Round Nine

Using Scratch:

In the session we looked at the coding software Scratch. We explored its features and what we could create using different tools.

The software is overall very simple and could be used within a classroom. Once children familiarise themselves with the software and tools they will be able to create their own sprites, backdrops, move their characters and get them to speak. It is a fun and interesting way to learning about coding and will allow the children to explore the programme. Tasks could also be created for the children to complete on Scratch like: stories, games and animated movies/ comic strips.

In figure 1 I have put in some basic movements like turn left … degrees, move… steps, wait… secs and glide… secs to x:… y:… so when I click the green flag my sprite will do as I have commanded on the software.

In figure 2. I have added more movements and added a backdrop which the children could use to create games or stories.

In figure 3. I have added more actions and changed the sprite from a cat to a Ballerina. In figure 4. I have added speech to my ballerina.

Figure 1.

Even though this software is very useful it will take several lessons for the children to get used to using the software and to find their way around the tools. Making it unsuitable for young children (KS1), they should be shown Scratch Junior which is a simplified version aimed at KS1 children.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.