Narrative Writing + CS Pilot

SFUSD and Google are working together to support 4th and 5th grade classroom teachers in integrating computer science into their narrative writing unit. Teachers will use the CS First Storytelling activities to activate and engage students in specific writing skills (e.g., characterization, setting, dialogue) before a mini-lesson and practice on a similar skill. Students will complete self-guided lessons to create projects that explore these skills and learn block-based programming (coding) in Scratch.

CS First Storytelling

Getting Started Guide

SFUSD Q&A

Email Support

Activity Feedback Form

Student Survey (Pre + Post)

Standards Alignment

ELA Dept. Resources

10.04.2018 Narrative Writing + CS Pilot Slide Deck

SFUSD Storytelling Training - SHARED.pdf

Goals of the project are to:

- support classroom teachers in integrating CS into their narrative writing unit in an engaging, relevant, creative, and student-centered way
- offer an additional medium for students’ authentic expression
- allow students to explore and effectively learn and apply writing concepts
- support students in developing confident identities as writers and creators

Participants will:

- Test a self-guided 30- to 45-minute CS First activity (High Seas) before October 4th.
- Attend a 2-hour training to kick off participation from 4:30-6:30 PM on Thursday, October 4th in the C&I Multipurpose Room (750 25th Avenue). Goals include: learning about CS First, trying an activity, setting up accounts, and beginning initial planning for integration with school-based colleagues.
- Administer pre- and post- surveys (2-3 minutes) to students to collect data on student perceptions of writing, computer science, and the connection between the two content areas.
- Integrate and implement 4-8 Storytelling activities (about 50-60 minutes each) into the narrative writing unit, before Thanksgiving break (or the end of the narrative spiral).
- Provide feedback on all Storytelling activities taught via surveys (1 per activity, about 10 minutes each). Share adaptations, supporting materials, and scaffolds used to teach the Storytelling activities and integrate within writer’s workshop.
- Provide feedback to Google about using CS First through two surveys (15-20 minutes each) at the midpoint and end of the pilot.
- Provide feedback during a 2-hour focus group session to occur in December 2018.

Participants will receive extended calendar compensation for completing these tasks (approximately 10 hours, or $350, for full participation).

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