Leprechaun's Code Craic: A St. Patrick's Day Adventure in Scratch!

Embark on a coding journey filled with shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold in "Leprechaun's Code Craic"! This four-week online course is designed for beginners and intermediates aged 8 to 12 who want to dive into the magical world of coding through Scratch. Students will learn basic coding strategies while creating their very own St. Patrick's Day themed game, filled with interactive challenges and colorful characters. Join us for a fun and educational experience that will ignite your child's creativity and coding skills!

Schedule:

Week 1: Introduction to Scratch and Basic Movement
Learn the fundamentals of Scratch programming
Create sprites and backgrounds for your game
Program basic movement controls for characters

Week 2: Adding Interactivity and Animation
Explore adding interactive elements to your game
Learn how to animate sprites using Scratch
Implement sound effects and music to enhance gameplay

Week 3: Game Logic and Challenges
Dive into game logic and event handling
Create obstacles and challenges for players to overcome
Implement scoring system and game objectives

Week 4: Polishing Your Game and Sharing
Refine your game with advanced features and enhancements
Test and debug your game for a smooth player experience
Showcase your final game to the class and share your creations!


**What will be taught?**
Students will learn basic coding strategies using Scratch, a visual programming language. They will create a St. Patrick's Day themed game while learning fundamental coding concepts such as event handling, game logic, animation, and sound integration.

**Topics Covered:**
- Introduction to Scratch and basic movement
- Adding interactivity and animation
- Game logic and challenges
- Polishing the game and sharing

**Class Structure:**
The class is structured into four weekly sessions, each focusing on a specific aspect of game development using Scratch. Sessions include interactive coding exercises, project-based learning, and opportunities for sharing and feedback.

**Teaching Approach:**
I employ a hands-on and interactive teaching approach, guiding students through the coding process step-by-step. I provide clear explanations, demonstrations, and examples to help students grasp concepts effectively.

**Teaching Style:**
My teaching style is engaging and supportive. I encourage creativity and critical thinking, allowing students to explore and experiment with coding concepts at their own pace. I provide encouragement and constructive feedback to help students overcome challenges and succeed in their coding endeavors.

**Learner Interaction:**
Students will have ample opportunities to interact with me and their peers throughout the class. Interaction includes:
- Live demonstrations and coding exercises during lectures
- Group discussions and brainstorming sessions
- Sharing and presenting their projects to the class
- Collaborative problem-solving activities
- Q&A sessions for clarifications and further exploration