Accessing JR ​Curriculum ​and Resources

Sensei Expectations

• Are excited for working with kids and can turn ON the magic and fun to ​help JR Ninjas engage deeply in the activity.

• Are patient, kind, understanding, upbeat, and collaborative.
  

• Are able to manage large groups of young Ninjas, sometimes up to 10 JR ​Ninjas per Sensei.

• Do NOT need prior coding experience. They should be able to teach ​anything to a JR Ninja as it is more about how they engage young Ninjas ​than what the content is.

• Besides being good with children ages 5-7, JR program Senseis should ​also be prepared to have regular communication with the parents / ​guardians of the JR Ninjas in the program.

• It is essential that JR program Senseis set the appropriate expectations ​with parents and talk to them early and often about what their child is ​learning and why the basics of coding are important and worth ​repeating.
  

• Use the final slide of each lesson's slidedeck to remind JR Ninjas what ​they worked on during the session so they are able to leave the dojo and ​report back to their parents about the tools they used, the vocabulary ​they learned, and the projects they created!
  

JR PROGRAM ​CURRICULUM

The JR program is comprised of two primary learning tools - ScratchJr ​and codeSpark. Curriculum for these two learning tools is supplemented ​by activities that are “unplugged”, which means that they teach and ​practice programming skills without a computing device.

Additionally, the JR program curriculum uses STEM tools, such as Artec ​blocks, Snap Circuits, and other available robotics, building materials, ​and craft materials. More information about these tools can be found in ​the next section.

🧩 Each of the 100 JR lessons has a complete slide deck that can be used ​by a JR program Sensei to guide JR Ninjas through the entire activity.

➡️ All slide decks rely heavily on visuals to emphasize the coding ​concepts being addressed and code blocks being used in each project. ​This was intentionally designed to scaffold learning and become ​gradually more complex over time.

😻 Each ScratchJr activity has a code-along video that Ninjas and Senseis ​can use.

🌟 Differentiation is built into each lesson using 1-, 2-, and 3-star ​challenges for Ninjas with varying abilities and stamina, and to encourage ​repetition.

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Tracking sheets are available in Official Docs to help you track a JR ​Ninja's progress through the different levels of the JR Program.

• Print a tracking sheet for each JR Ninja and place it in a folder or ​binder where it can be updated after each session and easily ​accessed when sharing progress with parents / guardians

Use the Expanded JR Pathway - Complete tracking sheet if you will be ​using both ScratchJr and codeSpark for the 100 “A” and “B” activities.

JR PROGRAM ​TOOLS

ScratchJr is a coding tool that uses an icon-based visual block-​based programming language intended for pre- and beginning ​readers. It is playful and open-ended tool that provides a canvas ​for JR Ninjas to use for their own creations.

• 30 lessons developed by codeSpark Academy that lead JR ​Ninjas through the puzzle-based coding curriculum that ​is part of their app.
  
• Use slide decks that teach coding concepts and support ​JR Ninjas as they work through the different levels of the ​tool.
  
• Additional content is available on the codeSpark site that ​can be used by JR Ninjas as needed. No curriculum is ​provided for this content currently, but it is ​straightforward enough to use as a supplement to the ​100 lesson JR curriculum.
  

🤖 JR STEM Stations should utilize STEM materials like Artec ​blocks, LEGO building blocks, Magnatiles, SnapCircuit kits, and ​other robotics that are appropriate for kids ages 5-7.

⌨️ JR STEM Stations can also include mouse and typing skills, ​especially when requested by parents, as long as JR Ninjas have ​options to experience more collaborative and hands-on STEM ​activities as well.

🔬 STEM Station content can be found on the JR Sharepoint Site ​and can be created by JR program Senseis based on materials and ​tools available at your location.

STEM Station Pro-tips:

• Roll out STEM activities one at a time so JR Ninjas can gain ​familiarity with how to use them.
  
• Rotate through STEM activities after they have been ​introduced and combine multiple known STEM activities to ​provide JR Ninjas with choice during STEM Station time at the ​beginning and end of a JR Session.
  
• STEM Station materials and activities are also used in all JR ​Camps.
  

The JR Program can be run using tablets or laptops. We recommend ​having dedicated JR devices that are prepared in advance with the ​apps and/or browser bookmarks for ScratchJr, codeSpark, and any ​of the other web- or app-based tools used (such as mouse/typing ​skill games and the Bee Bot online emulator).

RUnning a ​jr session

• Plan ahead where your STEM Stations will be. Putting a ​STEM Station in each corner of the Dojo is a good way to ​spread out JR Ninjas.
  

• Set up the space so that JR Ninjas can sit down on the floor ​or carpet for the beginning and end of each session. They ​should be able to view the slide deck, video, or read aloud ​book easily.
  

• Set up chairs and tables / desks so that JR Ninjas can easily ​work alone or with others, with ample room to move about ​to share projects with fellow JR Ninjas or get the attention ​of a JR program Sensei.

🗓️ Consistent Routine:

• Establish a consistent routine with set timings for each ​activity. Children thrive on predictability, and a well-​established routine can help them anticipate the next steps ​and ease the transition process when switching between ​activities.
  

