First grade took their first steps into coding using Scratch Jr. The students were given a brief overview of how to use the program on the iPads and then encouraged to explore on their own. Students immensely enjoyed the program, sharing what they could do and becoming teachers for each other.
Scratch Jr. is an introductory program based off of its older sibling Scratch. Both programs were created in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the purpose of teaching children coding. In Scratch Jr. students can create their characters and backgrounds, or use one of the characters or backgrounds that come with the program. The characters can be made to move, interact and even make sounds. When students have exhausted this program, they can move onto the more advanced program of Scratch. This program gives more options for students such as variables to further fine tune their projects. Scratch and Scratch Jr. are free to download. You can find more information about Scratch here and Scratch Jr. here.
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