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Coding Resources for Younger Children (ages 4-7):
Scratch Jr is a free app. It's an easier version of Scratch (not the same as Scratch.mit.edu)
How to create, rename and delete a project in Scratch: https://www.scratchjr.org/learn/tips/manage-projects
Scratch Jr interface: https://www.scratchjr.org/learn/interface
Scratch Jr introduction video and activities: scratchjr.org/teach.html (for K2 - 1st grade)
Lesson Plans:
Lesson1 - Drive Across a City
Tip: click the Drive Across a City link to see step by step picture instructions.
Let's learn how to:
Start a new project
Add a background
Add a character
Drag the character into a starting place (using your finger)
Make the character move using the blue motion blocks
Click the Plus sign on the Scratch Jr Home Screen to start a new Project
To add a background: Click the small picture that looks like a green field in the top row in the middle, select the City and click the checkmark.
To add a character: Click the Plus sign on the left, choose a car then click the checkmark.
Use your finger to drag the car into a starting place on the road
Program your car to drive down the road. Use these coding blocks: When the flag is clicked, Move to the right (10 steps)
Challenge: How would you make the car go only halfway across the screen? What would happen if a dragon, a wizard or an elephant appeared on the sidewalk?
Lesson2 - Run a Race
Use the Speed block to speed up or slow down a character
Challenge: What other programs can you make with a speed block?
Lesson3 - Sunset
Make a character disappear
Challenge: Can you add some animals to live in the park? Can you make the animals disappear when the sun sets?
Lesson4 - Moonrise after Sunset - How to Add a New Page
Switch to another page (a dark background) after the sunset. Moon comes up.
Challenge: Can you make a project that. has 3 or 4 pages? What happens when you drag a character from one page to the next?
Lesson5 -Spooky Forest
Learn
Challenge:
Lesson6 - Dribble a Basketball
Learn how to use the Repeat Block to dribble a basketball
Challenge: Can you make the cat shoot the ball into the basket? What else can you make with two characters moving at the same time?
Lesson7 - Dance Party
Learn
Lesson8 - Meet and Greet
Learn to use the Envelope to send and receive hidden messages
Other projects you can try:
5 Fun Things to Try on scratchjrfun.com
Make your own alphabet book: A is for Apple, B is for...
Advanced: Crossy Road by Toma Tomato
How to add an image character using camera in Scratch Jr
Troubleshooting and Other Tips:
How to change iPad Settings to allow taking photos in Scratch Jr
How to allow screen recording on iPad so you can record what you are doing in Scratch Jr and explain why you did it that way.
PBSKids Scratch Jr is a another version of Scratch Jr, further developed by PBSKids Media. It allows children to creative coding. The app features PBS KIDS characters including; WILD KRATTS, NATURE CAT, READY JET GO!, WORDGIRL, ARTHUR, PEG+CAT, and ODD SQUAD. Children can create their own interactive stories, games, and animations by snapping together colorful programming blocks to make their favorite characters move, jump, dance, and sing. The app is free to download on iPad and other tablets.
Code.org Let's learn about computer coding.
- Watch the introduction video on code.org on our big screen together
- talk about coding
- word of the day: algorithm "a set of simple steps to complete a task"
- program vs algorithm
Teacher Notes for Later:
Scratch.mit.edu - How to teach Scratch coding for age 5-8 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513192149/http://web.mit.edu/~cnoel/Public/Resource-1.pdf
About PBSKids Scratch Jr
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