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Beginner
30 mins
Teacher led
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Bossy Words

This lesson guides teachers through activities to help students understand the concept of sequencing everyday activities using 'first/then' statements. Activities include discussing 'Bossy Words', playing 'Simon Says', discussing instructions, and completing a 'First/Then' worksheet. This lesson lays the foundation for understanding the logical order of coding instructions.
Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

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    1 - Introduction

    Today, you'll be guiding your students through a series of fun and engaging activities designed to help them understand the concept of sequencing everyday activities using 'first/then' statements. This is a fundamental skill in coding, as it lays the foundation for understanding the logical order of coding instructions in future lessons.

    The format of this lesson is:

    1. Discuss the concept of 'Bossy Words'
    2. Play the game 'Simon Says'
    3. Engage students in a discussion about instructions
    4. Sort words into 'Bossy' or 'Not Bossy' categories.
    5. Complete a Bossy Words Worksheet

    2 - What is a Bossy Word?

    To introduce the concept of 'Bossy Words' in an engaging way for 4-5 year old students, start by gathering the class in a circle or at their desks and begin a fun, interactive discussion.

    Begin by asking a simple, relatable question to spark their interest: 'Have you ever had someone tell you to do something, like your mum saying "Brush your teeth" or your teacher saying "Sit down on the mat"? Who can share an example of something they've been told to do?'

    Encourage a few students to share their own examples, 

    Explain that 'Bossy Words' are special words that tell us to do something. They are like commands or instructions. For example, when we say 'sit', we are telling someone to sit down. This is a bossy word because it gives a clear instruction.

    3 - Playing Simon Says

    Introduce the game 'Simon Says' to the students. Explain that this game is about listening carefully and these are the rules:

    1. Only perform actions that begin with "Simon says"
    2. Ignore commands that don't start with "Simon says"

    Remind the students that they should only perform the action if the command starts with 'Simon says'. For example, if you say 'Simon says touch your nose', they should touch their nose. But if you just say 'Touch your nose' without 'Simon says' at the beginning, they should not do the action.

    4 - Bossy Words Slideshow

    Next tell your students that you will be looking at some Bossy Words together. Show the students the below slides and for each slide:

    1. Asks your students what they think the bossy word is?
    2. Read out the bossy word to the class.
    3. Ask your students if they can think of any examples of using that bossy word? For example "Sit down on your chair."

    5 - Understanding Instructions

    Next engage your students in a discussion about instructions. Ask them, "Who are the people who usually give us instructions?". Expect responses like parents, teachers, and coaches. This will help them relate the concept of instructions to their daily life.

    Explain the importance of instructions. You can say, "Instructions help us learn new things and help us understand how to do things."

    Ask the students if they can share some examples of instructions or commands they follow at home or in school. Examples could be "Raise your hand before speaking", "Put on your coat before going outside", or "Sit on your chair properly".

    Encourage students to share their examples and discuss why these instructions are important.

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