Ask the Expert - Teaching Computing

Ask the Expert -Teaching Computing 

Written by @mrshyear3

I’m super excited to have been asked by @missb_eyfs to write an article for the Secret Staff room! My article is around teaching computing and you sent in questions. 

I’ve answered some here…


Q – How do you assess computing?

A – Good question! It depends completely on the activity/area of computing you are doing. If you are doing a practical activity, such as using Beebots, use in-the-moment, formative assessments and take lots of pictures as evidence. For computer skills such as typing, there are many websites online which measure typing proficiency for free. If coding, use questioning throughout the activity to test their knowledge and encourage debugging and then use their final outcome as a summative assessment.

In terms of recording assessment, in our school we use a simple “Bronze, Silver, Gold” for each unit for each child. This is done on a simple Excel grid – it’s a quick and easy visual aid and there’s the opportunity to add extra notes if needed.

If your school have the finances and equipment available, SeeSaw is a highly regarded platform to collect and distribute evidence.



Q- How do you promote digital competencies if school IT systems are weak?

A – Computing isn’t always taught as the curriculum expects in schools but I believe this is the crux of the matter – lack of infrastructure and equipment. It’s a difficult question to answer without knowing exactly what the systems are like in your school but here are some ideas:

·         Fundraise! Our school fundraised for two years to buy new laptops. The PTFA has a different focus every year and for two years committed to laptops and it made a huge difference. (Of course, you have to get your SLT and governing board on side first!)

·         Bring Your Own Device – an initiative with lots more information online. This is where children will bring their own device from home into school to complete tasks. Obviously, there will be several things to consider with this and there would have to be watertight systems in place but I have heard of it working very well in other schools, so may be worth a try?

·         Barefoot Computing – this is a great initiative which allows computing concepts such as algorithmic thinking to be explored without the need for ANY technology! Google it or message me for more details!

·         E-safety is something which can be re-iterated and taught regularly, without necessarily the need for any technology. It’s arguably the most important strand of computing as well!

Q- How do I teach computing in EYFS?

   A- This could be an 800 word article in itself! For here, I’ll try to keep it brief. It’simportant to introduce age-appropriate computing concepts at a young age, including e-safety. 

·         Get children naming different parts of a desktop computer (mouse, keyboard, keys etc) to get them used to this language

·         Set up a role play area which involves a computer

·         Children love to type on keyboards – get a keyboard that isn’t plugged into anything (you can usually pick these up super cheap) and get them practising typing. Even from this super-young age you can try to instil in them it’s best to type using both hands!

·         If they are available to you, Beebots are great for inputting basic directions. If BeeBots aren’t available to you, draw a grid on the playground using chalk or the classroom carpet using washi tape. Use a child’s favourite toy and get them to move it around the grid, using directional language. This is basic algorithmic thinking.

·         If you have iPads available, apps such as Daisy the Dinosaur are great for introducing coding and are super child friendly.

Q – How do I enthuse staff to teach computing who either don’t like it or don’t understand it?

A – It’s a difficult one – there are many subjects I’m not the biggest fan of but as a teacher I teach them with enthusiasm! I think the main reasons people aren’t enthusiastic about it is because a) the equipment is poor/doesn’t work and b) they feel a bit intimidated by it.

My biggest piece of advice would be training. Have more in-depth training for teachers and separate training for TAs which covers more basic elements (not undermining them, just that as they aren’t teaching it, they won’t need as much in-depth knowledge). Split “computing” into the three strands: digital literacy (which includes word processing, knowledge of how a computer works, using Internet browsers etc), computer science (the coding and algorithmic thinking) and e-safety. This helps to break it down a little bit.



Thank you so much for all your questions! If you have any more please don’t hesitate to contact me on my Instagram @mrshyear3.

Lots of love x