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If this, else that: 3rd to 5th coding

If / else. A free 3rd to 5th lesson plan with a hook, practice that links to free activities, and an exit ticket. Copy it and make it yours.

Lesson plan

Goal

  • Students work toward: if / else.

Hook (5 min)

  • Ask the class: How does a robot know when to turn?
  • Take two or three answers and write them where everyone can see them.

Teach (15 min)

  • Say the big idea in one plain sentence: if this, else that.
  • Show one example, then one that is not an example, and ask how the two differ.
  • Have students tell a partner or a small group the idea in their own words.

Practise (20 min)

  • Choose one for the whole class or let groups pick:
  • Learn: If There's a Wall (https://peabody.kids/world/code/code-if-theres-a-wall)
  • Print: On paper: The Stair Robot (https://teach.peabody.kids/coding-lessons/stair-robot-loops)
  • Play: Code: Peabody Blocks (https://peabody.kids/blocks)
  • Play: Robot Steps (https://peabody.kids/games/robot-steps)
  • Learn: Practise: if and else (https://peabody.kids/practice/code/scoreif)
  • Learn: Practise: a repeat with an if inside (https://peabody.kids/practice/code/loopif)

Exit ticket (5 min)

  • On a slip or aloud: one thing I learned about if this, else that, and one question I still have.
  • Sort the slips into: got it, nearly, not yet. Start tomorrow with the last pile.

Written by Peabody from its own skill pages. Free, no ads, no sign-in. Children can practise this on Peabody. More from teachers: teacher-shared resources.