This article is about algorithm exercises for kids \u2014 exploring what they are and why mastering them will give your child a distinct advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00bfListo? \u00a1Vamos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is an algorithm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a great question because there\u2019s a lot of confusion revolving around this very 2020s buzzword. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Essentially:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions, functions, or rules. And each step guides you closer toward completing a task or solving a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The word “algorithm” is actually nothing new \u2014 it was first used in the 9th century. Yes \u2014 the 9th century! That’s WAY before the first iPhone (if you can imagine such a time). So, algorithms aren’t just computer code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, algorithms are everywhere: from the recipe books on our shelves to the way we solve a math equation; from how we do our laundry or make a phone call. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s think about the processes we might complete to clean dirty clothes \u2014 because they don’t jump into the machine and launder themselves (no matter what your kids might think!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, before your clothes get cleaned, there are several functions to complete, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each stage in this process is essential \u2014 if you miss one, the sequence might not work (or go wrong). <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you’ll end up with pink shirts if you don’t divide the whites from the colors. And if you put hand-wash-only clothes into the machine, they’ll fit Barbie better than your kids!<\/p>\n\n\n\n However:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We have a basic list of functions, but we must consider the complementary sub-steps of that primary sequence, such as ensuring the washing machine is plugged into the power socket (and the power switch is set to ON). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, the whole sequence fails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, algorithmic coding or programming is composing a list of rules a computer can understand and follow; telling it how to behave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And once you have your rough list, it’s about ensuring you don’t forget those all-important sub-steps that might prevent the computer from executing the completed task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s probably relatively clear what an algorithm is by now \u2014 it’s just a list of instructions. So, get your child to devise instructions for completing a task that offers them a reward, like how to make a slice of peanut butter toast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They might say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, those instructions are probably enough for most humans who have had peanut butter toast before because they know what to expect as the outcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But a computer needs greater specificity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the computer doesn\u2019t know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, you might need to explain which part of the peanut butter toast it should bite into \u2014 how much is a bite, and how to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have your basic list of instructions, it’s about understanding the additional information a computer needs to complete the operations. And this is the fun part for kids because they love troubleshooting and finding solutions to problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Computer algorithms are often written in languages similar to English but might have different syntaxes (how we arrange the words grammatically). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Algorithms commonly instruct computers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carry out a sequence = aka Secuenciaci\u00f3n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make a choice = aka Selection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Repeat a process according to additional rules = Iteration<\/strong> (or looping)<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already talked about sequencing in its simplest terms. So, we\u2019ll explore Selection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can author selection criteria into an algorithm to help the computer make a decision based on specific rules. You can instruct the computer to follow or repeat specific steps or to completely ignore them based on the rules you set out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the algorithm script for buying a bus ticket might pose a question such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These decisions are dictated by easily understood commands<\/strong>, such as SI<\/strong>, THEN<\/strong>, y DEM\u00c1S<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, with these simple selection criteria, your kids can build those sub-rules that fill in the gaps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some group algorithm games that your kids will love:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with a simple image that one child can describe to the rest of the group. I recommend sticking with simple, easily defined geometric shapes, like circles, squares, triangles, etc. Incorporate a range of colors in the image if you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could use a picture of a target like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If that looks too complicated, feel free to choose a simpler image \u2014 but this is a good challenge for 4-6-year-olds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The game works like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, everyone shares the image they’ve drawn, discussing how each is similar or different and why that might be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The instructions Child A gives to the group are the algorithm. And how similar the other children’s images look relies on the precision and accuracy of their given instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It sounds simple, but children quickly learn how to adapt their language. And this is an excellent inclusive activity for neurodiverse learners and those with a very logical brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it also depends on the comprehension abilities of the children taking the instructions \u2014 representing how different machines might use a different language or understand instructions in slightly different ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is all about adapting language to suit the receiver. For example, university