Every program season, I try to incorporate STEAM into my after-school program season, from Codebreakers to STEAM Storytime. I had previously done a coding program for tweens during the pandemic and I decided to give it another shot this year. This Fall, I started a Scratch coding program and so far, it has been quite successful! In this post, I will highlight the format of the program, as well as some resources I have used to teach coding with Scratch at my library.
Format of the Program
Scratch is an accessible website that teaches the basics of coding through block coding. Children can create games, animations, and much more on this site. Even if you are not familiar with coding, this is a great site that introduces important concepts of coding.
Participants of the class have to bring their own devices, such as a laptop or tablet. Each week, I focus on a specific concept of block coding through Scratch. For example, there is one week that we focus completely on the Looks category on Scratch, which controls what a Sprite looks like and says.
I start the sessions with an introduction to the topic of the day and a “Code Along”, meaning that we explore which each code block does together. I will have my screen showing on the projector, so the kids will code with me. From there, we do an independent activity that incorporates the concepts we reviewed in the “Code Along”. I provide a handout for the kids and they follow the instructions independently or in pairs. Lastly, I let the kids explore Scratch further by modifying their independent projects. Below is a sample outline of a coding session:
- Introduce Different Code Blocks in the “Looks” Category
- Code Along: Review the “Say”, “Think”, “Costume”, “Size”, and “Color” blocks together
- Independent Activity: Have Sprites Tell Each Other Jokes Using “Looks” and “Wait” Blocks
- Modify Projects
Resources to Teach Your Own Scratch Coding Program
To develop this program, I used a variety of resources, from books to YouTube videos. Below are some of the resources I have used:
- Scratch Team YouTube Channel
- Coding Games in Scratch by Carol Vorderman
- Coding with Scratch Workbook by DK Children (please note: this book is outdated, but the activities can be easily modified)
- Coding for Kids: Scratch by Matthew Highland
Keep in mind: you do not need to be a professional coder to teach a Scratch coding program for kids at your library! Scratch is a great platform for coders of all levels. What kind of STEAM programs are at your library?
This post addresses ALSC Core Competency #3: Programming Skills.