The UK government ICT curriculum for KS1 and KS2 aims to have children understand and implement simple computer science concepts such as logic, algorithms, and data representation. They should also be able to analyse computing problems apply solutions and understand internet safety.
Most children are more than happy to take to the computer for technology-based learning. Use these ICT teaching resources to channel their enthusiasm in the direction of education and growth in computer technology.
STEM Primary Computing Resources
STEM is a fantastic resource for teachers to develop their own professional skills and find new and innovative ways to teach the full range of subjects in the curriculum and more. Teachers will find anything from CPD sessions to forums, to downloadable teaching resources here. The website’s Primary Computing Resources section offers a range of lesson plans and activities for KS1 and KS2 in line with the national curriculum.
Topics covered here include algorithms, data literacy, programming and more. Resources are split into KS1 and 2 and are preceded with some objectives the children will be expected to aim for such as identifying sequences or debugging an algorithm. At Springboard we offer STEM teaching aids to help children as young as four grasp simple non-screen coding concepts. For example, our Coding Critters - Rumble and Bunble set features basic coding activities and games with fun dinosaur toy props.
Springboard Supplies Coding Critters - Rumble and Bunble
Primary Resources for ICT
Teachers can find a broad selection of ICT resources on the Primary Resources website that covers all aspects of computer technology in the early stages of learning. Worksheets here can be downloaded for free and copied to be handed out to the class. Activity sheets include identifying different parts of a computer, how to organise your work into folders on the computer, copy and pasting, and moving and renaming files.
There are also resources for getting used to the keyword and conducting a keyboard assessment. All files are in PDF or Word format making them easy to download, save, edit, and distribute.
TeachIt Primary
TeachIt Primary offers resources for teaching all subjects in the primary school curriculum, including ICT. You have to become a member to access their online resources but this is free in the basic package. Here teachers will find hands-on activities that students can learn and apply to more complex computing tasks later on in education.
Activities here include creating your own PowerPoint presentations, programming simple algorithms, and creating a website booklet. Getting children in the mental space for programming and coding basics is easier with a tactile game they can use to understand basic commands. Try our Pre-coding Penguin Activity Cards
Computing in the National Curriculum: Teachers’ Guidance
For teachers trying to better their understanding of computer technology as a subject and to help them approach this subject with their students, Computing at School offer an extensive guide. On the link above that takes teachers through everything they need to know to be prepared for ICT lessons. The guide is written with total accessibility in mind, to demystify the topic of computing for teachers of all backgrounds.
The guide goes through planning activities, lessons, approaches to learning, resources of its own, fully inclusive teaching, and assessments and how to monitor progress in students.
Teach Computing: KS1 and KS2
Teach Computing’s mission is “for every child in every school in England to have a world-leading computing education” and as such they’ve filled their website will excellent resources that teacher are welcome to use as individual activities or as complete lesson plans. Their resources are evidence-based and the majority are free to download and use.
Resources on the website aimed at children in KS1 and KS2 are divided by year group and then by unit. This means you can easily follow all of their guidance across all topics that should be covered, or pick and choose which resources you wish to include in your own plan. Teachers are provided with a teaching guide and curriculum map to provide context for the objectives of each lesson and topic. Lessons then contain plans, activities, worksheets, and instructions.
Teach children the real-world value of their skills in computer technology by including exciting projects like building a robot. Take a look at our Robotics - Smart Machines kit, which offers simple, fun, customizable instructions on building their own robot machines controlled by programmes they code.
