Let’s explore the very important concept of sequencing in coding

Computers are awesome, but they lack a really important skill we humans have: common sense. If we’re walking down a supermarket aisle and there’s a bag of sugar spilled all over the ground, we have the common sense to walk around it — not through it! If we’re driving our car and the GPS tells us to turn right, but a road sign signals no right turn, we have the common sense to turn left instead.

Computers only do what they are told. They’ll stomp right through the spilled sugar if they are directed to. They don’t take creative liberties, which means the coder’s (YOUR) job is to give detailed instructions. Not only do these instructions need to be highly specific, but they also need to be in the right order. This is called sequencing, and it could be the difference between a programming fail and a programming success!

What is sequencing in coding?

Just like the sequence of events in a story, sequencing in programming is all about the order of the instructions. It’s about deciding which step comes first, second, third, and so on. It’s imperative to get the order right, or you could end up with a code that doesn’t work or does something entirely unexpected.

Think about a task as simple as getting a glass of water. The steps might include:

1. Grab your favorite glass.
2. Turn on the tap.
3. Place the glass underneath the running water.
4. Turn off the tap.

If you muddle up the steps — let’s say you swap steps two and three — you’ll end up with an empty glass!

Learning coding is all in the details

Details matter. A lot. Computers can’t think for themselves (yet), and that means they need your help to execute tasks properly.

You and I and your best friend’s brother’s uncle know how to fill a glass with water. We know how to turn taps on and off, and we know how to rummage through the fridge for a chilled jug of H2O. Computers, on the other hand, don’t. They need detailed instructions in a language they can understand (code).

When learning about coding, you’ll also need to keep in mind that computers don’t have much of a sense of humor. They take everything literally. So, when writing your instructions, be Captain Obvious.

Thinking like a programmer means planning ahead

When teaching sequence programming for kids, it’s a great idea to emphasize the idea of planning ahead. Coders are creative problem solvers, and thinking like a coder means predicting and accounting for future challenges. If we map out our solutions before we get stuck into writing our code, we give ourselves a head start!

Listen to the sequencing song for kids

Sequencing is a pretty simple concept — it’s just about the order of things. Our sequencing song video gives young learners a quick, fun, and easy overview. We use two different examples — a simple game that moves from a starting point to an end point and the real-life task of brushing your teeth — to show the power of sequencing in action. So, have a listen, have a dance, and get the kids in your life excited about coding. When you adopt a coder’s mindset, the possibilities really are limitless!

Like what you see? Check out all the videos in our Camp Coding Camp series, which introduces young learners to fundamental computer science concepts so that they can become genius coders. There’s lots of fun to be had!