A visual way to explore patterns within times tables that I have used, particularly in Year 4, to breathe some creativity and investigation into times tables. Each times table generates a digital root pattern, i.e. adding the digits until you get a single digit. When plotted these sequences create interesting patterns. For those who have a strong and speedy grasp of multiplication tables, this is an open-ended way to explore numerical patterns and reinforce times table knowledge. This activity could also be used for computing, beebots, turtles, online Logo programs and Scratch can all be programmed to follow these movement commands, giving pupils choices to make in controlling a program or machine to generate the patterns. Scratch example code is included. Resources: Guided slides - illustrating how to create a digital root pattern Blank grids - create the digital root sequences Dotted paper - there is a darker open dot towards the centre of the page which is a good starting place Extension/alternative version - using circles Images of successful root patterns Example scratch code - change the “move” value in multiples of 10 to see the patterns generated on screen.

Resources to support pupils creating their own branching databases, either to sort living things as part of the Year 4 science curriculum or to explore data presentation, creation and organisation for the computing curriculum. Part of my branching database lesson activities, a blank template PowerPoint for a 3 question branching database sorting 8 items. Also 2 planning documents, one to support the PowerPoint with the slide numbers to ensure the hyperlinks in the template function correctly. For further information and greater detail and example see https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13103614 Please note that AI was used to create the Yes and No buttons.

Lesson activities with PowerPoints and printouts to support the teaching of branching databases at Key Stage 2. The first activity is about using a branching database, the second one is about creating their own. Pupils can find creating a branching database challenging to ensure that each answer correctly matches all the question responses to get there. There are various levels of scaffold within the materials to support pupils to successfully create a fully working branching database either in their own PowerPoint or on paper. Materials included: Full lesson activity teaching PowerPoint Standalone PowerPoint examples (2 with animals, 1 with aliens) Blank branching database PowerPoint for pupils to create their own, hyperlinks between slides included Printout resources - PowerPoint slide planner, examples of full databases, blank paper database to complete Supports national curriculum objectives for Key Stage 2 Computing: “select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information” and Key Stage 2 Science Year 4 Living things and their habitats: “explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment”. Please note that AI was used in the generation of the animal images.

I created the 3 Ps of Computing (Be Patient, Be Polite, Be Professional) to promote positive behaviours during computing lessons. A3 and A4 posters explain why being patient, polite and professional is necessary in computing with a postcard sized reminder for pupils. There are so many variables to deal with as a teacher during a primary computing lesson, it is important to remind pupils of how to be successful whilst you desperately troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These posters give something concrete to direct pupils’ attention to help them wait or support others when for reasons beyond your control, computing activities can get a bit tricky. These behaviours complement Online Safety too as many of the pitfalls can be avoided by being patient (did I click send on my email to swiftly?), being polite (sarcasm does not come across well online) or being professional (have I stuck to the task or wasted the last hour doomscrolling on social media?). When I use these in the classroom, I am always reminding myself too!