Hopscotch: Coding for kids, a visual programming language

Hopscotch offers an easy-to-use app for learning the basics of programming. Users can program characters to move and draw via a drag-and-drop programming format. On an X- and Y-axis grid, the user’s character moves, grows, rotates, draws, and more based on certain triggers. For example, characters can have different chains of programming actions and movements that impact characters when the iPad is shaken or tilted, when the stage is tapped, or when the iPad detects a loud noise. Users can also create an interactive story featuring different characters and text by compiling a sequence of code. Finally, users can share their project or view other programmers’ projects on this app’s “Community” page.

Instructional Ideas

1. Students can use this app to create a programmed performance to go along with a creative-writing piece composed about monsters that they produce in Pages, Swiftkey, or Google Drive. Students can share their stories and plays with the class by posting them to the class web page or tweeting them to a class Twitter account.
2. Teachers can assign students to create a specific pattern with characters to practice proper coding. To do so, students can use the draw function to trace characters’ paths and actions to make grading easier. When complete, students can submit their assignment by sharing the Hopscotch file with their teacher via email.
3. Teachers can set up stations throughout the room. At each station, teachers can leave a specific set of instructions for students to follow in order to write a program with exact character movements. As students move throughout the room in small groups, they will have to collaborate in order to achieve the desired result at each station.
4. Teachers can run a “most creative” contest in class. The student(s) who creates the most original, best, and outside-the-box Hopscotch creation wins a prize or bonus points. As a rule, students are to vote for any classmate they choose; however, they cannot vote for themselves. Also, students must include a brief rationale justifying their vote.

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