Mini Minds Hub · Free printable

Robot Mouse Cheese Run: Free Printable Worksheet for Reception

  • ForReception
  • StageEarly Years
  • CostFree
  • FormatPrintable PDF
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Robot Mouse Cheese Run is a free printable computing worksheet for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children draw arrows to guide a robot mouse to the cheese, giving one clear instruction at a time. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch task 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 help a robot mouse reach the cheese by drawing arrows on a grid. They draw one arrow in each box, so every box is one instruction. Then they trace the route with a finger to test it. The sheet also has cards to cut out and use, and a table to fill in. Children read the grid, think about each move and check their own work.

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  • Step 5
  • Step 6

Why teach arrows and routes?

An algorithm is a set of steps that tells someone or something how to do a job. A recipe is one. So is the way you get dressed in the morning. In computing, a robot or a program follows each step exactly as written. It does not guess what you meant. That is why the steps must be clear and in the right order.

Young children can learn this idea without a computer. Moving a toy or their own body along a route shows them that each small instruction changes where they end up. Programmable floor robots in classrooms work in a similar way. Key Stage 1 Computing builds on this by asking children to understand algorithms and how programs follow precise instructions. A paper sheet is a calm first step.

Skills and curriculum link

  • Giving step by step commands
  • Up and right directions
  • Checking a route
  • Following a sequence
  • Talking about position

Ideas to help you guide your child

  • Say the direction wordsUse words like up and right out loud as you point. Hearing the word while seeing the arrow helps children link the two.
  • One box, one moveExplain that each arrow is one small step for the robot. The robot only does what the arrows say, nothing more.
  • Test with a finger or a toyTrace the route slowly, or slide a small toy along the grid. If the robot ends up in the wrong place, that is useful information, not a failure.
  • Fix, do not rub out in despairProgrammers find mistakes in their instructions all the time. Say, "Let us find the step that went wrong," and change just that arrow.

Key words

  • RobotA machine that does exactly what its instructions tell it to do.
  • InstructionOne clear thing to do. On this sheet, one arrow is one instruction.
  • RouteThe path from the start to the end.
  • GridA pattern of boxes in rows and columns.
  • UpThe way towards the top of the page.
  • RightThe way towards your right hand side.

How to use it

  1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
  2. Point to each square as you read the grid together. Let your child say what they can see.
  3. Ask your child to draw one arrow in each box. Remind them that each arrow is one move for the robot.
  4. Trace the route with a finger to test it. Does the robot mouse reach the cheese? Then check with page 2.
  5. Come back another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

If it feels too hard

Do the first two steps together. Put a small toy on the grid and move it one square at a time as you say each direction out loud. Then let your child draw the arrow that matches the move they just saw.

To stretch confident children

Ask for a different safe route to the cheese. Then swap sheets with a friend and test each other's arrows with a finger. If the route does not work, work together to find the arrow that needs changing.

Make it a game

Your child is the robot. Make a grid on the floor with paper squares or chalk outdoors. Call out arrow steps one at a time and they walk each one. Then swap, so your child gives the instructions.

Mistakes to watch for

Watch forArrows are drawn on the lines between boxes, or two arrows are squeezed into one box.

Try thisSay, "One box, one arrow," and point to each box as you go. Let your child tap the box before drawing.

Watch forThe first arrow starts from the wrong place because the start square is counted as a move.

Try thisPut a finger on the robot mouse. Explain that it is already there, and the first arrow moves it out of that square.

Watch forDirections get mixed up and an arrow points the wrong way.

Try thisMove a toy on the grid and say each direction aloud. Turn the sheet to face your child the same way each time.

Talk about it

  • What does a robot need to be told?
  • Why do we draw only one arrow in each box?
  • Which way is up on this page? How do you know?
  • What would happen if we missed out one arrow?
  • How could you check your route without drawing again?
  • Can you tell me your route using words instead of arrows?

Take it off the page

Toy robot walk

Pick a toy as the robot. Tell it where to go across the floor, one small move at a time, to reach a snack or a favourite book.

Arrow instructions in chalk

Draw a simple grid outdoors with chalk. Take turns being the robot and the programmer, using spoken words like up and right.

Simon Says routes

Play Simon Says with movement commands. Give clear single instructions, such as one step forward, and see if everyone follows them in order.

Who it is for

Parents

Sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Point to each square as you read. Praise careful thinking and trying again, not only the right route.

Teachers

Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.

Home educators

Pair it with a floor grid, a toy and everyday talk about directions. It is free to print again for brothers and sisters, or to revisit a few weeks later.

Where this fits

Before this sheet, children benefit from games with position and direction words, simple following of spoken instructions, and counting squares or steps. Games like Simon Says build the idea that instructions must be listened to carefully and done in order.

After this, children can try longer routes, routes with obstacles and programmable toys. In Key Stage 1 Computing they go on to understand algorithms, create simple programs and spot and fix mistakes in them.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Robot Mouse Cheese Run for?

It is written for Reception, children aged 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Older children who need a gentle start with directions and instructions may also enjoy it.

What will children practise?

Children practise giving step by step arrow instructions to move a robot along a route. They use the language of direction, such as up and right, and check their route by tracing it.

What if it feels too hard?

Do the first two steps together. Let your child move a small toy along the grid, saying each direction aloud, then draw the arrow that matches. Come back to the rest another day.

Can teachers use it in class?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support and stretch ideas.

Is it free, and do I need colour?

Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. No colour is needed. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. It still introduces the computing idea of giving clear instructions.

How long does it take?

There is no set time. Let your child work at their own pace, and stop if they tire. You can finish it in one go or come back to it another day.

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.

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