Hi colleagues!
Edurne here! This time I would like
to present to you guys an educational activity that is done using the computer:
storytelling bullying using the Scratch
software.
Scratch is an easy-to-learn animation
software that introduces students to the world of computer programming. It is fun, educational, and suitable for creating interactive media
such as stories, games, art,
and simulations, all through its user-friendly block-based programming.
This following activity which I have
designed is suitable for all ages in primary, as long as the topic and aims are
adapted to the age group you are working with. As always, the activity
discussed here can also be used with another topic.
Scratch offers a range of
possibilities with its sound adding and voice recording options. As with most
digital platforms, users are also able to share your work.
Target audience:
This activity is intended for third grade students (3rd), who have already worked
on aspects of storytelling in another subjects. In class, teacher will teach
students the basics of Scratch (perhaps through examples which they have done).
The main priority here is to make the
language and development environment intuitive for children who have not had
any prior programming experience.
Aims:
·
To introduce students to computer
programming.
·
To promote students´ creativity.
·
To incorporate computer use in a storytelling
process.
Competencies:
·
Linguistic and audiovisual:
vocabulary expansion and use of ICT.
·
Digital management of information:
students will use computers to carry out this activity.
· Linguistic and writing communication:
the teacher will divide the class in six groups of 4 (relatively small groups)
to encourage teamwork and communication. Each student will be given a role
within the group.
Classroom Management:
Each group will need a computer for
the development of this activity, and each student will have a different role
which they must take on during the realization of the task. The aim of
assigning roles is to promote cooperation between group members and motivate
them with a sense of importance. These assigned roles include:
·
The speakers, who are only allowed to
communicate with other speakers. When in doubt, they can ask the teacher.
·
The coordinators, who are responsible
for reiterating the instructions of the activity, just in case one of their
partners has failed to understand or has forgotten the original objectives.
·
The supervisors, who make sure that
all the members of the team work together in an appropriate and constructive
manner.
·
The environment-ers, who are
responsible for controlling the group´s volume and material during the
development of the activity (if necessary).
All members of the group must
participate in the realization of storytelling project with Scratch. They
should communicate with each other in English and respect the roles given.
Vocabulary:
Related to the Scratch program:
·
Backdrops
·
Costumes
·
Instructions of movement (right,
left, up, down…)
·
Save
Related to the storytelling:
·
Bullying
·
Abuse
·
Respect
·
Help others
Activities:
Before the activity, the teacher will
introduce Scratch to their students using the following tutorial, which will
explain how to create a story using the software: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-1Ru9qPx1U
Students will then create their own stories related to the theme of
bullying. They must bear in mind the brief given by the teacher. Characters and
stages can be added, as well as voice recordings and animations to give life to
the characters.
Since it is an intuitive software, students should be given time to
familiarize themselves with the programming commands and options. Practice will
help them get to grips with the workings of the software.
Resources:
Assessment:
The teacher will assess students using the
following criteria:
- Communicative abilities
using English Language.
- Attitude throughout the
activity.
- Behavior in the classroom
during the realization of the task.
- The final product made
using Scratch.
