Coding and Computational Thinking

Lesson Idea Name: Coding a creation, Telling a Story

Content Area: ELA
Grade Level(s): 6th
Content Standard Addressed: ELAGSE6W3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

Technology Standard Addressed: Standard 7: Global Collaborator

Selected Technology Tool: Scratch

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://scratch.mit.edu/

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level): (Select the best level)

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☒ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Engagement: Students of the class will be engaged in this project because they will be creating and coding
their own stories for this project.
Representation: The Scratch website offers detailed instructions about how to start a project, as well as
numerous tutorials on YouTube to demonstrate how to program sprites, change backgrounds, and add sound
effects and voice-overs.
Action and Expression: Students will be able to express themselves by creating their own stories.

Lesson idea implementation: Students will be using Scratch to tell stories digitally, so we will be going to the
school’s computer lab. Students will use storyboards to plan their stories, which are available online. The
Scratch website offers detailed instructions about how to start a Scratch project.

Using Scratch as a digital storytelling tool, students can create poetry, create short stories related to a piece
of literature, and create a narrative. Students will also have access to numerous tutorials on YouTube to
demonstrate how to program sprites, change backgrounds, and add sound effects and voice-overs. Students
will have step-by-step instructions as we are using Scratch so that they don’t get lost along the way. Students
will be able to post and share their creations on the website and their peers will have access to them. After
creating their Scratch, students will write out their story on paper to explain what is happening on the
software. Students will then share their stories with the class while reading their stories.

Importance of technology: Coding helps teach students complex computational thinking skills that will help
them figure out the best way to tell their own specific story. The Scratch software is a powerful tool of
technology for students to use when implementing their ideas.

Inspiration (optional):

Internet Safety and Student Privacy: I will have students of the class have a technology contract signed by
them alongside their parents before starting this project. I will also send home some information for parents
 Coding and Computational Thinking
so that they are aware of what this project entails. I will also post copies of the contract and parent
information on the classroom blog.

Reflective Practice: I believe this activity will be beneficial for 21st century learners. The modern students are
becoming more proficient in technology use and will enjoy this project. Coding is also becoming a more
common practice in schools and it is an important skill for students to learn.