Monday 15 May 2017

Storytelling using the Scratch software

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment