New release: Primary Computing in Action

Another excellent new John Catt Educational book is back from the printer and available for purchase.

Primary Computing in Action (http://www.johncattbookshop.com/primary-computing-in-action) has been written by Yasemin Allsop and Ben Sedman for primary teacher trainees, in service primary school teachers and teacher support staff to develop their knowledge and understanding of Primary Computing. The book is also useful for parents and teachers, from any country, to gain an insight into what young children learn, when working with different types of technology, from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 3.

Our book includes examples of activities to support readers, as they develop your knowledge and skills, by introducing them to different and exciting aspects of technology, for example Web 2 tools, coding, film, animation and podcasting. There is also a separate chapter, which refers to E-safety and digital citizenship. We believe this guidance should be used to support all teaching and support staff in educational settings.

The book contains a chapter for supporting teachers and support staff in the Early Years Foundation Stage and also includes another chapter called ‘Transition’. This has been included to support computing secondary school teachers, with the transition from the primary phase. Within both chapters, there are a wide range of innovative and creative activities, which will help to support all learners.

As Sue Pope, Associate Head of Department, Primary Teacher Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, writes in her foreword:

“The introduction of computing into the National Curriculum for England in 2014 presents opportunities and challenges. For primary schools rethinking how best to incorporate computing into the curriculum this book offers a wealth of tried and tested practical ways to develop children’s computing skills.
Whatever stage you might be in your career – from the beginning teacher to subject leader this book has much to offer you as you consider how best to meet the needs of learners and statutory requirements in computing.

“Drawing on the experience of educators with particular expertise and interest in computing and the use of ICT in education, the book includes advice on planning, teaching and assessment of the 2014 Computing Curriculum. Examples in the book show how to make creative use of freely available web based applications, programmes for PCs and Macs, and Apps to design an innovative and engaging curriculum across the full primary age range.

“Each chapter includes structured suggestions for lessons, illustrating how computing can be embedded across the curriculum. The authors introduce an easy to implement rigorous and manageable approach to assessment that enables teachers to monitor and record learners’ progress in computing.

“This book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to make the most of the opportunities afforded by the entry of computing into the National Curriculum and is looking for support to meet the challenges this represents.”

Primary Computing in Action is published in October 2015. Copies can be ordered via our bookshop at http://www.johncattbookshop.com/primary-computing-in-action, priced £14.99. Please email us via enquiries@johncatt.com for information on discounts available for bulk orders.