In the last couple of Computing lessons with Mr Baddhan, Toucans have been learning about sorting information into groups.

Earlier this week, Mr Baddhan showed the children how shapes can be sorted using a Carroll diagram by asking questions which we fit the criteria. For example sorting a shape dependent on whether it has straight lines, more than three sides etc.

Today the children used a program called J2E Branch to sort animals into groups based on the question.

Toucans sorted their items into groups by asking questions based on the group of pictures e.g “Does it have a tail?”, “Does it fly?”, “Does it eat fish?” etc.

Today, Toucans learnt how to search for information using two child friendly search engines called Swiggle and Safe Search Kids. They researched our topic to answer questions and find some facts to make a class mind map of information.

Can you use these search engines to find our extra facts about being healthy?

Toucans have been busy looking at instructions today and linked this back to their knowledge gained in English recently. Mrs Parry chose two volunteer “robots” and gave them instructions using words such as forwards, backwards, left, right, turn to move them around the classroom. It was a bit tricky! We talked about how introductions are used in computing. Declan explained these are called algorithms.

The children used pictorial direction cards to give, record and follow instructions, similar to when we write algorithms in Computing.

Why do we need instructions?

During Computing in the last couple of days, Year 2 Toucans further enhanced their knowledge on algorithms and debugging. The children used an app called Fix the Factory (a free download from the App store).

Mr Baddhan asked the children to work through the levels using their problem solving skills to move the robot from a start position to the end – the controls available include ‘move forward’, ‘turn right’, ‘turn left’, ‘pick up’ and ‘drop off’.

Alot of perseverance and debugging was required to fix their mistakes in the code.

Toucans have started their computing lessons today. The children talked about what the internet can be used for and why it is useful. Mrs Parry asked the class what they use the internet for.

Mrs Parry displayed the school website and showed the children how to read other classes’ blogs. Some children wanted to find out what their siblings were learning about. The children learnt that people can communicate via the blog and leave comments about the blogs that are posted. They realised that anyone can access the blogs, not just parents. Mrs Parry pointed out how she had asked questions on the class blog to encourage people to reply. Toucans found out they could read what other people post in the comments too.

Finally, Toucans considered online safety and thought about what information they should NOT include on a post, now knowing anyone can read what they have posted. You should not give out personal information such as:

Declan – Your address and door number.
Shriya – Telephone numbers and passwords
Elias – Full name and age

In Computing today we learnt about databases. We learnt they are used to store and sort lots of information. We worked hard to sort an alien database to answer some questions. Some of us even added our own aliens!

Today we had an online safety lesson about the importance of having people’s consent to send photos on the internet. We read a story about Digi-Duck who was sent a photo of Proud Pig which was a bit silly. He nearly sent it to all his friends but then he had to go to bed. When he was asleep, Wise Owl came and showed him what might happen if he sent it. This is what we thought:

We then thought about this question: How can you be a good friend on the internet?
Anaiyah – Don’t send pictures to anyone without asking first.
William – Don’t hurt anyone’s feelings by sending things they wouldn’t like. They will be upset.
Krista – Only send nice messages.

We learnt you should be as kind on the internet as you are in real life.

Today in Year 2, the children have been talking about bullying and cyberbullying. The children discussed different scenarios of cyberbullying and what they would need to do. They were all very sensible and knew to tell a trusted adult or report to the social network.

The children worked in small groups to complete a Venn diagram to show where different forms of bullying would be placed. They could choose bullying, cyberbullying or in the middle for both. They realised that some forms of bullying can happen in real life and over the Internet.

Year 2 Toucans have today been working on programming a conversation in Scratch Junior on the iPads. Scratch Junior is a free app available from the app store on the iPads.

Mr Baddhan asked the children to create a classroom scene with three children and a teacher. Toucans used the following blocks: green flag, conversation block, text block and the stop block.

The children showed fantastic understanding of coding and debugging. They also demonstrated wonderful understanding of putting together a sequence for the conversation.

During Computing this afternoon, Year 2 Toucans further enhanced their knowledge on algorithms and debugging. The children used an app called Fix the Factory (a free download from the App store).

Mr Baddhan asked the children to work through the levels using their problem solving skills to move the robot from a start position to the end – the controls available include ‘move forward’, ‘turn right’, ‘turn left’, ‘pick up’ and ‘drop off’.

Alot of perseverance and debugging was requred to fix their mistakes in the code.

During Computing this afternoon, Year 2 Toucans continued to learn about creating algorithms (instructions).

The children used a website called Rapid Router to program a van to move to a finish line. They were using forward, turn left and turn right blocks.

The children learned how important a sequence of code is for it work correctly.

Mr Baddhan also reminded the children about “debugging” – finding a fixing a mistake in the code.

Year 2 Toucans have today been creating their own branching databases based on animals.

Toucans learned that that a branching database is a way of sorting different types of information into groups.

Toucans sorted their items into groups by asking questions based on the group of pictures e.g “Does it have a tail?”, “Does it fly?”, “Does it eat fish?” etc.

During Computing today, Year 2 Toucans were introduced to the full version of Scratch by Mr Baddhan. The children have been using Scratch Junior this week and today tried some programming in the Scratch on the computers. They worked out that if the blocks are not snapped in properly, then the program will not run. And everything must be in order (sequence) otherwise the program will not work correctly. Alot of understanding on algorithms, debugging and sequence were shown by Toucans.

The children used the events blocks, sound and looks blocks.

Toucans also learned how the sprite and backdrops can be changed too.

Year 2 Toucans have once again been programming in Scratch Junior, this time creating a sun set scene.

Toucans had to inset a sun “character” in the top left screen and make it move down and then disappear using the hide block.

They then added a couple of characters having a conversation using the “say” block.

Once the children created their programs, they presented and talked about their programs to the rest of the class.

Scratch Junior is a free iPad app and parents should encourage to use their knowledge to program at home.

Year 2 Toucans have continued with programming during Computing today by using Scratch Junior on the iPads.

This morning the children explored Scratch Junior and demonstrated their understanding of building algorithms and debugging. Mr Baddhan tasked the children to use motion blocks and say blocks to program their sprite.

Once the children created their programs, they presented and talked about their programs to the rest of the class.

Scratch Junior is a free iPad app and parents should encourage to use their knowledge to program at home.