Scratch
![]() "Scratch is a programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations -- and share your creations with others around the world. In the process of designing and programming Scratch projects, young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. It is available for free at scratch.mit.edu"
The Scratch Jnr app (ipad app, Chrome OS app) or Android app) is a great place to start your programming journey. Here are some tutorials and examples of how you might use Scratch jr. The full Scratch website could be your next port of call. Scratch has been upgraded to 3.0 Unlike the old Scratch, the new version will work on ipads (ios 11+) in a browser as well as on a computer as it doesn't use Flash. It also has new blocks like speech to text and blocks to support Makey Makeys, Micro:bits and WeDo Lego. Try it out on the CSFirst site - Code a story including Pick-a-Path options or Animate your name or other text with interesting effects. CSFirst has lots of tutorials with step by step instructions and videos. There is also an app called Pyonkee which is based on Scratch coding and is a step up from Scratch Jr. Supporting Resources: Scratch Unplugged
If you have a shortage of devices then try introducing Scratch or Scratch Jnr using printed blocks or plan their code on paper before moving onto using a device. Scratch blocks printout Scratch Jnr Basic blocks printout Scratch Lego maze |
An example of a Scratch introductory lesson. I'd adapt this so I'd tell them what I'm trying to do and get them to tell me what to try. I'd also let them choose the characters and background.
Once they have the basics I usually give them a very open-ended task to complete e.g. 'tell a story' and let them work in pairs to complete giving as little help as possible. I sometimes add extra requirements like having the characters talk to each other in te reo Māori. I will refer them to other students who have found out how to do things. As students find something new I get them to share with the class and have a sharing session at the end. |
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Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is available for free at https://scratch.mit.edu
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