50 pages - 10 differentiated project ideas - plus blank sheets for your own projects. These differentiated project planning sheets, offer 2, 3 and 4 scene boxes plus many topic ideas and all the ScratchJr blocks to plan with. Prepared on A4 sheets to give students a organised space to plan their own Scratch Jr projects on paper before building them with the device. Planning and explaining the code, before building, is a great process for developing fluency and confidence with Scratch Jr, and programming in general. Equally, once students have built something they are proud of, recording the process to teach peers is a great review of their learning. This reflective process can really open up quality discussions and opportunities for children to explain their thinking and record their learning. ScratchJr serves as a beginner’s coding language, empowering children between the ages of 5 and 7 to craft their own captivating stories and animations. By simply connecting graphical programming blocks, kids can bring characters to life, making them move, speak, dance, and interact. With the paint editor, children can customize characters, incorporating their unique voices, sounds, and even personal photos. The programming blocks serve as the magic wand, enabling children to animate their characters and unleash their imagination. ScratchJr is available free from the Apple and Android stores,plus on desktops using the GitHub site. Great starter projects can be found by searching for ScrathJr’s own site too, to help students learn what the blocks can do.

This is a complete guide for students to create their own “Catching” game using Makecode Arcade. Made to support a hands-on approach to coding, problem-solving, and creativity in game design. Students are encouraged to explore various key coding concepts as they gradually build their own working game. Each section focuses on small standalone game elements that can each be built and tested in a 30-60 minute lesson. By using the PRIMM method (Predict/Run/Investigate/Make/Modify) students will deepen their understanding, learn to use key coding vocabulary and apply concepts as they enhance their own games. This scaffolded process will reward them with, not only their own working game, but also a solid understanding of fundamental coding concepts and how to apply them in the process of game development. Includes: Introduction to using Makecode in schools Step by Step game making guide - with detailed images and explanations Video walk through of game making process on YouTube PRIMM - Resources for Predict/Run/Investigate/Make/Modify stages of study Keywords - Definition matching exercises, Word Searches and Crosswords to support the learning of new language Innovation review pages - for planning changes and improvements Asset Creation Guidance - How to use Makecode image editor and media tools Multiple Choice Review Quiz - Questions, presentation and answer sheets Flowcharts, Explanation and Project Planning resources Review pages for WWW / EBI (What went well / Even better if…) reflections. Skills Review Pre and Post reflection Support your students as they make their own Catching Arcade Game. PRIMM - teaching technique Predict - Run - Investigate - Make - Modify Throughout the series of lessons, students are encouraged to innovate and iterate on the game design, predict outcomes based on code snippets, run the program to verify predictions, and investigate the effects of code modifications. The project also highlights the importance of understanding game mechanics like sprite animations, player interactions, and scoring mechanisms. *Catching Game The players control a character in a world of falling objects. Various game elements like food, enemies, and power-ups are included to enhance the gaming experience. You’ll be expertly walked through the game creation process, including setting up sprites, game mechanics, countdown timers, and background music. Students are encouraged to experiment with the game design, predict outcomes, and make their own innovative modifications to understand the coding process better. *Coding Concepts Commands Sequencing Sprites X - Y coordinates Movement (Velocity X and Velocity Y) Countdown Events Overlap Conditional Rules Variables (Lives, Points, Time) High Score Game Over Scenarios

Banner and bunting showing the Scratch Jr blocks and icons. Grouped by category and great as an additional teaching resource or as decoration as part of a IT storage space, coding area or classroom display. ScratchJr serves as a beginner’s coding language, empowering children between the ages of 5 and 7 to craft their own captivating stories and animations. By simply connecting graphical programming blocks, kids can bring characters to life, making them move, speak, dance, and interact. With the paint editor, children can customize characters, incorporating their unique voices, sounds, and even personal photos. The programming blocks serve as the magic wand, enabling children to animate their characters and unleash their imagination. ScratchJr is available free from the Apple and Android stores, (https://www.scratchjr.org/) plus on desktops using this site (https://jfo8000.github.io/ScratchJr-Desktop/) Great starter projects can be found here to help students learn what the blocks can do (https://www.scratchjr.org/teach/activities)

