Scratch Jr - Back to School Projects

This great new resource is designed to assist teachers in introducing young children to coding using Scratch Jr. It provides detailed and well structured tutorials that can be used throughout the first term of elementary classes. It focuses on engaging students in creative learning through exploration and play, using iPads, Chromebooks, or PCs.

Projects included

• All about me

• Places and people in my school

• Catching the bus

• Sound Buttons - (graphemes and phonemes)

• Frog’s Adventure

• Looping Birds

• Jungle Dinner

• Happy Sun

• A Space Story

Suggested Lesson Uses
Introduction to Coding: Start with basic demos on how to use Scratch Jr., focusing on the interface and basic commands.
Storytelling and Animation: Encourage students to create simple animations and stories, enhancing their understanding of sequences and events.
Problem Solving: Use puzzles and challenges within Scratch Jr. to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Project-Based Learning: Assign projects that require students to design their own stories, advertisements or reports on current topics, promoting creativity and application of learned concepts.

School Routine Learning
Incorporate Scratch Jr. lessons into the regular school routine by dedicating specific times each week for coding activities. Begin with short, focused sessions that gradually increase in complexity. Integrate coding with other subjects, such as math and language arts, to provide a multidisciplinary approach to learning.

Peer-to-Peer Tutorials
Encourage peer-to-peer learning by having students who grasp the concepts quickly tutor their classmates. Create small groups where students can collaborate on projects and share their knowledge. This not only reinforces their own understanding but also fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Handouts
Provide students with these sheets as handouts that serve as quick reference guides and help students independently navigate through their projects. Students can confidently follow the step-by-step instructions which cater to various learning styles.

Student Innovation Opportunities
Promote innovation by allowing students to explore Scratch Jr. beyond the structured lessons. Encourage them to experiment with different commands and features to create unique projects. Provide opportunities for students to present their projects to the class, highlighting their creativity and problem-solving skills. Use these presentations as a platform for constructive feedback and further learning.

Exploration and Play
Emphasise the importance of play in learning by allowing students to freely explore Scratch Jr. Encourage them to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. Use play-based activities to teach coding concepts in a fun and engaging way.

By incorporating these strategies, you can introduce young children to the world of coding, fostering a love for technology and creativity in their early education.