Computer Science Through Digital Storytelling
A three-day professional learning experience that helped elementary educators connect narrative writing, computational thinking, and Scratch.
Context
This three-day professional learning experience was developed through NYC’s CS4All initiative to help elementary educators connect narrative writing with computational thinking and Scratch. Teachers moved from written stories to interactive digital narratives while keeping ELA goals visible throughout the process.
My Role
Instructional Designer, Facilitator, and Content Creator
I helped design the learning sequence, co-developed the slide deck and materials, modeled live code-alongs, and facilitated teacher collaboration and project development.
What We Built
- Three-day professional learning sequence
- Facilitator slide deck
- Scratch demonstrations and code-alongs
- Story planning and storyboarding tools
- Teacher handouts and implementation supports
What Learners Did
Teachers deconstructed stories, planned scenes and actions, built Scratch narratives, used loops, conditionals, and broadcasts, and considered how the work could fit into their own narrative writing instruction.
Artifacts
The project included story planning templates, Scratch starter-code demonstrations, a Wakelet project gallery, and facilitator materials used throughout the three-day experience.
Outcome
Teachers completed Scratch story prototypes and left with classroom-ready materials they could adapt for literacy instruction. Many participants adapted the work to their narrative writing blocks, and feedback highlighted the pacing, modeling, and access to planning templates.
Structure of the 3-Day PD
Day 1: Introduction to Digital Storytelling & Scratch
- Defined key concepts of digital storytelling and computational thinking
- Deconstructed a model story (“The Fish and the Cat”)
- Introduced core Scratch elements (sprites, backgrounds, blocks)
- Practiced decomposing stories into scenes and actions
Day 2: Storyboarding, Coding & Collaboration
- Used planning templates to storyboard scenes and identify key actions
- Led a “code-along” building the first scene with motion, dialogue, and timing
- Supported participants in breakout rooms for peer feedback
- Curated teacher drafts in Wakelet for discussion
Day 3: Extensions & Classroom Implementation
- Explored Scratch features like loops, conditionals, and broadcasts
- Modeled how to scaffold student use of planning sheets
- Facilitated conversation about standards alignment and classroom rollout
- Collected final share-outs and feedback
Tools & Platforms Used
- Scratch (student projects and facilitator demo)
- Google Slides (visuals, instruction flow)
- Padlet & Wakelet (collaborative boards for reflection & drafts)
- Zoom (live facilitation, code-alongs, breakout discussions)
- Bit.ly (shortlink access to materials)
Reflection
This project showcased how code can be a canvas for creative expression. By positioning students as storytellers and programmers, we built confidence in teachers who previously saw CS as inaccessible.
The workshop also demonstrated how well-designed eLearning can blend pedagogy, technology, and joy — even over Zoom.