How to use Scratch Jr the computer program

Learning how to program or code is an essential skill that is gaining traction in classrooms all over the world. Scratch Jr. is the ideal entry level programming app that was designed specifically for elementary aged children because of its ease of use, but also its capabilities such as allowing kids to design, create and express themselves through self-made computer programs.

Set up like building blocks, children can make characters move, sing, dance and jump as well as create their own customized characters complete with their own faces. Students will love Scratch Jr. because it gives them a creative outlet to express their ideas through stories and games.

Valuable 21st century skills such as thinking sequentially, exploring cause and effect and developing design and problem solving acumen are further reinforced through the use of Scratch Jr.

This comprehensive Powerpoint package shows your students, step by step, how to utilize the full potential of Scratch Jr. With more than 300 slides, this package will allow an educator, with or without programming experience, to immediately start teaching their kids. Designed with both the student and teacher in mind, fulfilling S.T.E.M curriculum requirements will become stress free.

An added advantage to Scratch Jr. is that once kids are ready to move onto more advanced programming, their familiarity will easily transition to Scratch, which is the next level up.

For teachers who are interested in bringing in a robotics program to their school, Scratch Jr. is advantageous because the look and feel of Scratch Jr. is very similar to the layout of both Lego Wedo and Mindstorms. Learning Scratch Jr. will provide an excellent foundation for kids who will be transitioning into a robotics program.

Within this Powerpoint there are:

a.) 8 Lessons which slowly introduce and show how to use each programming block

b.) Each lesson builds upon what was learned previously as it gradually moves from creating simple programs to more complex ones

c.) Prior to each new lesson, there will be opportunities to review what was learned in previous lessons

d.) There are non-computer activities which serve as kinaesthetic warm ups which the teacher can then connect directly to what the kids will be learning

e.) Embedded within each lesson are activities that kids can try followed by an answer key slide, thus allowing the teacher to give students an opportunity to explore and experiment before revealing to them the answer

f.) Detailed explanations as to which buttons do what

g.) 2 larger projects that the teacher can use as an assessment tool. The teacher has the option to have the students present their creations to the class.

h.) Opportunities for students to pause, think and find answers to specific programming questions

i.) Shortcuts that are introduced so that students can become more efficient programmers

j.) Ideas on how to use Scratch Jr. to make Language Arts and Math based games

k.) An introduction to the next level of programming called Scratch

l.) Additional resources for the teacher to enhance their use of Scratch Jr. such as websites and apps