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AlwaysComputing

Average Rating4.41
(based on 171 reviews)

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!
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.
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
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.
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!
Year 5 Instructional Texts - 2 Week Unit
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Year 5 Instructional Texts - 2 Week Unit

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PowerPoint taking your through 2 weeks of instructional texts, tried and tested by myself. 8 lessons in total, with the option of a further practical lesson baking. Covers a wide range of text types and topics.
Year 5 - Two week Poetry Unit
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Year 5 - Two week Poetry Unit

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Two weeks of poetry taught in a year 5 classroom, tried and tested by myself. The unit includes a variety of poetry styles, with a range of different activities for pupils to take part in. The poems used in the unit are included on the slides, and can easily be printed separately to hand out in class.
Advertising - Create Your Own Chocolate Bar
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Advertising - Create Your Own Chocolate Bar

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A 4 week unit of work with children designing and planning their own chocolate bar, then they produce an advertising campaign to go with it. It looks at what makes a good advert, persuasive language, letter writing, and some drama activities. It includes 4 weeks of planning, with corresponding PowerPoints to guide you and the pupils through the unit. I have also included a work sheet to print and work with. PLEASE REVIEW! Follow me on twitter @alwayscomputing for more teacher resources and inspiration!
Kodu - The Complete Guide
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Kodu - The Complete Guide

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I've been using Kodu for a while now, and decided to pull everything I have together for this starter pack. Kodu is great for the new curriculum as it allows pupils to code and programme a game in real time, seeing how their programming affects the game instantly. In this pack I have included 2 units of work, a beginner and a more advanced level, as well as lots of bits to go with it. For anybody new to the programme, or to computing, this should be a great way to get going. Any questions about it tweet me @alwayscomputing
Makey Makey Challenge Cards
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Makey Makey Challenge Cards

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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!
2DIY Independent Learning Cards
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2DIY Independent Learning Cards

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I have created a set of 10 independent learning cards to be used with the program 2DIY. These are designed for pupils to pick up and explore on their own to develop their own creative programming skills. The cards are designed to be a stimulus for pupils to create their own game depending on their skills. I have also included the blank original in the same styling so you can make your own to add to the collection! Please review and share!
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**
Makey Makey Starter Pack
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Makey Makey Starter Pack

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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.
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!
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!
Future Technology ICT unit of work - Prezi
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Future Technology ICT unit of work - Prezi

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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
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

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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 5 Google Sketchup - Design a Bedroom
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Year 5 Google Sketchup - Design a Bedroom

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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
Using a Weather Station
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Using a Weather Station

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A quick powerpoint of teaching ideas when using a weather station in school. Many schools that have weather stations do not use them to their full capacity, and hopefully this will kick start a few teachers into using it! A fantastic resource for schools, would be a shame not to use it!