computing - This has various Computing Home Learning Resources including home projects, downloadable activities and games based on Online Safety, Programming and Coding and Computational Thinking.

• Programming and Coding - This is a brilliant Youtube Video Channel which has lots of videos to help you learn Programming and Coding.

• Code Club - Projects and activities for home learning and a parent guide.

• UK Safer Internet Centre - Online safety resources aimed at 3 -11 year olds.

• Stem Learning - An online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.

• ProProfs Brain Games - This ProProfs Website allows you to make your own online games. Here you can make your own crossword, word searches, hangman and jigsaw games.

• Raspberry Pi Foundation - Join the weekly code-along using open projects based on a weekly theme, with different levels available for all abilities, allowing you to be open-ended with opportunities for making and creativity.

• Computing at School - Information and links to a range of at home computing activities

• Think Fun - Unplugged activities for children to learn the basics about algorithms without a computer.

Apps you can download

A.L.E.X  (Android - Free, iPad - Free)

Bee-Bot (Android - Free, iPad - Free)

Scratch Jr (Android - Free , iPhone, iPad - Free)

Kodable (iPhone, iPad - Free)

Tynker (iPhone, iPad - Free)

Hopscotch (iPad - Free)

1. Preview a game or site before sitting down with your child.

Don't assume that a website or online game is appropriate just because its name sounds okay. Take the time ‘to have a go’ yourself, before turning the controls over to your child. If you find that a particular game doesn't quite match up with what you're looking for, just move on to the next one.

2.Talk about what your child is seeing and doing. 

It's not enough to be nearby in case your child stumbles upon something objectionable, or to count on filtering software to do the job. You should be a participant, asking your child what they are doing, offering encouragement, and making it quality time.

3.Encourage exploration. 

As an adult, you will immediately grasp the goal and the challenge of a game, but your child probably won't. Resist the urge to step in and give instruction. Instead, encourage your child to explore the programme or game at their own pace. Give help if asked, but keep the emphasis on teaching your child to figure things out for themselves.

4.Let your child set the pace. 

This isn't the time to worry about how quickly or slowly your child is grasping a concept. What's important is making sure that your child is engaged, asking questions, and taking the time to figure things out. The process is what matters, not the result.

5.Limit online time. 

Too much screen time can cause problems for your child.   A child's learning should encompass a wide variety of experiences, of which the computer is but one part. Limited time should be encouraged.

6. Create a learning space

This space doesn’t need to be large, fancy or equipped with brand new furniture. You can work with the space you have, focusing on making it conducive to learning. It should be quiet and clutter-free, with limited distractions – ideally separate from where your child plays or watches TV. The most important thing is that your child has a designated space where they can shift to “school mode” and concentrate accordingly.

7. Get organised

At Whiteheath, a learning pack will be provided, with instructions for virtual learning. Make sure you have these supplies gathered and organised in a way that your child can find them quickly when they’re needed. This will help them stay focused on the task at hand, rather than getting lost on a search for scissors or a sharpened pencil.

8. Show interest, encourage independence

Though virtual learning may come with some challenges, it also provides a great opportunity for you to support your child while helping them develop independence. Provide positive feedback when they’re doing well and constructive guidance when you see areas of opportunity.

 

By the end of Year 6, children will be able to:

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output 
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration 
• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content 
• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information 
• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.