Computing · Stage 5

Flowcharts & Pseudocode

Programs & Judgement · computational thinking · plan a program with flowchart shapes and pseudocode

✦ Computing📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~13 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start

I can plan a program with a flowchart or pseudocode.

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Kavi Draws the Map First

Kavi kept starting to build programs and getting lost halfway. "I need a map before I code," said Kavi. There are two ways to map a plan. A flowchart is a picture — an oval to start, rectangles for actions, a diamond for a yes/no question, and arrows that show the order. Pseudocode is the same plan in plain words — START, INPUT, IF–THEN–ELSE, OUTPUT, END — no real code yet. "A flowchart and pseudocode say the same thing two ways," Kavi hooted. "Plan it first, and the program almost writes itself!"

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What your child will learn

1Every flowchart is built from a few shapesA flowchart is a picture of a plan. Each kind of step has its own shape, and arrows join them in order. Tap each shape to hear its job.

2Pseudocode: a plan in plain wordsPseudocode is the plan written in plain, tidy words — not a real language yet. Here is a plan to find the bigger of two numbers. Press ▶ Run and read it top to bottom.

3Flowchart or pseudocode — same algorithmA flowchart and pseudocode describe the very same plan — one as a picture, one as words. Tap each card to compare.

4Follow the arrows in your headRead each flowchart, follow the arrows through the diamond, and predict what happens. Reveal to check, then try the next one.

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A peek inside

In a flowchart, which shape is a yes/no question like "Is the score above 10?" drawn as?

a yes/no question splits the flow into two roads, Yes and No

Try this at home: A plan drawn as a picture with shapes and arrows is called a ____.

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

Start the free lesson →⬇ Download PDF

Part of Computing · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.