These A4 vocabulary and command block matching excercise give students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Scratch Jr blocks, their names and their functions. These differentiated worksheets, offer matching task, with icon and name, icon and function, opposites, icon only, name only, and function only alternatives, plus editable blank pages so you can create cut and paste activities too. Using these as a whole class on in smaller groups can really open up quality discussions and opportunities for children to explain their thinking and record their learning. Scratch Jr serves as a beginner’s coding language, empowering children between the ages of 5 and 7 to craft their own captivating stories and animations. By simply connecting graphical programming blocks, kids can bring characters to life, making them move, speak, dance, and interact. With the paint editor, children can customize characters, incorporating their unique voices, sounds, and even personal photos. The programming blocks serve as the magic wand, enabling children to animate their characters and unleash their imagination. ScratchJr is available free from the Apple and Android stores, plus on desktops using the GitHub site. Great starter projects can be found on the ScratchJr Site for free help showing students what the blocks can do.

Two activity sheets with Bee bot image, control breakdown and challenge space for independent learning. 1 - Sheet with instructions for use and control of Bee bot and a series of developing challenges for children to try. 2 - Sheet with the instructions then space for students or teacher to record their algorithm (instructions) so they can share/compare/hand in their solutions to a variety of challenges set out by the teacher.

These differentiated Scratch Jr sequence sheets challenge children to convert from block commands to pseudo code and back again. Explaining what a command will do and in turn how a sequence (algorithm) works, step by step, is a great way to build fluency and confidence in computational thinking. Reordering commands into the correct sequence builds a greater understanding of the way algorithms work and logical thinking skills. Prepared on A4 sheets and with various challenges (Sequencing, writing pseudo code, drawing what happens in order, completing cloze missing word challenges and describing the commands) Scratch Jr projects on paper before building them with the device. Decomposition - the task of breaking something down into small steps is a key skill when learning to use code and solve problems. These activites to make this into a fun and enjoyable experience for young learners who can then test the scripts on the App to see what they do. This reflective process can really open up quality discussions and opportunities for children to explain their thinking. ScratchJr serves as a beginner’s coding language, empowering children between the ages of 5 and 7 to craft their own captivating stories and animations. By simply connecting graphical programming blocks, kids can bring characters to life, making them move, speak, dance, and interact. With the paint editor, children can customize characters, incorporating their unique voices, sounds, and even personal photos. The programming blocks serve as the magic wand, enabling children to animate their characters and unleash their imagination. ScratchJr is available free from the Apple and Android stores,plus on desktops using the GitHub site. Great starter projects can be found by searching for ScrathJr’s own site too, to help students learn what the blocks can do.

These A4, A3 and A2 sheets challenge learners to fix broken code sequences. With opportunities to draw or write the corrections students can really show their understanding of the command sequences. These differentiated worksheets, chellenge students to identify “bugs” and offer up solutions in the form of a written sentence or a drawing. This pack also includes editable blank pages so you can create cut and paste your own activities too. Using these as a whole class on in smaller groups can really open up quality discussions and opportunities for children to explain their thinking and help build coding confidence and fluency from a young age. Scratch Jr serves as a beginner’s coding language, empowering children between the ages of 5 and 7 to craft their own captivating stories and animations. By simply connecting graphical programming blocks, kids can bring characters to life, making them move, speak, dance, and interact. With the paint editor, children can customize characters, incorporating their unique voices, sounds, and even personal photos. The programming blocks serve as the magic wand, enabling children to animate their characters and unleash their imagination. ScratchJr is available free from the Apple and Android stores, plus on desktops using the GitHub site. Great starter projects can be found on the ScratchJr Site for free help showing students what the blocks can do.

