Scratch That Coding Itch: Level 1 for Beginners Ongoing Class

This class is intended as an introduction to coding with Scratch. Students should have created a free account on the Scratch website before joining the class (www.scratch.mit.edu). 

In this class, we will begin with the very basics of what is possible with blockable coding through Scratch. We will learn about events and code simple tasks such as changing the color, effect, and position of a sprite (character). Each week, I will talk students through the process of learning about basic Scratch skills that they can take into any project. By the end of the class, they will be able to share with their classmates what they created. 

Week of July 21st: Explore how to move your sprite and change the way it looks.
Week of July 28th: Create a simple chase game
Week of August 4th: Create a simple animated word project

As a teacher for over 20 years, I have been using Scratch with students for many years and know several simple projects that all kids enjoy. This is a class for students brand new to Scratch with no previous experience, but who are familiar with computers and comfortable with a mouse.

During class, students will need to be able to see my screen when I share and their own to work on their projects. It is best if students can use a computer for this. If they choose to set up on two devices, please log into Scratch on both devices so that they can still screen share with the class to share work and get help with troubleshooting (for example, they can Zoom from a tablet and do Scratch on a computer, but should also be logged into Scratch on the tablet).

Scratch uses drag-and-drop coding so it is very accessible for all levels of ability.