Flowcharts and Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduction

Flowcharts and Step-by-Step Instructions are two ways to make a process easy to follow. A set of instructions uses words to tell you what to do. A flowchart uses shapes and arrows to show the same kind of process as a picture.

You already use step-by-step thinking every day. You follow steps when you get ready for school, make a snack, solve a maths problem, play a game, or use an app. In this course, you will learn how to write clear instructions, turn them into flowcharts, test them, and improve them.

Learning goals: By the end of the course, you should be able to explain what a flowchart is, write a clear sequence of steps, use common flowchart symbols, add decisions and repetition, and test instructions to find problems.

Why Order Matters

Imagine that someone gives you these instructions for making a sandwich: "Eat the sandwich. Put the filling on the bread. Get two slices of bread." The actions are useful, but the order is wrong. A good set of instructions places actions in a sensible sequence.

A sequence is an order in which steps happen. Some tasks must follow a strict order. You cannot submit a finished project before you create it. Other tasks allow more than one good order. You might put on your shoes before your coat or your coat before your shoes.

Clear instructions also tell the reader enough information to act. "Do the thing" is not useful because it is too vague. "Fold the paper in half from left to right" is much clearer.

Use Action Verbs

Instructions often begin with strong action verbs such as open, draw, write, turn, mix, check, and repeat. These verbs tell the reader what to do.

Compare these two steps:

"Paper."

"Place the paper on the table."

The second step gives an action and an object. It is easier to follow.

Algorithms in Everyday Life

An algorithm is a clear, ordered set of steps for completing a task or solving a problem. Algorithms are important in computing, but they are not only for computers. A recipe, a route, or the rules for sorting a set of cards can also be described as step-by-step procedures.

A computer needs instructions that are precise because it does not guess what you meant. This is one reason that learning to write clear algorithms is useful in computer science.

The video above uses a real-life task to show how a larger job can be broken into smaller steps.

This video introduces algorithms and connects them with tasks we meet in everyday life.

What Is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a diagram that shows the steps in a process. It uses shapes for different kinds of steps and arrows to show where to go next. Flowcharts are useful because they let you see the order of a process at a glance.

A flowchart can show a simple straight sequence, or it can include choices that make the path split. It can also show a group of steps that repeats.

A simple flowchart may move from the start through several actions and then reach the end.

This video gives a short introduction to the idea of a flowchart and how its parts work together.

Common Flowchart Symbols

Flowcharts use shapes to help readers understand the kind of step they are seeing. In school flowcharts, you will often meet the following symbols.

Start and End

A rounded shape, often an oval or rounded rectangle, marks where a flowchart begins or finishes. Write a short label such as Start or End inside it.

A good flowchart has a clear starting point. Its paths should also lead to a clear ending point.

Process

A rectangle usually shows a process or action. Examples include "Add the two numbers," "Open the book," or "Write your name."

Keep the wording short. One box should usually describe one main action.

Input and Output

A parallelogram is often used for input or output. Input is information that goes into a process. Output is information that comes out.

For example, "Enter your age" is input. "Show the result" is output.

Decision

A diamond usually shows a decision. A decision asks a question that can send the flowchart along different paths. Many beginner flowcharts use questions with Yes and No answers.

For example, a decision could ask, "Is it raining?" The Yes path might lead to "Take an umbrella." The No path might lead to "Go outside without an umbrella."

Arrows and Flowlines

Arrows, also called flowlines, connect the shapes. They show the direction in which you should read the flowchart.

Do not make the reader guess where to go next. Each arrow should connect steps clearly. When a decision has two paths, label the paths so the reader can tell what each answer means.

Sequence, Decisions, and Loops

Many useful algorithms can be understood with three big ideas: sequence, decision, and repetition.

Sequence

A sequence means doing steps in order.

Example:

Pick up the book.
Open it to the correct page.
Read the question.
Write your answer.
Check your work.

If you change the order too much, the task may stop making sense.

Decisions

A decision means choosing a path based on a condition.

Example: "Is the answer correct?"

If Yes, you can continue. If No, you can check your work and try again.

The flowchart below shows how decisions can help with a real problem. Follow the arrows and notice how each Yes or No answer changes the next step.

Loops

A loop repeats a step or group of steps. Loops are useful when the same action needs to happen more than once.

Example: "Repeat the jump five times." Another example is "While there are still books on the floor, pick up one book and place it on the shelf."

A loop should have a clear way to finish. Otherwise, the process could keep repeating forever.

Writing Strong Step-by-Step Instructions

Before drawing a flowchart, it helps to write the process in words. Use this simple method.