Reflecting on student learning, especially in coding with platforms like Scratch Jr. in primary school, is crucial for several reasons: Assessment of Understanding: Reflection allows teachers to assess how well students grasp coding concepts and apply them in practical situations. Use these reflection sheets to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Feedback Loop: Reflective practices provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their coding projects. This feedback loop is essential for students to understand what they did well and where they can make enhancements in their coding skills. Metacognition Development: Reflecting on their coding experiences helps students develop metacognitive skills, which are essential for becoming independent learners. Through reflection, students learn to think about their own thinking processes, identify strategies that work best for them, and make adjustments accordingly. This metacognitive awareness is valuable not only in coding but in various other aspects of learning and problem-solving. Identification of Misconceptions: Reflective practices can help uncover misconceptions that students may have about coding concepts. By analyzing their thought processes and discussing their coding projects, educators can identify and address these misconceptions early on, preventing them from becoming entrenched and hindering further learning. Promotion of Growth Mindset: Encouraging reflection fosters a growth mindset among students. When students reflect on their coding experiences, they learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. They become more resilient in the face of difficulties and are more likely to persevere when encountering coding problems. Documentation of Progress: Reflection serves as a means of documenting students’ progress in coding. By keeping records of students’ reflections and the evolution of their coding skills over time, teachers can track individual progress and tailor instruction to meet students’ needs effectively. Reflection plays a pivotal role in enhancing student learning in coding. It empowers students to become more proficient coders, fosters deeper understanding of coding concepts, and promotes a growth mindset conducive to lifelong learning.

21 pages Two commands on each A4 page Plus three sizes of cut outs (Small, Medium. Large) Using cut-out blocks to teach coding and sequencing skills relevant to Scratch Junior can be a hands-on and engaging approach for children. Here’s how it can be done: Mental Recall: Provide children with physical printed “blocks” representing different Scratch Jr commands and actions. Challenge students to pick a card and then explain the action it represents. Sequencing Activities: Encourage children to arrange the cards in a sequence to create a series of actions or commands. Start with simple sequences, such as moving a character from one point to another, and gradually increase complexity as children become more proficient. Algorithm Design: Teach children to design algorithms using the blocks to solve specific tasks or challenges. For example, they can design algorithms to navigate a maze, collect items, or complete a puzzle within Scratch Junior. Debugging Practice: Introduce the concept of debugging by intentionally introducing errors into the sequences of blocks. Encourage children to identify and correct these errors to achieve the desired outcome. Storytelling and Creativity: Encourage children to use the blocks to create interactive stories, games, or animations within Scratch Junior. They can sequence events, movements, and dialogues to bring their creative ideas to life. Collaborative Projects: Foster collaboration among children by assigning group projects where they work together to design and implement coding sequences using the blocks. Collaboration not only enhances coding skills but also promotes teamwork and communication. Reflection and Iteration: After completing coding activities using the blocks, encourage children to reflect on their process. Ask questions such as what worked well, what challenges they encountered, and how they could improve their sequences. Encourage iterative refinement of their coding designs based on reflection. Integration with Scratch Junior: Once children are comfortable with coding concepts using the cards and manipulatives, transition to using Scratch Junior on a device. They can apply their understanding of sequencing and coding to create projects digitally within the Scratch Junior environment. By using cut outs and flash cards to teach coding and sequencing skills, children can develop a strong foundation in computational thinking and problem-solving while having fun and being actively engaged in the learning process. This approach also provides a tangible and accessible way for children to understand abstract coding concepts before transitioning to digital platforms like Scratch Junior.

Scratch Jr. Assessment Activity Worksheets which challenge your students to decode simple Scratch Jr. Scripts by either drawing or writing what they think will happen. 18 scenarios in each set plus example answers and blank templates for students to design their own. Combine literacy learning and sequencing language with logic and reasoning to improve your students understanding of computer coding and give them chances to practice how to explain a sequence of events or commands. Differentiated for all abilities, covering Sequencing Logic Green Flag, finger tap and bump triggers Movement Speed control Loops and repeats Size effects Appearance - Hide and show Messages Sound Linear and Parallel progression

