Scratch is a wonderful creation. It allows children (and adults!) to learn the basics of coding on a computer or iPad. This helps children to understand the basics of computer science and achieve digital literacy, which is a key part of the national curriculum for computing. The interface involves: a screen that hosts backgrounds ('stages') for your project; 'scripts', a collection of jigsaw pieces that can be put together to make a program; and a work area where these pieces can be placed. The pieces are broken down into coloured types, these are: Motion, Looks, Sound, Events, Control, Sensing, Pen, Data and Operator. With these pieces you can make anything - games, stories, quizzes... anything you can think of. For example, in just twenty minutes, using the program's intuitive interface, I was able to create a simple game in which my 'sprite', a cat shaped creature, has to outrun a ghost. When teaching children how to use Scratch, there are a number of approaches. The first is the prescribed route, where children follow teacher's instructions (perhaps on a worksheet) to make their product. The second is the part-whole method, where the teacher explains what is required, but allows the children to explore, create, evaluate and 'debug' their work. I think there is something to be said for both methods. The first raises confidence in the program, and may be more suitable for lower key stage 2, whereas the latter requires a certain degree of proficiency, which upper key stage 2 may be ready for.
I love Scratch because of its potential. I intend, next time I work in Key Stage 2, to use it and help inspire a new generation of coders.
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