students might describe the first stage as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Draw three concentric green circles, each one smaller than the previous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But a child probably doesn’t know the word “concentric,” and they might not be able to describe the function so succinctly. They might say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, writing an algorithm is partly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s another algorithm exercise for your kids to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This game starts with an obstacle course you could easily set up in your living room or the classroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Set up a range of non-hazardous obstacles, such as socks, chairs, or pieces of paper around the room, and get the children into pairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, blindfold one of the kids (they’re the Monkey) and ask the other (the Instructor) to guide them around the obstacle course, avoiding contact with the obstacles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could even place a grid over the floor that dictates how many steps the Monkey needs to make to navigate around, up, and over the obstacle course. And the Instructor can use algorithm commands such as STEP forward\/backward\/left\/right while determining the number of steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great way to teach basic animation algorithms that they can apply to simple computer game coding platforms, such as C\u00f3digoMonkey Jr.<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Guide the Monkey shows children how to develop instructional language, which comes in super-handy when they come to write algorithms. It also helps children learn the importance of sequencing and strategizing \u2014 how might they streamline their process for faster results?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could even limit the words they\u2019re allowed to use \u2014 perhaps just using the words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All kids love making paper airplanes, right? Well, now they can turn their origami creativity into algorithmic games!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get each child to make a paper airplane. Then, ask them to unfold it and write the instructions for making their airplane from scratch. Encourage them to be creative, adding their own flourishes, like drawn symbols and extra folds for more streamlined planes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get each child to pass their instructions around the group, asking other kids to make their invention from their algorithm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could even challenge them to mix the order of instructions up a bit or miss a step. What happens then?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep things analog with the egg carton lava game. This is an excellent game for playing in pairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All you need is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, you could substitute the plastic eggs for Kinder Surprise Eggs! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how to set it up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, encourage one child in the pair to write down the steps the action figure will take to get first to the green egg and then to the blue. Then, ask the other child to follow those steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the instructions work, they win the Kinder egg \u2014 if they don’t, they’ll need to streamline the instructions together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the action figure ever lands on a lava rock, the game is over, and they\u2019ll need to start again; reassessing their algorithm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, this activity encourages kids to think like computers and plan their moves in advance. To make the game harder, use a larger grid, and perhaps get older kids to collect as many eggs as possible for different prizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When their action figure lands on a lava rock, they need to go back to the planning stage to “debug” their code, which real-life programmers need to do when a piece of code fails to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This game offers rewards for accuracy, encouraging children to develop logical thinking<\/a> and spatial awareness.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these simple algorithm exercises for kids. Ultimately, consider any fun task that requires a sequential process for successful completion and turn it into an algorithm game, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, if you\u2019re really clever about it, you\u2019ll get a very tidy house and your lunch made for you. All in the name of fun and learning! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our blog for more ideas about algorithms and para ni\u00f1os<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gracias por leer. <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If there’s one word on everyone’s lips in the 2020s, it’s “algorithm.” These elusive strings of code dictate what we see on our social media, … <\/p>\nA laundry algorithm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sticking to the rules<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
An algorithm in simple terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to explain algorithms to kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the components of an algorithm (and how do you explain them to kids?)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Selection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"coding](\"https:\/\/d3sujgifhk94se.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/23125043\/coding_algorithm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSome algorithm exercises for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Target Practice!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"picture](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/tRKS0q5Z-njtgtcuIqluot91SFcq92y86fMh4HSpi55Gmxq2zChk25GKNNQSKI4V7-MaMSsj4ypaPbo0MHxi4oosC0JLlR4DrQJLJHBqHfT50AB-oH1j6PdRVRoduLm48cfY7RD8xI9lwCbfo7dDlm8-hGSQ1gsF\")
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO ALGORITHMS?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
LEARNING A COMMON LANGUAGE<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Guide the Monkey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO ALGORITHMS?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Paper airplanes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Egg Carton Lava Game! <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO ALGORITHMS?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Algorithm exercises for kids!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n