Explore an intriguing World War 2 coding context through teamwork and narrative writing in this Alan Turing lesson plan…
Over the years, I’ve found that one setting that always provides an intriguing context for writing is the events of World War Two.
The work of Alan Turing and his collaborators at Bletchley Park is part of our history focus. However, their incredible achievements also serve as perfect inspiration for a fictional writing mission for children in Year 5 and 6.
The gameplay element of this lesson is influenced by the first-person perspectives children may play on tablets and consoles. This is one reason, I believe, why it draws such enthusiasm from all the classes I’ve taught.
Alan Turing lesson plan learning objectives
- Learn who Alan Turing was, and what he achieved during the Second World War
- Find out what the Enigma machine was, and the role it played in WW2
- Combine ideas to find a solution
- Use vocabulary to best describe movement
Starter activity
Introduce to the children a large-scale blueprint map of a fictional base in World War 2 Germany (available in this download).
This is a great hook to pique interest and intrigue. Do pupils know what the map could show, or when it could be from?
Encourage the children to look at the map thoroughly, and think about what it could be used for, before introducing the context of WW2 and the Enigma machine.
Although this will be the main inspiration for the writing focus in the lessons that follow, for now it is a tool to engage, excite and provide a context.
Karl Duke is headteacher of a school in Lincolnshire. He is passionate about the power of picture books to inspire learning across the curriculum.
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