My Students

Today's students are fully immersed in the digital age. Many marvel at leaders in technology like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and find themselves asking, "How can I come up with the next great thing in technology?" Learning basic programming skills is that first step!

Our school is populated by a true mix of suburban and rural students.

While some students have consistent access to technology, many others lack reliable technology or Internet access outside of school. Recent financial struggles have hit our state and community hard. Each year more and more students in our district receive assistance such as free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Despite the challenges that face many of our students, our school is filled with a sense of love and wonder for learning. Students enjoy innovative programming in our school, which allows for classes such as school gardening, robotics, drama, movement and fitness, and even outdoor environmental education in the woods behind our school.

My Project

Throughout my past three years of teaching, I've had several tech-savvy students ask me, "How can I create computer games?" I love delving into the science behind technology, and while I've been able to explain "why" technology works, I've not been able to get down to the "how". To address this, I have developed an introductory computer programming class for our 6th grade students! The books requested would serve as a sort of "textbook" for this class. Super Scratch Programming reads like a graphic novel, with a storyline that leads students to create various games in Scratch Programming in order to further the plot. Through a combination of direct instruction on mathematical concepts such as coordinate planes and angle degrees needed to program and self-paced work thanks to this book, our new computer programming class will enhance several areas of regular classroom instruction.

Student experiences in elementary and middle school can serve as a spark for life-long passions and endeavors.

Through a new class with great resources like Super Scratch Programming, students can actually be a part of the cutting-edge technology that drives today's innovations!