Training familiarizes early childhood teachers with SmartJr

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi 4-H is developing new programs incorporating ScratchJr, an introductory computer programming application for children ages 4-7, and an instructor with the research group that created the software recently visited Mississippi State University to train educators on its curriculum.

Madeline Nievera, an instructor with the DevTech Research Group at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College, trained 4-H agents with the MSU Extension Service and early-childhood educators in Mississippi during the Coding as Another Language Professional Development Workshop Sept. 9-10.

A free programming language, ScratchJr was co-developed by professor and DevTech director Marina Bers through support from the Scratch Foundation and the National Science Foundation. It was released as a free smart device application in 2014 and had more than 45 million users as of 2023.

The SmartJr app uses block programming to control the actions and interactions of various animal characters in front of environmental settings the user may choose, such as a pasture, cityscape or beach. The original Scratch program was designed for an older age group, and ScratchJr differs in that the blocks do not have words, making it more accessible to younger children who are just starting to learn how to read.

Kim Thomas-Cain, outreach learning and engagement manager for the Scratch Educational Collaborative, said the technology was developed to prepare children to be fluent in digital literacy while introducing them to science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, concepts.

“The curriculum and application serve as an age-appropriate introduction to the concepts that provide a foundation for computer science, including algorithms, design processes and control structures,” Thomas-Cain said. “We’re not so much trying to push young people to become able to code as adults as we are trying to show basic skills and concepts so they can engage with technology not just as consumers, but creators.”

The program is also used above its intended age group for English language learners or students with disability needs.

The Coding as Another Language for ScratchJr curriculum includes lessons that are “unplugged,” or taught without a smartphone or tablet, as well as some that use the application to create projects.

“This goes beyond kids getting a tablet and playing with an app,” Thomas-Cain said. “The real difference here is that they’re not consuming technology where the app is in the driver’s seat. With ScratchJr, the kids are in the driver’s seat. They are the maker, and that’s very different. It’s similar to them painting or writing a story or drawing something but using technology to create it.”

Mariah Morgan, interim director of the MSU Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development, said getting programs like ScratchJr in the hands of more of the state’s educators is necessary to help children here keep up with their peers around the world in their familiarity with STEM.

“Extension’s mission is to bring the best in research to the people of Mississippi,” Morgan said. “DevTech is an internationally known pioneer for children’s digital literacy. The training helps our agents and teachers give the youth in their community access to coding literacy and help them learn digital literacy for whatever jobs may be out there tomorrow. Our children need to have the same access to this literacy as other children throughout the world.”

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MSU Extension 4-H grant helps teach digital skills

RAYMOND, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service Center for 4-H Youth Development recently received a grant that will help close the digital divide in the state.

The one-year, $53,000 grant from the National 4-H Council and Verizon will help implement the 4-H Tech Changemakers program. The program enlists 4-H members to teach digital skills that can provide more opportunities, including better jobs, to adults in their communities.

The Center for 4-H Youth Development will partner with eight Extension agents in Choctaw, Noxubee, Attala, Coahoma, Humphreys, Newton, Pike and Harrison counties to train 40 young adults. Grant funding will provide technological devices, such as iPads and drones, for participants to use in the training.

“As Mississippi is preparing to expand broadband, this is the perfect time for the 4-H Tech Changemakers program in our state,” said Mariah Morgan, 4-H STEM specialist and associate Extension professor for the Center for 4-H Youth Development. “The training can help bridge the digital gap that exists in so many of our rural communities.”

Training through the program is free.

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program will reach 10,500 adults across the country with the current round of funding. For more information about the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/szzvfrac.

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Mississippi 4-H’ers earn Congressional Awards

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Mariah Malone was among 57 Mississippi 4-H’ers to receive the highest honor given to youth civilians by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

The Aug. 6 Congressional Award ceremony marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between the Congressional Award Program and the Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program.

Each 4-H’er received a gold, silver or bronze certificate and medal for their personal, goal-oriented achievements through the Congressional Award Program. Some participants also received STEM Star Awards for participating in one or more science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities while working toward their Congressional Award.

Malone, a 4-H member in Oktibbeha County and aspiring robotics engineer, volunteered with a middle school robotics team and helped them reach some goals of their own.

“In the 7th grade, I was on the same robotics team, and we didn’t have anyone who knew about robotics to volunteer to help us,” Malone said. “So I wanted to help them learn about it and do well in competition. They placed first in state competition and made it all the way to the national competition in Arkansas.”

The awards were presented by former U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper at the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson.

“These young people are really bright,” Harper said. “We are proud that they have taken the opportunity to participate in this program. These accomplishments are not only important to them now, but they mean a lot when they begin to apply to colleges, for scholarships, internships and jobs.”

Unable to make the ceremony in person, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker congratulated the recipients virtually.

“You didn’t just receive this award. You earned it through your commitment and determination to reach your goals,” Wicker said. “We are proud of you and the parents, grandparents and others in your life who encouraged you along the way. Congratulations and keep it up!”

Eligibility for the Congressional Award is open to all young people between the ages of 13.5 and 23 who want to set goals for themselves in four program areas: personal development, physical fitness, voluntary public service, and expedition and exploration. The age- and ability-appropriate activities foster responsibility and help young people practice planning and organizational skills.

Linda Mitchell, head of the Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development, said the program complements the goals of 4-H well.

“In 4-H, we work to grow leaders, and this program is a great way to offer young people more opportunities to participate in experiential learning, leadership and community engagement,” said Mitchell, who also serves on the Congressional Award Board of Directors. “I am proud of all these young people, and I know you can look at them here today and see future leaders.”

Mississippi currently has more than 400 active participants in the award program. The 57 participants recognized Aug. 6 devoted over 23,900 hours to voluntary public service, over 15,900 hours to personal development, and over 9,200 hours to physical fitness. They also participated in numerous in-person and virtual expedition and exploration activities.

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