Coding through play
Celebrating International Day of Play with the BBC micro:bit
Students at Thornton College play a game of Red Light, Green Light using micro:bits
On International Day of Play, we are celebrating the joy, creativity, and deep learning that happens when children are given the space to explore through play.
We believe coding should be fun and inclusive for every child. Play isn’t just a break from learning — it’s how young people experiment, solve problems, and build confidence. That’s why the micro:bit is designed to put playful, practical learning at the heart of computing education.
Why play matters in computing
Students from Greece taking part in a do your :bit challenge
Research* shows that when children learn through play, they develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills — all vital in today’s digital world. Coding becomes more meaningful when learners have the freedom to tinker, try things out, and see instant results. In fact, the transformative impact of tinkering with tech is the basis of many of our global educational projects, such as our initiative with the UNICEF Learning Global Innovation Hub.
Playful computing invites curiosity: What happens if I change this? Can I make it do something silly? How can I turn this idea into a game? With the micro:bit, coding becomes a playground for ideas - and every learner is invited to join in.
Making play inclusive
Mexican teacher, Claudia Perfecto, chose a game of Roll a face with micro:bit to inspire her students to get coding
Playful coding lowers the barriers for engagement, especially for learners who might not see themselves as “good at coding” or experienced with technology. By introducing coding through simple games and real-world fun, we can spark interest in a broad range of learners, helping them build skills and confidence from day one.
Linking coding to familiar experiences through play
All pupils like to play and many play games in their downtime, so it’s an easy way to encourage them to explore coding in a familiar environment.
A collection of micro:bit reaction games created by students from Illinois
STEM teachers Tom Pfeifer and Eric Strasser, from Illinois, USA, wrapped up a recent unit of work by getting their 7-8th grade students to create their own Reaction Games using household items and micro:bits. The reaction time game is designed to provide the students the opportunity to use coding, wiring, design skills, and teamwork to create a highly engaging and visually appealing game that is functional as well as fun!
UK teacher Chris Lovell prepares micro:bits to use in a game of 'Red light, green light'
UK teacher Chris Lovell needed to introduce Python programming to his students and chose to do so via a game of ‘Red light, green light’ which uses the micro:bit's radio feature. Chris says, “It was inspiring to see them seamlessly build upon their existing Python knowledge, diving into complex physical computing and creating sophisticated interactions between devices.”
6th graders from Texas built their own micro:bit putting project
Connie Dunn, a teacher from Texas, USA, has just completed a very playful project with her 6th grade class: building a cardboard putt-putt golf course! Students used micro:bits to add tech features like score counters, motion sensors, flashing lights, and even a stoplight to signal when to hit the ball. Part of a Technology Applications class, it was a fun way to blend coding, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving.
A selection of tin foil electronic games
Scottish practitioner, Euan Morrison, likes to use basic everyday items like cardboard and tin foil to introduce the concepts of electric circuits and then include them in familiar games like ‘Operation’, ‘Maze Puzzle’ and ‘Football Target’. His popular ‘Tin Foil Electronics’ block of lessons for the micro:bit is a huge hit with pupils but also for teachers to use in their coding and science lessons.
A Tunisian student learns how to code a scratch game by using the micro:bit as a controller.
Samira Affi from Tunisia works with students who are aged 12-14. She introduced students to micro:bit using Scratch games to develop logical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, programming skills and interactive learning. As the students use the micro:bit as a games controller, they are excited to learn more and naturally start to experiment to use the various features of the micro:bit to make games that start to get more complex.
Ideas to try in the classroom
Looking to bring more play and fun into your coding lessons? Try one of these playful micro:bit projects.
Recreate a classic game with two micro:bits
Multi-player radio treasure hunt game
Play ‘hot potato’ using a micro:bit!
A fun two-player game using radio.
Make a 2-player reaction game
Teleport ducks in a multi-player game
These activities link directly to core computing concepts like sequencing, inputs and outputs, and algorithms, while also supporting cross-curricular links with PE, maths, and design technology.
Let’s play!
Make space for fun, curious, practical learning in your classroom.
Explore free micro:bit projects and classroom-ready resources that turn play into powerful learning.
Let’s give every child the chance to learn, invent, and play with code!
*References
- New America - "The Learning Hidden in Play"
- Pathways LA - "Play-Based Learning Philosophy: The Power of Play"
- Herschinger - “Want resilient and well adjusted kids? Let them play”
- LEGO Foundation - "Learning through Play: A Review of the Evidence"