Name the goal. Decide exactly what the instructions should achieve.
Choose the main steps. Include the actions needed to reach the goal.
Put the steps in order. Move each step to the place where it makes sense.
Add details. Give enough information so another person can follow the process.
Add decisions or repetition. Include choices and repeated actions when they are needed.
Test the instructions. Ask someone to follow them exactly.
Improve unclear steps. Fix missing information, confusing words, or wrong order.

Good instructions are clear, short enough to follow, and detailed enough to work.

Be Precise

Precise instructions use exact words. Compare:

"Move a bit."

"Move forward three squares."

The second version is easier to test because the reader knows exactly what to do.

When quantity matters, include it. When direction matters, include it. When a choice matters, write the condition that controls the choice.

Turning Instructions into a Flowchart

Once your written steps are clear, you can turn them into a flowchart.

Put the goal at the top of your page.
Add a Start shape.
Turn each main action into a process box.
Add a decision diamond wherever the reader must choose a path.
Use arrows to connect the steps.
Add a loop when one or more actions must repeat.
Connect every finished path to an End shape.
Read the whole chart from Start to End and test every path.

When you check a complete flowchart, follow one path at a time. If there is a decision, test all possible paths rather than checking only the easiest one.

Testing and Debugging

Debugging means finding and fixing problems in instructions, algorithms, or programs. A problem is often called a bug.

Your flowchart may have a bug if an arrow points to the wrong place, a decision has a missing path, a step is impossible to follow, or the chart never reaches the end.

Testing is easier when someone else follows your instructions exactly. Do not explain what you meant while the tester is working. Watch what happens. If the tester becomes confused, your instructions may need to be clearer.

Branches in a flowchart may split and later come back together. Clear connections help the reader see how the paths join.

A Simple Debugging Checklist

Ask yourself these questions:

Does the process have a clear goal?
Is there a clear Start?
Are the actions in a sensible order?
Does every decision have all needed paths?
Are the paths labeled clearly?
Does every arrow lead somewhere useful?
Can repeated steps eventually stop?
Does every finished path reach an End?
Can another person follow the instructions without extra help?

A Worked Example: Getting Ready for Recess

Suppose your goal is to decide whether you need a coat before going outside.

Written instructions:

Start.
Check the weather.
Ask, "Is it cold outside?"
If Yes, put on your coat.
If No, continue without a coat.
Go to the playground.
End.

The decision "Is it cold outside?" would go inside a diamond. The actions "Put on your coat" and "Go to the playground" would go inside process boxes. Arrows would show both paths.

This example is simple, but the same ideas can be used for larger tasks such as choosing a book, checking homework, sorting classroom materials, or planning a small computer game.

Using Flowcharts Across Subjects

Flowcharts are useful in more than computing.

In English, you can plan a procedural text or check the order of instructions. In science, you can show the steps of an investigation. In mathematics, you can show a method for solving a problem. In geography, you can show how to follow a route or make a choice based on map information. In design and technology, you can plan how to make, test, and improve a product.

The same habit helps in every subject: break a big task into smaller steps, show the order clearly, test the process, and improve it when needed.

Different tools may display flowchart shapes in slightly different styles, but the main purpose is the same: make the process easy to understand.

Communication, Safety, and Fairness

Instructions affect real people, so good communication matters. Use words that your reader can understand. Avoid unnecessary jargon. If a task involves tools, heat, traffic, chemicals, or other risks, include the safety steps that are needed and follow adult or school rules.

Also think about accessibility. Could a reader with limited vision, hearing, movement, or reading confidence follow your instructions? You may be able to improve a process with larger text, clear labels, spoken directions, pictures, or an alternative way to complete a step.

A strong flowchart is not only correct. It should also be useful to the people who need it.

Interactive Tasks

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Why is the order of steps important in many instructions? (It helps the task happen correctly) (!It makes every task take longer) (!It removes all action words) (!It makes arrows unnecessary)

What is an algorithm? (A clear ordered set of steps) (!A random group of pictures) (!A single word with no goal) (!A shape used only for decoration)

What do arrows show in a flowchart? (The direction from one step to the next) (!The colour of the paper) (!The age of the reader) (!The size of the final answer)

Which shape usually shows a decision? (A diamond) (!A circle) (!A star) (!A triangle)

Which shape usually shows a process or action? (A rectangle) (!A diamond) (!A crescent) (!A hexagon)

Which shape is often used for input or output? (A parallelogram) (!A circle) (!A pentagon) (!A heart)

Why should you test step by step instructions? (To find unclear or missing steps) (!To make the order more random) (!To remove the goal) (!To avoid reading the steps)

