Encourage children to explore early programming and directional language with these physical coding mats. *Use in a line, grid or as a maze *Follow the direction cards to your destination *Includes barriers to navigate around Encourage children to explore early programming and directional language with these physical coding mats. A simple resource for allowing children to discover patterns used in coding and put them into practice before using a coding robot like Bee-Bot. The red tiles included are blank and can be arranged in a grid, maze or a line, allowing the children to plan their own course to reach their destination. Cards included feature directions in word and picture form, so the children can plan and then follow the route, referring back to each direction. The cards can help the children remember and self correct at any wrong turn. Brick wall cards are included to provide obstacles to navigate around - these can be placed anywhere. Add engagement by creating stories about the route and adding characters, or links to the world around us with physical items at the destination. Discuss where they come from and what transport would be needed to get there. With thanks to Marc Faulder from Burton Joyce Primary School for the idea for this resource.
