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AlwaysComputing

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I'm a specialist computing teacher in a large primary school in Bradford, so I basically play around with computers all day! I LOVE anything to do with MakeyMakey and Kodu so a lot of my stuff is based around these programs. I also qualified as a level 2 CAS Master Teacher last year so if you have any tech questions or queries please tweet me @alwayscomputing Please comment and share anything you like!

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I'm a specialist computing teacher in a large primary school in Bradford, so I basically play around with computers all day! I LOVE anything to do with MakeyMakey and Kodu so a lot of my stuff is based around these programs. I also qualified as a level 2 CAS Master Teacher last year so if you have any tech questions or queries please tweet me @alwayscomputing Please comment and share anything you like!
Makey Makey Starter Pack
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Makey Makey Starter Pack

(2)
For those teachers who are stepping in the world of coding and computing using a Makey Makey board can be a brilliant start. I have created a one stop shop starter pack for those who aren't very confident in how to use them in a classroom. The pack contains 4 lesson plans, complete with hand outs for the children, links to the new computing curriculum, photo guides showing you how to set up and links to pre-built Scratch apps to use with the pupils. Everything you need to get started. I have also included future steps and extension ideas, as with a Makey Makey, the possibilities are endless.
Year 5 Google Sketchup - Design a Bedroom
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Year 5 Google Sketchup - Design a Bedroom

(2)
A very basic unit of work looking at introducing the skills of Google Sketchup to year 5's. They design a bedroom in stages over the unit, adding trickier elements as they progress. For more resources and inspiration follow me on twitter @theICTeacher
Computing Year 2 - The Seaside
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Computing Year 2 - The Seaside

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6 week unit of work for computing/ICT based on the topic Seaside. I have used this with year 2 but it could easily be adapted for different year groups. Resources needed are purplemash and some of the 2simple software products, but again, activities could be adapted to use software you have in school.
Computing Skills Assessment Tool - Primary
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Computing Skills Assessment Tool - Primary

(1)
I have used these progression sheets and data charts and shared them with other schools I work with, and it has proven popular. I have gone through the computing curriculum, picking out key skills, and assigning them to to an age range. Having this guide of where your pupils should be at can prove invaluable to non-computing teaching staff in a primary school. It also gives a rough indicator of the type of program or software pupils could be using to get to this skill set. I also still hold much value to the digital literacy skills pupils were taught under the old ICT curriculum. This is why I have included a progression sheet for this too. I use this daily with pupils, and is great for tracking their skills development. Any questions please get in touch @AlwaysComputing
Alien Database
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Alien Database

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Powerpoint with records of different aliens. Worksheet has questions that require the pupils to search the data base. \nWork taken from the program 2Investigate.\nFollow me on twitter @theICTeacher for more resources and inspiration!
Makey Makey Challenge Cards
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Makey Makey Challenge Cards

(1)
In my classroom I aim for the pupils to independently use the resources available to them in order for them to develop their skills at their own pace. These card are designed to be used with a Makey Makey board and a set of different classroom objects. They should be laminated when printed so thank the children can draw their ideas on them. Challenge pupils to come up with interesting and creative ideas without you having to prod them every step of the way!
Safer Internet Day
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Safer Internet Day

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3 Powerpoints (age specific) with a number of different activites and discussion points about staying safe online. This year's focus is &'Connect with Respect&'; so the themes are base around this. Links within the ppts to discussion videos. Follow me on twitter @theICTeacher for more resources and inspiration!
Redesign the new iOS operating System
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Redesign the new iOS operating System

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A ppt going through the history of how the iOS on iPhone has looked and some of its basic features. Followed up with a task from pupils to design their own using Photoshop. What would they do differently? Fantastic lesson to get pupils interesting in graphic design. Follow me on twitter @theicteacher for more resources and teaching inspiration!
Future Technology ICT unit of work - Prezi
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Future Technology ICT unit of work - Prezi

