To help introduce the basic concepts of algorithms to your students, you can use various suitable “unplugged” activities, that is, approaches that don't require computers.

Example:

The students should “program” you as the teacher to perform simple activities, such as opening the door. Since you are playing the role of a robot, you can follow only exact commands. If the students give you the command to “start walking,” for instance, then wander aimlessly around the classroom. You can perform only precise commands such as “take two steps straight ahead, then turn to the right…”

In this way, the students learn the properties of algorithms:

• The steps must be formulated precisely and clearly.
• The instructions must be given in the correct sequence.
• More complicated activities must be broken down into sub-steps.

In the next step, the students can “program” each other by communicating everyday algorithms, such as brushing one’s teeth – it’s not so easy!