Scratch Programming for Beginners - Let's Make a Thanksgiving Card!

Hi, my name is Joan Mendelson. I teach Computer Science (CS) to Kg - 8th graders in a brick and mortar school. I also teach with Outschool!

In my classes, students use CS and their creativity to make animations, stories and games. I love creating with Scratch and other CS tools, because it’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle to make something special. My approach to teaching is to spark this joy in students, by making coding skills engaging and accessible. My classes bring together critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and collaboration. They empower students with confidence and skills to express themselves, help others, and continue learning. 

I enjoy teaching beginners and experienced students alike. Students can progress at their own pace while sharing the experience with their classmates. There are so many things we can create with animation tools! My classes and animation clubs focus on various projects, including story telling, documenting events in kids’ lives, animated cards and letters, prototypes, and of course game creation. Whether I’m teaching a large class or a small group, I love to encourage student voice while developing technical skills. I hope you’ll join me! What should we create next?

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy bike riding, cooking, dancing, working on creative projects, and spending time with family and friends. What inspires you? Let’s use our passions to create something awesome!