Ways to Introduce Scratch

How do you introduce Scratch? Here are some approaches we've used so far that may be helpful when you're introducing Scratch.

Sample Blocks | Projector | Initial Presentation | What to Try? | Compelling Images

Print Out Sample Blocks

You may want to have printouts of sample blocks available to give an initial sense of what Scratch is like.

When we first introduced Scratch at Girls Day at one of the local Clubhouses, we placed printouts of blocks on the green table. Some of the girls looked at the blocks before we got started and got interested:"What are these? I want to do this!"

Click on each of these to get sample blocks to print out:

Demonstrating using a Projector

We've found it often works better to introduce Scratch using an projector (rather than just a computer monitor).

Using a projector focuses attention and allows more kids to see the blocks.

Initial Presentation

Here's the general framework we've been using for presenting Scratch:

A. Overview
What are we going to do?
- "Use new software called Scratch"
- Introduce theme (such as "Animate your name")
- "I'll give a brief introduction, and then you can get started trying it yourself..."

B. What's Scratch?
- New software that lets you program your own interactive animations, games, and stories
- This is a prototype version (still being changed)
- "You can give suggestions on how to improve Scratch"

C. Examples
What's possible?
- Demonstrate examples (usually 2 to 4 sample projects)
- Examples may focus on theme
- Show variety of projects (from simple to complex)

D. Demonstrate
"Here's an easy way to get started..."
- Begin with the blank screen
- Describe what you're doing as you're doing it
- Can engage participants with questions (but don't stray too far off-track)
- Show how to get started using just a few blocks (see suggestions below)


What To Try First?

Choose a Character, Then Make "When Key Pressed" Scripts

One simple and engaging way to get started is to introduce the "when key pressed" block.

1) Choose an image to replace the cat.

2) Then, make a variety scripts using "when key pressed":

- change size by 5
- change size by -5
- point in direction, move 10 steps
- change color effect by 5
etc...


Finding an Compelling Image



Once people find an image or idea for a character they like, they are usually motivated to start programming it.

 

There are many ways to get an image:

  • select from the image library that comes with Scratch (in the Images folder)
  • draw your own image in Scratch
  • scan in a drawing or photo
  • import an image you already created in other software (e.g., Photoshop, Bryce, Poser)
  • find an image online using Google images search

You can import any image into Scratch in any of these formats:

  • jpg
  • gif
  • bmp
  • png

Tip: In Photoshop, use "Save for Web" to get a gif or jpg file.

  

Preloading Images

When a member isn't motivated initially to draw or import their own characters in Scratch, you may want to preload images into Scratch you think they'd like. Then, have the preloaded sprites available for them to start programming.