(1)
During this unit, pupils will investigate some of the technologies which might be available to us in the future. They learn to use an online presentation tool, Prezi, to present their findings For more resources and inspiration follow me on twitter @theICTeacher
Google Sketchup Introduction Lesson - OFSTED outstanding
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Google Sketchup Introduction Lesson - OFSTED outstanding

(1)
Simple introduction lesson to Google Sketchup. Pupils are asked to create a Lego brick using the software. This works great as they are simple build, use most of the key tools needed in sketchup, and kids LOVE Lego! The lessons works even better if you can source a few bricks to have in the room while you build. Google sketchup can be tricky, but with the introduction of 3d printers in some schools I really can't recommend it enough! I was lucky(!) enough to use this lesson when OFSTED visited a few months ago, and it was graded Outstanding, Yippee! So it's a real lesson, used to real effect, the key thing about using TES for resources. Made by teachers for teachers!
Chicken Clicking E-Safety Unit
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Chicken Clicking E-Safety Unit

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The book Chicken Clicking, by Jeanne Willis, is a wonderful introduction to e-safety, and gives children a simple and clear understanding of the dangers when using the internet. The story is well written and the illustrations are great for young pupils. This unit of work goes through the book, with children taking part in different activities, learning about how to keep themselves safe. Included is a unit of work, resource work sheets and examples. If you have any questions please tweet my @AlwaysComputing.
Computing KS1 Bundle
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Computing KS1 Bundle

4 Resources
3 units of work for KS1 Computing, plus some independent learning cards for in your classroom. I've also included a lesson activity on databases for year 2 which is a great introduction.
Grand Designs - Google Sketchup
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Grand Designs - Google Sketchup

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A unit based on 3d modelling using Google Sketchup. Pupils use a variety of skills and tools to create their dream home using the software, then present it to the class. For more resources and inspiration follow me on twitter @theICTeacher
Year 6 Video Making Unit -Climate Change
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Year 6 Video Making Unit -Climate Change

(0)
In this unit pupils will be using movie maker and flip cams to create a short video highlighting climate change. Levels descriptors are also included to assess at the end of the unit. for more resources and inspiration follow me on Twitter @theICTeacher
Year 3 ICT unit - We are photographers!
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Year 3 ICT unit - We are photographers!

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A scheme of work where year 3 pupils look at different elements of photography and animation. In the unit they spend time creating a stop motion animation, then move on to editing images of nature using photoshop. follow me on twitter @theicteacher for more resources and inspiration!
Minecraft Resource Pack
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Minecraft Resource Pack

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This is a pack of lesson ideas for teachers looking to use Minecraft as a creative outlet for topics, or those new to the software who are looking for an interesting way in. It’s also perfect for lunchtime and after school clubs. The cards could be printed out for pupils to look at and choose their own activity. There are 7 different activities with a worksheet to go with, and a poster for your classroom to show pupils the controls. Please review and share, and questions please tweet me @alwayscomputing
Get Blogging!
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Get Blogging!

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A half term unit of work on creating effective blog spaces with your pupils. Aimed at upper KS2, but can easily be adapted to suit different year groups. Goes through different stages of creating a successful blog post, and how we can make them interesting rather than just pictures of cats!
Kodu Independent Learning Cards - UPDATED
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Kodu Independent Learning Cards - UPDATED

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I have created a set of 8 independent learning cards to be used with the program Kodu. These are designed for pupils to pick up and explore on their own to develop their own programming skills. The cards consist of 5 possible games the children can create, and 3 interesting world maps. They also include a QR code link to a video guide on how to make the game. **The QR codes had failed so this resource has been updated to ensure they are working**
My Own Web Space!
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My Own Web Space!

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Half Term unit of work where pupils create their own web space using Google Sites. Feel free to use another platform, the lessons can still be adapted to suit. Covers all the basic elements on what a website might contain, with discussions on copyright.