What does a loop do? (It repeats one or more steps) (!It deletes every decision) (!It hides the starting point) (!It changes every word into a picture)

What should you decide before drawing a flowchart? (The goal and main steps) (!The colour of every pen) (!The longest possible title) (!The number of decorations)

What should happen after a decision splits into two paths? (Each path should be labeled clearly) (!Both paths should disappear) (!The arrows should point backward at random) (!The question should be removed)

Memory Game

Sequence	Steps carried out in order
Decision	A question that chooses between paths
Process	An action that is carried out
Flowline	An arrow that shows direction
Debugging	Finding and fixing mistakes
Loop	A part of a process that repeats

Drag and Drop

Match the correct terms.	Topic
Start	Where a process begins
Input	Information that enters a process
Output	Information produced by a process
Condition	A question that controls a choice
End	Where a finished path stops

Match each word with the description that belongs to it.

Crossword Puzzle

Flowchart	What diagram uses shapes and arrows to show a process?
Sequence	What word means putting steps in a sensible order?
Decision	What kind of point asks a question and can split a path?
Process	What flowchart idea means an action or operation?
Arrow	What points from one flowchart step to the next?
Debugging	What word means finding and fixing mistakes?

LearningApps

Cloze Text

Open-Ended Tasks

Easy

Morning Routine Flowchart: Write six to eight steps for a morning routine, then draw a simple flowchart that shows the steps from Start to End.
Paper Airplane Instructions: Write clear instructions for folding a simple paper airplane, ask a partner to follow them exactly, and improve any confusing steps.
Flowchart Symbol Poster: Create a labelled poster that shows Start or End, Process, Decision, Input or Output, and arrows with one simple example for each.
Human Robot Game: Give a partner precise movement instructions to reach a safe classroom target, then rewrite any instruction that caused confusion.

Standard

Recipe Test: Choose a simple no-cook classroom recipe, turn it into step-by-step instructions, test the sequence with teacher approval, and record which steps needed more detail.
School Route Decision Map: Create a flowchart for moving from one school location to another and include at least one safe decision such as choosing an open or closed route.
Interview a Helper: Interview a teacher, librarian, coach, or other trusted school helper about a process they use, then turn the process into a flowchart and check it with the person you interviewed.
Tutorial Video: Make a short video that teaches a safe everyday task using clear steps, action verbs, and at least one visual flowchart.

Advanced

Debugging Challenge: Swap a flowchart with a classmate, find at least three possible bugs or unclear points, explain each problem, and suggest a precise fix.
Accessibility Review: Choose a set of instructions and redesign it so that more learners can use it, considering clear language, readable layout, useful pictures, and alternative ways to receive directions.
Compare Two Algorithms: Create two different step-by-step methods for the same task, test both methods, and write a short explanation of which method is clearer or more efficient and why.
Community Process Investigation: With teacher or adult permission, visit a place such as the school library, cafeteria, office, or garden, observe one routine, and create a flowchart that explains it without including private information.

Learning Assessment

Instruction Transfer: Write instructions for a new classroom task, then explain how the order, action verbs, and details help another learner complete it without extra help.
Flowchart Design Assessment: Turn a written process that includes a choice into a flowchart, label both decision paths, and explain why each symbol is suitable.
Debugging Assessment: Study a flowchart with a missing step, an unclear decision, and a wrong arrow, then identify the problems and justify your corrections.
Multiple Path Reasoning: Follow every possible path through a decision-based flowchart and explain whether all paths reach a sensible ending.
Real World Application: Choose a process from another subject, such as a science investigation or maths method, and explain how a flowchart could make the process easier to understand, test, or teach.

Evidence of Learning

Important evidence of learning can include the following:

Area	Evidence
Knowledge	You can explain sequence, process, decision, input, output, loop, arrow, and debugging in your own words.
Skills	You can write clear instructions, choose suitable flowchart symbols, connect steps correctly, test different paths, and improve mistakes.
Products	You can produce written procedures, flowcharts, posters, recorded explanations, and tested revisions.
Transfer	You can use step-by-step thinking in computing, English, maths, science, design, and everyday problem solving.

OERs on the Topic

The English Wikipedia article below gives additional information about flowcharts. Some parts are more advanced, so focus first on the sections about common symbols and examples.

You can also explore algorithms, problem solving, computer programming, and procedural writing as connected topics.

Linked Learning Areas

The ideas in this course connect visual thinking, writing, computing, and problem solving.

Flowcharts and Step-by-Step Instructions

aiMOOC Projects