Alphabet Adventures: Coding and Handwriting with Scratch Jr

Welcome to an exciting journey where young minds explore the world of coding and handwriting while crafting the letters of their own names. This is an introductory class exposing young learners to Scratch Jr. 

 🌟Creative Coding: Students will delve into the colorful universe of Scratch Jr, a beginner-friendly coding platform, to animate the letters of their names, bringing them to life on their iPad or tablet screen.

📝 Handwriting Mastery: This class emphasizes the importance of fine motor skills development, guiding students through the process of writing their names with precision and artistic flair.

🌈 Personalized Learning: This curriculum is tailored to each student's unique name, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their achievements.

🤝 Collaborative Learning: Students will work together fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

🎉 Fun and Interactive: Learning is a blast with interactive games and creative challenges that keep students excited and engaged throughout the class.

In this lesson, coders create a silly dance party using motion blocks for ALL the LETTERS in their FIRST NAME. 

We will go over 
-the ScratchJr interface basics
-students will experiment with 8 different motion blocks and 2 different trigger blocks. 
-discuss capitalizing the FIRST letter of their name
-discuss lowercase letters for the remaining letters
-demonstrate coding to record the student's voice to say the NAME of the LETTER and the SOUND that LETTER makes
-use a TOUCH trigger to activate the SOUND recorded for each letter.
-edit the background in the editor by using the CUT, FILL, RECTANGLE, DRAG/MANIPULATE tools
-create new characters/sprites for EACH letter of their name
-practice writing skills

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce young coders to creating algorithmic sequences in ScratchJr and incorporate phonics and writing practice.

****This class is designed for 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘼𝙏𝙀 level Scratch Jr coders. Beginners are welcome, however, we may not finish the entire project during the class in this case. To make up for classes where students require a lot of assistance, I will provide materials and a video to complete the project for anyone unable to finish the project during class time. I will also stay as long as possible after class to assist.****

The majority of teachers offer coding classes to ages 8 and above. I feel coding can be taught to younger learners with patience, encouragement, and engagement. This is one of the very few classes designed for grades K-3. I ensure a nurturing and effective learning environment. Each student will be able to share and express themselves as they feel comfortable.
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ScratchJr utilizes block programming to allow children to create their own imaginative stories and games. It is a free app available on iPads, Android tablets, and Chromebooks. More FAQs are available here: https://www.scratchjr.org/about/faq

Please test your devices for compatibility prior to registering for this class.
**KINDLE WILL NOT WORK**
iOS devices: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scratchjr/id895485086?ls=1
Android Tablets: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scratchjr.android
Chromebook: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/scratchjr/oipimoeophamdcmjcfameoojlbhbgjda?hl=en
Desktop: https://jfo8000.github.io/ScratchJr-Desktop/