Scratch

Im happy to teach ppl about scratch

keithbraafladt wrote:

one is that the paint box, though very simple also has that as a strength...

I agree - it is good to start with the paintbox for younger children and just get them to draw their own sprite and move it around the stage, first with the mouse, and then with turtle graphics commands. They also love a mouse following forever loop with their own sprites.

My children have recently started using scratch. I think whether it works or not for 3 to 6 year olds depends on:

1) how adept they are at using computers (specifically drag and click),
2) whether or not they can read, although this may not really be a limiting factor, and
3) child's own interest level.

My 5 year old has created a few projects in scratch. She is a very visual-spatial kid and has been using the computer independently since she was about 3 or 4 (just kids computer games). Her reading level is not that advanced but about a 1st/2nd grade level. She is extremely interested in scratch because her older siblings are using scrath.

I started by giving her a quick rundown of the basics (same as the Getting Started tutorial, but I did it myself). I just let her experiment from then on and she's created several animations with simple text bubbles and simple motions. Usually, she is fine just browsing through the different sprite folders and using the very basic set commands. When she does want to do something beyond her ability, she just hollers for myself or her siblings. My other children, 8 an 10, are great at helping her and each other out with new things they continue to learn.

I believe a lot in hands on experimentation first (after the 30 second intro), then questions and demonstration later or when asked. I know it may not work with every child but I think for a visual-spatial child, it is certainly one way to go.

I had an interesting experience with a 4 year old who didn't know how to read.  He learned what the blocks said by pressing play...each time he added a block, he would press play and find out what it did by watching it - amazing!

While learning basic programming skills via creative expression he was also teaching himself to recognize words...laughing with delight all the way.

I didn't get as far as creating a game, but he seemed just as pleased to be able to control things and make things react.  Increasing image sizes was a favorite...

I am really trying to help my 5 year old brother animation and art but he just doesn't get. In a few years he will be a wonderful user to have on Scratch. 

I am sorry. The url in the previous post for teach 6 year olds was wrong.  I've corrected it.  It's now correct in the previous post and in this post.

http://kidslike.info/teaching_scratch_programming_to_6_year_olds

Last edited by teachcomputers (2008-08-04 15:06:26)

My sister goes on Scratch .She is almost 8 now but started when she was 6 . For her Scratch is just for fun!

Last edited by mimicats (2008-08-18 02:19:58)

archmage wrote:

Well my brother didn't really make too much in scratch. But I did make this with him http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/archknight/14951 (something happened so that gobo's friends on move when played in a browser)

I just took my basic gravity engine and let him work with it. I tried to explain how everything works and when he needed help he called me.

My brother is kinda hyper so he doesn't really like paying attention to what I have to say about scratch.

That's an addicting game you got there. Add more lives, imo

Truthfully, I believe that anyone can use Scratch, no matter their personal limitations.  My brother started Scratching around age six, and did rather well.  Admittedly, not everyone can fill the same shoes as users like Jens, but it's not like everyone needs to.  I feel that Scratch is a place to post whatever you want (that is appropriate for all ages), and that means that anyone can use.  As for some of the topics I've seen come up, I think it's expected of experienced Scratch users that they help the less experienced.  This doesn't mean that someone should drop what they're doing to help their sibling with Scratch, but it does mean that, when your little brother wants some help with scrolling, or your sister needs a hand with the pen effect, you should help.  I've found, however, that when left to their own devices, even the most unlikely of people can be successful.  I am fully in support of helping our younger Scratch citizens to become more Scratchable, partly becuase that we may be aiding the programmers of tomorrow, but also because that I know what it was like starting out, and want it to be easier for others.

I think you could try to get 3-6 year olds doing it, but I don't think it would result in much...

I have found that as I teach a sort of reward system is very effective.  What I have done is downloaded audio books and placed them in the back of the room at a table with headphones.  Kids who finish early are permitted to go to the back of the room and listen to an audio book.  So far I have the Harry Potter series and the Inheritance saga.  I am currently working on getting the Leven Thumps series as well.  Kids focus and abilities have improved because they want to get done quickly and go to the back of the room to listen to these stories.  However, my students are obviously older than 3-6 but maybe the same technique would work for younger students as well.

Thanks, Andrew Park

NOOO!!!!! I was going to reply to this, but my typing got lost when I accidently click back. DARN YOU TOOL BARS!! I will reply to help, when I got the time. Right now it would be awhile to re-type, I gtg sleep soon too. Sorry!

Last edited by Penguinsrock (2009-03-11 21:17:18)