Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Debug the Robot Garden: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Debug the Robot Garden is a free printable computing worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). Children read short robot programs, find the one bug in each, circle it and write the fix. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it is fully screen free. Page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children read short robot programs made of steps. Each program has a goal, and the robot is meant to reach it. One step in each program does not match the goal. Children say the steps aloud, circle the bug and write the fix. The sheet also asks them to write their own robot program of three or four steps and hide one bug in it for a friend.
- My robot program (3 or 4 steps)
- Now hide one bug in it for a friend
What is a bug, and why debug?
A program is a set of steps that a computer or robot follows. Computers do exactly what the steps say, in the order they are written. They cannot guess what the writer meant. A bug is a mistake in a program that stops it doing what it should. Debugging means finding the bug and fixing it. Every programmer, young or old, makes bugs and has to debug.
Debugging is a calm, logical habit. First, say what the program should do. Then follow each step one at a time and ask, does this step help? When a step does not match the goal, that is the bug. In Key Stage 1 computing, children learn that programs follow precise instructions, and they start to create and debug simple programs and predict what they will do.
Did you know?
- A computer follows its instructions exactly as they are written.
- A bug is a mistake in a program. Finding and fixing it is called debugging.
- Programmers of every age make bugs. Fixing them is a normal part of the job.
- Changing the order of steps in a program can change what happens.
- Some toy robots move by following a short list of simple commands.
Skills and curriculum link
- Following instructions
- Reading a program step by step
- Spotting bugs
- Debugging a program
- Logical thinking
- Writing a simple program
Ideas to help your child with debugging
- Start with the goalBefore reading the steps, say what the robot is trying to do. A clear goal makes it easier to notice a step that does not fit.
- Point and sayTouch each step with a finger and say it aloud. Slowing down helps children notice what is really written, not what they expect.
- Be the computerA computer cannot guess. Ask your child to follow only what the steps say, even if it looks silly. This shows why exact steps matter.
- Fix, then checkAfter writing a fix, read the whole program again from the top. Ask, does it now reach the goal?
Key words
- ProgramA list of steps that tells a robot or computer what to do.
- StepOne small instruction in a program.
- GoalWhat the program is meant to make happen.
- BugA mistake in a program that stops it working as planned.
- DebugTo find a bug and fix it.
- FixThe change you make to put a bug right.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Read the first goal together. Ask your child to say what the robot should do.
- Children say each step aloud while pointing, then circle the step that does not match the goal.
- Ask them to write the fix. Talk about each choice and why they made it.
- Check against page 2. Come back another day, because repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Let your child act out each program as the robot. Clear a safe space, then walk and turn on the floor, one step at a time. Stop when a step does not seem to match the goal. Then go back to the page and circle it.
To stretch confident children
Ask your child to give their own program to a friend or family member. The friend finds and fixes the hidden bug. Then swap roles. For an extra challenge, try hiding a bug that is hard to spot, but only one.
Make it a game
Take turns being the robot while a partner reads the steps aloud. The robot follows each step exactly. When the robot reaches the bug, everyone shouts debug! Then work together to say the fix.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child circles more than one step, because several look odd.
Try thisGo back to the goal. Ask which single step stops the robot reaching it. Check the other steps one at a time and ask if they help.
Watch forA child spots the bug but does not write a fix.
Try thisAsk, what should that step say instead? Say it aloud first, then write it. Read the whole program again to check it.
Watch forA child says the program is fine because they read what they expected, not what is written.
Try thisCover all but one step at a time and read each one slowly. Or act it out as the robot and follow only what the words say.
Talk about it
- What is the robot trying to do in this program?
- How did you know which step was the bug?
- Why does the order of the steps matter?
- What happens if a robot follows a wrong step exactly?
- How could you check that your fix works?
- What bug did you hide in your own program, and why?
Take it off the page
Human robot
Take turns giving a partner three or four steps to move across the room. Follow them exactly. Talk about what happens if one step is wrong.
Morning routine program
Write the steps for getting dressed or making toast with an adult doing any hot or dangerous part. Hide one silly bug in the list, then ask someone to find it.
Drawn garden path
Draw a simple garden path on squared paper. Write steps for a toy or counter to follow along it. Test the steps, then fix any that go wrong.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first program, then let them lead. Praise careful thinking, not only the right answer. Short, relaxed sessions work well. If they get stuck, ask them to act it out.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It supports the Key Stage 1 computing strands on algorithms, programs and debugging. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider computing plan. It pairs well with outdoor games where children give and follow instructions. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision a few weeks later.
Where this fits in computing
Before this sheet, children learn that instructions must be clear and in the right order. Everyday tasks such as getting dressed or making a sandwich are good practice. Playing games where one person gives directions and another follows them also builds this idea.
After this, children can write longer programs, predict what a program will do before running it, and debug on a screen using simple programmable toys or block based tools. Writing a program and hiding a bug for a friend is a good first step towards that.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Debug the Robot Garden for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Confident Year 1 children may enjoy it with help, and older children can use the hidden bug task to challenge each other.
- What will children practise?
They practise reading step by step programs, spotting a single bug and writing a fix. They also write their own short robot program and hide a bug in it for a friend to find.
- Do children need a computer?
No. The sheet is screen free and needs only paper and a pencil. Children work out the bugs by reading and thinking, and can act out programs on the floor if they need help.
- What if my child cannot find the bug?
Go back to the goal and read each step aloud together. Let your child act it out as the robot. Stopping at the step that does not fit usually reveals the bug.
- Is the sheet free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support, stretch and answers.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Print both pages, give page 1 to the child and keep page 2 for the grown-up.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.