BBC Wonderblocks

What is Wonderblocks?

Wonderblocks is a BBC CBeebies show that supports pre-school children to develop problem-solving and thinking skills through humour, songs and storytelling. The series introduces key ideas that underpin computational thinking, such as sequencing, pattern spotting and learning from mistakes, in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Read Emma Goto's blog on what Wonderblocks is and why we should care

How Wonderblocks and Barefoot teacher planning packs work

The planning packs support teachers in developing children’s computational thinking by focusing on a specific approach, such as sequencing, pattern recognition, logic or algorithms. Each pack identifies a Wonderblocks episode that can be used to introduce this way of thinking, alongside carefully chosen Barefoot activities that help children explore the concept further through unplugged activities.

Wonderblocks Resources

Wonderblocks - Algorithms

Algorithms are step-by-step instructions to solve a problem or complete a task. In computing, algorithms are used to help us plan out what we are going to tell a computer to do. For children, learning about algorithms helps develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills

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Wonderblocks - Debugging

Debugging is finding out about what is wrong and fixing it. In computing, this means identifying mistakes in an algorithm or program and correcting them. For children, debugging builds resilience, logical thinking, and perseverance.

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Wonderblocks - Logic

Logic is about making decisions based on rules and reasoning. In computing, logic helps determine outcomes based on conditions. This lesson introduces logic through a matching activity that encourages pupils to justify their choices and think critically.

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Wonderblocks - Patterns

Pattern recognition is about spotting similarities, repetitions, and sequences. In computing, patterns help us identify regularities that can be used to solve problems or make predictions

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Wonderblocks - Sequencing

Sequencing is about putting instructions or actions in the correct order. In computing, sequencing is essential for writing algorithms that work properly. For children, it helps build logical thinking and supports storytelling, maths, and everyday routines.

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Computational Thinking poster

Download our popular computational thinking poster to display in your classroom. This poster breaks down the process of computational thinking into key concepts and approaches.

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Barefoot resources you can use alongside other Wonderblock episodes

We’ve created a list to help you find more Barefoot resources that support the computational thinking themes and content of other Wonderblocks episodes.

Access the list here