New and Updated for 2024 Resources Added: Labeling activites for many modern devices including, Laptops, Desktops, iPads, iPhone, Smart Watches, Consoles (PS1, PS5 and Nintendo Switch), Controllers, VR Headset and Magic Mouse. Keyword activities for learning, discussion and recall Presentation to introduce main common components and what they do Crossword and Word Search review resources Write your own clue opportunities for Crossword Puzzles Students are invited to look at the parts of modern digital devices and identify and name the main components they find plus discuss the similarities and differences inside evolving technology design. **Components identified include ** Battery/Power supplies, Input devices (keyboard/Mouse/Pen), RAM, Storage (HDD/SSD), Motherboard (CPU/ GPU), Casing, Heat Sinks, Fans, Sensors, Ports, and more How to use these resources Each type of activity plays a crucial role in reinforcing understanding and retention of the keywords. Whole Class Learning Introduce each component and its function using the presentation provided. Encourage students to ask questions and relate the components to devices they use. Show-and-Tell: Use real-life components like a RAM card, hard drive, or a dismantled old computer or tablet. This hands-on view will help cement their understanding of where these components might be found and their physical appearance. Matching Games: Students match component names with their functions and pictures displayed on the board. This can be done using sticky notes or digital drag-and-drop tools if using interactive whiteboard software. Paired Work Flashcard Creation: Children create flashcards for each component to encourage discussion and deeper understanding. Role-Play and guessing games: Pairs of students can choose a component and prepare a short role-play that explains their component’s function. For example, one student could be the CPU and another could be the RAM, demonstrating how they interact within the device. Quiz Each Other/20 Questions: Students can quiz each other trying to guess/find out the correct component. Solo Recall Labeling Exercise: All students try to label the parts using the keywords they have learned. Crossword Puzzle: Create crosswords and the clues based on the functions of each component to help remember the terminology and functions. Short Answer Quiz: Conduct a short quiz where students write the function of each component. This can help teachers assess individual understanding and retention of the keywords. Make their own presentation about the 5 most important components in a digital device - ie - HDD, CPU, GPU, RAM and Sound Card.

This is a complete guide for students to create their own “Arrakis Spice Harvester” game using Makecode Arcade. Made to support a hands-on approach to coding, problem-solving, and creativity in game design. Students and teachers are guided through exploration and creation learning key coding concepts as they gradually build their own working game. Each lesson focuses on small standalone game elements that can be explored, built and tested in a 30-60 minute session. By using the PRIMM method (Predict/Run/Investigate/Make/Modify) students will deepen their understanding, learn to use key coding vocabulary and apply concepts as they build depth into their own games. This scaffolded process will reward them with, not only their own working game, but a solid understanding of fundamental coding concepts and how to apply them in program development. Includes: Introduction to using Makecode in schools Skills Review Pre and Post reflection Step by Step game making guide - with detailed images and explanations Video walk through of game making process on YouTube PRIMM - Resources for Predict/Run/Investigate/Make/Modify stages of study Keywords - Definition matching exercises, Word Searches and Crosswords to support the learning of new language Innovation planning pages - for planning changes and improvements Debugging Resources Asset Creation Guidance - How to use Makecode image editor and media tools Flowcharts, Explanation and Project Planning resources Review pages for WWW / EBI (What went well / Even better if…) reflections. Support your students as they make their own exciting arcade games. PRIMM - teaching technique Predict - Run - Investigate - Make - Modify Throughout the series of activities, students are encouraged to innovate and iterate on the game design, predict outcomes based on code snippets, run the program to verify predictions, and investigate the effects of code modifications. The process highlights the importance of understanding game mechanics like tilemaps, in game variables, player interactions, and scoring mechanisms. Arrakis Spice Harvesting Game This game provides an engaging and dynamic experience where players must strategically calculate risk against reward as they strive to achieve the highest score from each level. Coding Concepts Commands Sequencing Sprites Theme Music Tiles and Tilemaps Status Bars Movement (Velocity X and Velocity Y) Countdown Events Overlap Conditional Rules If … then … else, level progression Variables (Lives, Points, Time) High Score Game Over Events