Grade Levels: K-3

*Click to open and customize your own copy of the Computer Programming Lesson Plan

This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP Jr. topic Computer Programming, and supports the standard of breaking problems into component parts in order to facilitate problem-solving. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects. 

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Prompt students to think of a time they gave someone instructions, like when teaching a friend a new game or explaining how to do a dance. Ask:

  • How did you know if your instructions were clear?
  • What did you do if they weren’t? 

Step 2: BUILD KNOWLEDGE

  • Play the Computer Programming movie.  
  • Click the pause button each time a question appears in Annie’s Notebook and discuss it as a class. Then play to see how Annie answers it.

TIP: The pause button turns red to remind you to pause.

Step 3: APPLY and ASSESS

Students take the Easy Quiz or Hard Quiz, demonstrating what they learned about the topic while applying essential literacy skills.

Step 4: DEEPEN and EXTEND

Students express what they learned about computer programming while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student or grade-level needs.

  • Draw About It: Follow the steps to make a drawing. 
  • Activity: Follow the instructions to find the treasure. 
  • Talk About It: Describe each step to get from your home to school. 
  • Write About It: Write instructions to get ready for school. 

More to Explore 

Technology Unit: Continue to build understanding around computational thinking by exploring more BrainPOP Jr. topics.

Teacher Support Resources:

 

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments