ScratchJr

ScratchJR teaches users beginning and intermediate computer-programming skills. When first launching ScratchJR, users are presented with a “Home” and “?” button. To begin, users should tap the “?” button to view a video tutorial of the app. Next, they can exit the video and be presented with an interactive workspace. (If users tap the “Home” button, they will be presented with the same workspace without watching the video.) Here, users need to tap the “+” button, and they will be presented with a canvas on which they can begin entering commands, inserting background images, and text. To add the commands, users must select the command group from the colored options on the left screen, and then the specific commands are presented that they can select. Users must drag these commands into the area on the bottom of the screen. (Users need to remember to add the Green Flag as the start button.) To add backgrounds, users must tap the image icon on the top of the screen and then select the background they wish to use. To add text, users must select the “ABC” button on the top of the screen and then insert the text. To make the character follow the commands, users must tap the Green Flag at the top of the screen. At any time, users can tap the “Home” button from the work area, and ScratchJR will automatically save their work.

Please note: There are many additional programming features accessible from the workspace page.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can read students a scene or description about a cat and require students to illustrate the actions in the text using this app.
2. Teachers can have students create a story using this app. To do so, students will need to add text and commands to multiple slides. Teachers can set the parameters for the amount of slides, commands, and text required. When finished, students can share their stories by connecting their iPad to a projector.
3. Teachers can create a Programmers’ Movie Day competition using this app. To do so, teachers must make the parameters for the competition, such as the movie must include three slides, last for 90 seconds, or use 20 commands. Next, teachers are to give students or groups of students time to create their program. When ready, students are to set their iPads on tables around the room and then have students walk around the room and view the movies. Finally, students are to vote for their favorite program. Teachers can extend this activity by having students give their classmates’ feedback about the program by stating what they liked about the program and/or ideas for improving it.