Giving directions is programming. When children tell a robot “move right, move right, move up”, they are writing a program — and when they follow arrows on a grid, they are running one in their heads.
What your child will learn
- Follow a sequence of arrow instructions on a grid
- Predict where a robot will stop after a program runs
- Build a program of arrows that reaches a target
- Plan a route around obstacles
Programs with arrows
Arrow Alley uses a simple robot on a grid. Each arrow moves the robot one square. Children first read programs (“where does it stop?”) and then write their own by tapping arrows and pressing Run.
There is almost always more than one program that works. Any route that reaches the star is correct — just like in real coding, there are many ways to solve a problem.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. The robot follows the arrows. Which letter does it stop on?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Show answer
Answer: D. Move one square for each arrow: ← ↑. The robot stops on D.
2. The robot follows the arrows. Which letter does it stop on?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Show answer
Answer: D. Move one square for each arrow: ↑ →. The robot stops on D.
3. The robot follows the arrows. Which letter does it stop on?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Show answer
Answer: A. Move one square for each arrow: ↑ →. The robot stops on A.
Tips for grown-ups
- Draw a grid in chalk outside and take turns being the “robot” following arrow cards.
- Hide a toy and give your child arrow directions to find it.
- Ask “Is there a shorter way?” after a program works.