Scratch Computer Coding

We really enjoyed our recent computer coding unit using Scratch, a programming unit developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, there are so many reasons to learn programming skills.

Both 2nd and 3rd graders participated in our computer coding unit. Our first project: Animate a Name involved trying out one or more of the following: making letters change colors, adding a sound, adding a backdrop, making letters spin or glide, or even changing the size. Students could animate their name, initials, or their favorite word.

After experimenting with letters, students gained more in-depth experience as they tried to bring a character to life with animation. A Sprite is a character in Scratch. Students were encouraged to make their Sprite jump, fly, glide, or talk! If a problem with a code occurred, students had to problem-solve and find a solution. Many times students discussed with classmates and gave tips to each other.


As students' skills advanced even further, they began to create short stories with characters. Students created a setting (sometimes multiple settings), characters, a plot, and sometimes even a problem/solution. Writing skills integrated into coding? Yes, please!

Here is Darla walking us through her thinking when she is creating her story.  


Finally, to integrate social studies/history and Black History Month, students created a code to teach us about a black inventor, scientist, activist, or other difference-maker. Students chose the person that they wanted to research and teach us about.  These projects were informative and inspiring!  


If you would like to see your child's projects, please ask them to show you.  They can explain Scratch to you and how it works.  Some students have really gotten into coding and have created their own games or projects.  Check out  Anton's project that he completed on his own time... it was basically an app! I think we have an app like that on our Ipads. It was great to see the connection between coding and creating something practical for others to use.

Our next unit, Africa, will be a very enriching, hands-on unit!  We'll even put our I-pads down for a bit! I am proud of the hard work and new learning that took place this quarter.  Way to go!