Course Schedule

Time to Complete

Typically completed in 6 weeks.

Printouts

Class 1 Printable (Optional)

Scratch Jr Overview

Course Description

In this course, kids will learn the basic concepts of programming, such as sequencing, loops, and conditionals, by creating their own interactive stories and games using Scratch Jr. Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, students will gain a solid foundation in computational thinking and problem-solving skills, while also developing their creativity and imagination. By the end of the course, students will have created multiple games/stories with code, a basic understanding of the most important programming concepts, and an ability to continue exploring the world of programming.

Reviews from customers:

My daughter learned to build an interactive game. She learned the functions of scratch jr inside and out. Thank you!
Mathilda from California
My kid has been showing me the projects they learned to create in this course for weeks. He is obsessed with learning to code!
Kate from North Carolina

Concepts & Skills Covered

Scratch Jr is a programming language designed specifically for young children to introduce them to the world of coding in a fun and interactive way. Students master the Scratch Jr. interface and learn 'code' as a language. Problem-solving skills are honed by breaking tasks into steps and creating animations. They design original characters, objects, and environments and communicate ideas effectively.

  • In this section, students will familiarize themselves with the user-friendly Scratch Jr. interface, exploring its features and functionalities, and gaining confidence in navigating the programming environment.

  • Students will be introduced to the concept of 'code' as a language for giving instructions to computers. They will learn the fundamental building blocks of coding, including commands, sequences, and loops.

  • This section focuses on problem-solving techniques, teaching students how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. They will gain a systematic approach to tackling challenges.

  • Students will engage in creating interactive animations using Scratch Jr.'s capabilities, learning how to move, spin, and resize characters and objects to bring dynamic elements to their projects.

  • Using a variety of coding blocks available in Scratch Jr., students will bring their imaginative ideas to life. They'll experiment with different combinations to achieve desired outcomes.

  • In this section, young learners will unleash their creativity, designing their own characters, objects, and environments. They'll develop unique and personalized elements for their projects.

  • Students will learn effective communication and teamwork as they share their project concepts with others. They will work through a series of systematic steps to collaborate on projects and achieve successful outcomes.

The programming course is a hands-on learning experience encouraging creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By the end of the course, young programmers will have the skills and confidence to turn their imaginative ideas into interactive realities.

What You Need

⚠️ Kids will need an iPad or Android tablet with the Scratch Jr app installed while joining from a separate computer or tablet. This is so they can see the teacher while using Scratch Jr on their tablet.

⚠️ Download Scratch Jr by searching the app store for it or by going to the website https://www.scratchjr.org/

Meet The Instructors

Meet Soleil, a multi-talented teacher with Emergent Digital Practices and Writing degrees complemented by a master's degree in Learning, Developmental, and Family Sciences. With 5+ years of experience developing curricula and new teaching techniques, she brings innovation and creativity to teaching subjects like math, coding, and science. As a professional performer, her acting skills add a lively dimension to her classes. With Soleil, your child is set to discover, create, and be inspired!

Meet Nick, an inspiring educator with a unique blend of experiences. Raised by a kindergarten teacher, he's shaped by theatre, years as a camp counselor, and involvement in touring educational shows tackling diverse topics like history and bullying. With over 5 years in educational content production, Nick brings lively, meaningful, and impactful lessons to every student.

Course Structure & Booking

The course is structured so that young learners attend the initial class to become acquainted with how Scratch Jr works. Following this introduction, students participate in 5-10 workshop classes. During workshops, students will be introduced to new challenges and scenarios in each class. They will also be able to explore the projects of their peers and receive project suggestions from a skilled programming instructor.

 

Classes in this course

 

Intro Class: Programming a Pet Robot

In this class, kids will begin their programming journey and learn how fun it is to create with code. This class sets kids up with a baseline knowledge of how the Scratch Jr programming tool works so that they can participate in the workshop class and follow along with the more advanced problem-solving that takes place in those classes.

Skills Covered:

→ Overviewing the Scratch Jr. interface → Introducing 'code' as a language → Dividing a problem into multiple steps → Move, spin, & change size animations

 

K-2nd Grade Programming Workshop (Repeat 5-10 Times)

During these workshops, students work with an experienced programming instructor and other students to expand their programming knowledge. Kids will get to ask questions, see other children’s work, and receive project suggestions and challenges from a real programmer.

Skills Covered:

→ Translate multi-step problems into individual parts → Use a combination of coding blocks to bring ideas to life  → Design original characters, objects, and places → Communicate concepts and work through a series of steps to bring them to life

Course Pricing & Packages

 
 

Have questions? Hit the chat button in the bottom right corner and ask away!

Schedule This Course

Below are the class times for each class in this course. Schedule all/part of the course ahead of time or schedule it on the fly.