---
title: "Simple Programs: Sequences and Instructions"
description: "Write, run and fix simple programs by putting instructions in order: plan a sequence of steps, predict what the program will do before running it, and hunt down the step that went wrong when it doesn'"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/simple-programs-sequences-and-instructions-mt_IUvBwahibH
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/simple-programs-sequences-and-instructions-mt_IUvBwahibH.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Simple Programs: Sequences and Instructions

Write, run and fix simple programs by putting instructions in order: plan a sequence of steps, predict what the program will do before running it, and hunt down the step that went wrong when it doesn't behave as expected

Subject: Computing · Area: Computing Fundamentals · Ages 5 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/simple-programs-sequences-and-instructions-mt_IUvBwahibH

## Ready when they can

- Build a short program by arranging instructions in order (e.g., move forward, turn left, move forward to guide a floor robot to a goal)
- Predict what a simple program will do before pressing run, then check the prediction against what actually happens
- Find and fix the wrong or missing step when a program doesn't do what was intended, rather than starting again from scratch

## Lesson: Plan it, run it, fix it

A program is a list of steps. You put steps in order, then press run.

*(drawing: This program has three steps. The robot follows them in order.)*

**Example.** Ben plans a program: forward, forward, turn right. Before he runs it, he guesses what will happen. That guess is called a prediction. Then he runs it to check.

**Tip.** Guess what will happen before you press run. Then check if your guess was right.

If the robot goes wrong, look at each step. Find the one step that is wrong, then fix it.

**Recap.** Plan your steps, guess what happens, then fix only the wrong step.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Step-by-Step Instructions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/step-by-step-instructions-mt__p5n8z5soJ)

## Opens up

- [Programming with Loops and Variables](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/programming-with-loops-and-variables-mt_9x5zgShXPg)