Begin the lesson by defining commands (our "Bossy Words"). Introduce and practice four clear body percussion actions that will serve as the character's instructions (code blocks):
Clap: Hands hitting together.
Snap: Fingers snapping (if students can't snap, use a finger click).
Stomp: Feet stomping the ground.
Pat: Hands patting the thighs or knees. Make sure students can perform each command clearly and separately.
Remind students that a song is just a set of instructions that must be performed in a specific sequence (order). Emphasize the concepts of 'first, then'—what block of code comes immediately after the previous one.
Write a simple four-step rhythm on the board using the words or simple icons (e.g., Clap, Snap, Stomp, Pat). Lead the class in performing this sequence together, saying the commands aloud as they do them. Repeat the sequence three times to reinforce the required order.
Create a new, different four-step sequence (e.g., Stomp, Clap, Snap, Snap). Lead the class through it. Then, deliberately perform one action incorrectly (e.g., put a 'Pat' where a 'Stomp' should be). Ask the students to "find the bug" (the mistake) and correct the sequence so the "code" runs smoothly.
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