Scratch Lesson Outline Template
Language Objective
Write in a variety of genres with greater sophistication – A Report
Class level
3rd/4th with a good working knowledge of Scratch.
Overview
Charlotte’s Web being read to the class.
Pupils will write a report on a spiders
The report will be written using the PDST template with a Scratch animation as the final draft.
Step by step guide
Preparation
Discuss Charlotte’s Web and recall the different spider traits exhibited by Charlotte.
Read the poem Spiderlings by Janet Bruno.
Lesson activity
Stage 1
Divide class in mixed ability groups. Assign roles.
Using the interactive whiteboard, build and save a mind map of prior knowledge with class.
Introduce terms from the report template:
 General Introduction
 Physical Description
 Habitat
 Interesting Facts
Get pupils to list possible sources of information.
 Class Encyclopaedia
 Internet
In groups, complete Stage 1 Report template listing 2 facts for each section. Remind pupils that the
sections do not need to be filled in sequence and that facts must not be repeated.
Stage 2
Construct sentences using the facts from Stage 1. Invite other groups to read their first draft and
comment.
After teacher has seen the initial report, children begin to construct their storyboard for the Scratch
animation listing the Scratch backdrop(s) and sprite(s) they might use and the code blocks they will
need to make the report.
© PDST Technology in Education 2014
Conclusion
The groups work on their project over the course of week, allowing time to refine and edit code.
Project is shared on school account.
Differentiation
When assigning roles, ensure role is matched to level of ability.
Scratch cards will be available for groups who have difficulty with the coding.
Hints and tips
In Stage 1 of the report, suggest leaving the General Introduction till last as this tends to be the most
challenging section. Generally all the facts are piled into the introduction leaving nothing for the
following sections. Ask groups why we selected spiders as they topic for the report and to use that as
the general introduction.
When coding the project use the backdrops and sprites already in Scratch so time is spent on coding
rather than creating elements in the editor.
Assessment
Peer Assessment
Reopen the Mind map – add “what we have learned” to the mind map in a different colour.
Extension Activities
Pupils create their own backdrops and sprites using the editor.
Pupils record themselves and add audio to the project.
© PDST Technology in Education 2014