Olly's route: write the shortest code: coding puzzle for Kindergarten, page 1 preview

Coding puzzle · Coding

Olly's route: write the shortest code · Kindergarten

Write the shortest arrow program that steers Olly around the walls and reaches the goal on 4-by-4 grids. Practices sequencing, planning and counting moves.

Kindergarten · ages 5 to 6
Medium
10 to 15 minutes
1 page
Free

The answer key is a separate page for grown-ups. Sign in to download it.

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What the sheet says

Directions: Write the shortest program that collects every gem and reaches the goal. Draw one arrow in each box and leave spare boxes empty.

up · right · down · left · start · goal · gem · wall
1 Write the shortest program to the goal.
2 Write the shortest program to the goal.
3 Write the shortest program to the goal.

What your child practices

Your child practices sequencing, planning and counting moves. The skill is “Sequences”: order instructions to reach a goal.

Grades and ages: Kindergarten, ages 5 to 6
Time: About 10 to 15 minutes
Subject: Coding
Level: Medium for Kindergarten
Answer key: Yes, for grown-ups who sign in
Printing: 1 page, US Letter or A4, low-ink option
Updated: October 15, 2026

How to use it

Work through the first program together, one line or arrow at a time. Use a pencil so changes are easy to make. It is pitched at the expected level for Kindergarten, for practice after the skill has been taught.

An answer key comes with it as a separate page that grown-ups download after signing in.

Tip for grown-ups: Let your child move a coin or finger square by square for each arrow.

Done on paper? A grown-up can record it on the child's page in PlayOwl; downloading alone doesn't count as finished.