pkrp-about
This activity is designed to have ākonga build their own interactive Scratch app that teaches everyday words in English and te reo Māori, turning a collection of familiar objects into a bilingual glossary program that anyone can click through.
Learners will design a home-screen backdrop, add sprites for the objects they choose, and record their own audio saying each kupu aloud. They’ll then program each sprite to display and speak both names when clicked, carefully matching the on-screen text timing to the length of their recording. Along the way, ākonga test and debug their own app, listening for sprites where the words don't quite line up. Bring your kupu to life!
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Breaking the task into an ordered sequence, then programming each element in turn
Sequencing code blocks in the right order to create a completed program, including synchronising audio and text display timing
Testing each sprite, identifying where recorded audio and on-screen text fall out of sync, and adjusting duration values to fix timing errors
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Combining two content types, sprite images and original audio recordings, into one interactive outcome
Recording, previewing, and re-recording audio until it’s clear enough to serve its purpose for other users
Choosing which objects and kupu to feature, based on who will use the finished program
Testing the finished program from an end-user’s point of view
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learning-languages
See ‘Te Reo Māori’ link below.
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Te reo Māori vocabulary, matching kupu to their English interpretations, through spoken audio and on-screen text.
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Simplify the sprite set for newer coders by starting with 2 or 3 objects only, to keep the sequencing manageable while still supporting ākonga to finish a working app.
Pair up ākonga for pronunciation practice by having them record each other’s audio, to build confidence saying kupu aloud before recording solo.
Split the class into small groups working on different themes (kai, whānau, kura), so each finished app quizzes a different vocabulary set.
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Connect multiple scenes with broadcast messages, to let ākonga build a multi-screen app that moves between vocabulary categories.
Record a third audio track, like with an NZSL fingerspelling video or another Pasifika language, to grow the app into a wider language-learning tool.
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Teachers should consider:
Scratch account permissions, including obtaining the necessary parent/guardian permissions for ākonga to register and use a Scratch account, or setting up the Scratch Offline Editor application on classroom devices in order to facilitate the activity without the need for user accounts or internet connection.
Device & microphone access, including checking devices are charged and the ScratchJr microphone permission is already enabled before ākonga start.
Kupu selection, including deciding whether ākonga choose their own objects or work from a shared list.
Te reo Māori pronunciation support, including having a pronunciation guide or fluent speaker on hand so the recorded audio models correct te reo.
Time for testing & debugging, including building in dedicated time to demonstrate how to adjust the “say for [ ] seconds” value, since this is where most of the activity’s most complex potential errors and learning opportunities are.
See Digital Safety & Wellbeing guidance below for more on managing audio recordings.
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Scratch runs in a browser and needs an internet connection. Recording sound requires microphone permission in the browser and website, and the first recording attempt will prompt for this if it’s not already setup. Anyone under 16 needs parent/guardian permission to register a Scratch account. There is also the option to build and save project without an account using the Scratch Offline Editor application, which doesn’t send anything to the Scratch Team unless a project is later uploaded to the public site.
Before the activity
Make sure each student or group has access to a Scratch account or the Scratch Offline Editor.
Remind ākonga to handle devices with care and to consider what is appropriate to include in their project during design, recording, and programming.
Remind ākonga of your school’s digital use agreement before beginning any lesson that involves digital devices, digital platforms, or the internet.
During the activity
Set clear expectations around safe and purposeful device use at the start of each lesson.
Supervise and actively support device use throughout, including camera use, so selfies are taken sensibly and only of the learner themselves.
Discuss openly what is and isn’t appropriate to include in a Scratch project, as well as support ākonga to re-record a take rather than feel stuck with it.
Support ākonga to know that if they encounter content that feels inappropriate, confusing, or upsetting that they can flag this with kaiako without concern.
After the activity
Decide with ākonga if projects will be shared beyond the classroom or published to the public Scratch site.
If projects will stay within the Scratch Offline Editor, then consider whether the devices are shared with other classes and agree who’s responsible for keeping track of or clearing digital projects and related files, so no one’s project or audio recordings get lost, mishandled, or deleted by accident.
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>>> y4-6 | Y4-6 | 1 Lesson (Guided, in Pairs or Small Groups)
Set Up Backdrop & Sprites — Guide ākonga to design a simple home-screen backdrop and add 3–4 sprites, keeping the object count small at first to help manage timing later.
Record Kupu — Support pairs or groups to record each other saying their objects’ names in English and te reo Māori, checking and guiding the accuracy of word choice and pronunciation.
Program Each Sprite — Demonstrate the “when this sprite clicked”, “start sound”, and “say for [ ] seconds” blocks as a group, then have ākonga copy the pattern in their own programs, sprite by sprite.
Test & Fix Timing — Prompt ākonga to click every sprite, check that the text and audio finish together, and adjust the timing number where things don’t match.
Share & Celebrate — As time allows, let each pair or group present and demonstrate their finished program for the class, celebrating what they’ve created and debugging any issues in a supportive way that focuses on collaborating to find constructive solutions.
>>> y7-8 | Y7-8 | 1 Lesson (Independent)
Set Up Backdrop & Sprites — Set a target of 5+ objects and let ākonga choose their own theme, backdrop, and sprite images independently.
Record & Refine Audio — Have ākonga record, preview, and re-record their own audio without prompting, aiming for accurate translations and clear pronunciation.
Program & Debug — Challenge ākonga to build the full block sequence from the guide with minimal demonstration, then debug their own timing mismatches.
Extend the App — Offer any of the Extension Ideas as a stretch task for anyone who finishes early.
Share & Celebrate — As time allows, let ākonga demonstrate their finished program for the class, celebrating what they’ve created and debugging any issues in a supportive way that focuses on collaborating to find constructive solutions.