Kids say this coding app is really awesome - and educators do too! ScratchJr is an introductory programming language that enables young children (ages 5-7) to create their own interactive stories and games. Using the free app designed by MIT Media Lab (Apple and Android), children can snap together fun graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and talk - while learning fundamental coding concepts and building their creativity. So today we'll reveal some of the best ScratchJr resources to ensure elementary school students get the most out of learning with this fun app.
Explore ScratchJr Resources for Elementary School Students
Coding is a new type of literacy. Just as writing helps you organize your thinking and express your ideas, the same is true for coding. That's why the ScratchJr app is designed for everyone, just like writing. From fun projects in a variety of formats to a curated database for teachers, find just what your student needs to succeed with ScratchJr and learning coding.
1. ScratchJr Website Activities
This is an easy starting point if you've just downloaded the app, and your child is eager to begin tinkering. Each of these nine activities from Run a Race to Spooky Forest gives elementary school students a quick way to learn how to do new things with ScratchJr. They are listed in order of simplest to hardest, but students can play around in any order they'd like! The activities help kids learn all about the features available, so they can use them again regardless of what they dream up. There's even a video that walks kids step by step through getting acquainted with the app. Then, here are some additional ScratchJr project ideas to try next - each includes fun bonus challenges as well.
2. Online ScratchJr Classes
Because coding is a discipline in which even one wrong code block can prevent your program from running, it's especially helpful to have the help of a real person always accessible. In addition live online coding classes provide a structured curriculum ensuring students learn in a way that scaffolds on previous learning, as well as that they are learning the best ways to problem solve. In these award-winning live classes led by an expert and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT, students get introduced to the Scratch Junior platform and use it to code a series of animations and games while learning core coding concepts. They're held in small groups so kids get plenty of personalized attention, and students even earn a certificate.
3. ScratchJr Coding Cards: Creative Coding Activities
For elementary students that benefit from having something physical to interact with, this set of cards might be just the trick! This set of cards provides fun and engaging activities that gradually introduce young learners to coding concepts. Each card has step-by-step instructions for creating projects that help children learn as they play. They're a great resource to use in addition to a class, to reinforce learning, and help kids practice with exciting challenges.
4. The Official ScratchJr Book
For students that comprehend best through reading, this book is one of the best ScratchJr resources out there. Especially because it's written by the creators of ScratchJr! It's a fantastic guide for parents and teachers that provides a thorough introduction to the app's capabilities. It also breaks down basic coding concepts and offers a variety of activities that can be used in the classroom or at home. Explore more ScratchJr books here.
5. ScratchJr Connect
Finally, last but not least, there's a free database accessible online chock full of tutorials and plans for teachers. ScratchJr Connect is a free, curated database for sharing ScratchJr resources, lessons, and projects. Anyone may register for free and submit a resource or project to be approved and added into this public database. There are also a ton of resources independent teachers have created and listed on Teachers Pay Teachers that could benefit your classroom.
By the way, teachers - You can book free virtual ScratchJr classes for your students (groups of 10+) any time of the year. We serve all schools and community organizations, and have even partnered with SMASH and Meta's Engineer for the Week to teach students across the US. Just contact us at partners@createandlearn.us to get your free session set up.
Enjoy ScratchJr Resources for Elementary School Students
These ScratchJr resources and lessons combine to provide a well-rounded ScratchJr experience, encouraging creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young learners.