🎶 Singing or Chanting:

• Incorporate fun and catchy songs or chants to signal ​transitions. This can make the process more enjoyable and ​help keep Ninjas engaged during the switch from one activity ​to the next.
  

⏳ Visual Timers:

• Implement visual timers to create a sense of time awareness. ​This can be especially helpful for young learners who may not ​grasp the concept of time easily. Use timers with clear visuals ​like sand timers or digital countdowns to indicate the duration ​of each activity.
  

🔁 Group Huddle:

• Gather Ninjas in a circle or a designated area before ​transitioning to the next activity. Use this time to briefly ​explain what's coming next and to give any necessary ​reminders or instructions.
  

JR Tours

jr lego ​robotics

JR LEGO ROBOTICS CLASSES

• Below are the classes and descriptions of what we’ll be offering in the
• fall for JR Lego Robotics.

JR ROBO I

• This class is best suited for kids 4-6 yrs old.
  

• Designed as an early introduction to STEAM and robotics, weekly ​classes will incorporate LEGO Coding Express, Steam Park, and My XL ​World educational kits, designed to build on each child's natural curiosity ​and desire to explore and investigate through creative play.
  

• Lesson plans will incorporate role play, fun building activities, and idea ​sharing.
  

• This is considered a prequel to Jr Robotics II and is meant to familiarize ​young ninjas with the fundamentals of coding and robotics.
  

• This is ideal for parents who are interested in a program for their ​preschooler that has little to no screen time.

JR ROBO II

• This is the next progression in the Lego Education Lesson plans.
  

• These classes require the use of a Chromebook or tablet to code the ​robots.

• Each class will work on one project, in a specific unit. Once they have ​completed the project, the emphasis should be on encouraging them to ​customize the project.
  

• If concerns some kids will get bored quickly, one idea is to create a ​world based on the unit that the whole class can build together. Example: ​Amazing Amusement Park.
  

• While other kids are finishing up their projects, the kids who are done ​can work on creating an amusement park using regular Legos.
  

• With encouragement and guidance, they can make this as intricate and ​big as they want. Remember, the idea is to reinforce concepts learned, ​not to rush and start another project.
  

• If they still end up acting bored, it’s probably time to move them up to JR ​ROBO III.
  

JR ROBO III

• Participants must be in the Rising JR program, graduates of JR ROBO II, ​or previous experience with Lego Robotics.
  

• Building on their previous experience and continuing the progressive ​lessons plans for LEGO Education Spike Essential kits, ninjas will work on ​more challenging projects meant to deepen their understanding of ​science and engineering.
  

JR FIRST LEGO LEAGUE EXPLORE

• This is a non-competitive club that follows lesson plans and curriculum ​from past First Lego League Explore seasons.
  

• This is a more comprehensive program that is best suited for kids 7 and ​up.
  

• They will be learning and researching real world problems and ​discussing, finding solutions, designing and building a robot.
  

• It may include some writing if using Engineering Notebooks to write ​notes in. Only those students who have an interest in learning on a ​deeper level should participate.
  

• Younger kids will get bored quickly and it will be difficult sustaining ​their interest.
  

General Payment ​Details for JR Program

General Payment Details for JR Program

1. A 45-minute class is *$199 monthly.

2. A 60-minute session is *$239 monthly.

3. A $99 non-refundable materials fee is due at time of registration.

4. First payment is due at the membership start date.

5. A approximate 2.75% merchant processing fee is charged on all credit

card transactions and will be added to the total at checkout.

6. Memberships automatically renew each month

7. A 30-day written notice to cancel is required prior to the next billing date.

• Ex: If someone cancels June 5th, the cancel will go into effect August 1st. ​July’s payment will still be processed.
  

8. Any discounts cannot be combined with any other offers.

• Example, if someone is eligible for a HERO discount and they want to pay 3 ​months in full, they would not get both discounts, they would choose just ​one.
  
• Available discounts: sibling discount (10% off of SECOND child only), ​hero discount (5%), 3month pif discount (5%).
  

9. At checkout, they will be asked to read and acknowledge our parental

agreement and waiver prior to purchasing. To ensure we are transparent

about our policies, please encourage them to review its entirety as

sometimes our policies may have been updated or changed.

10. LATE PICKUPS:

• A $25 late fee should be charged if a child hasn’t been picked up within 15 ​minutes of their scheduled departure time. THIS MAINLY APPLIES TO ​CAMPS, PNOS, OR OTHER NON-MEMBER EVENTS.

• If the delay reaches 60 minutes, their account should be charged an ​additional $10. Every subsequent hour should be charged $35.

• To process, select the ‘custom charge’ option and in notes enter ‘Late ​Fee- 15 minutes (or one hour). If they stay longer, enter Late fee- ​second hour, and so on.
  

• All of this information is included in the parental agreement and waiver ​they signed, or asked us to sign on their behalf, when they registered.
  

• For members, and if they have credits available, 15 minutes after their ​scheduled session ends, they should be checked in for a second hour.
  
• If they do not have available credits, a late fee should be charged to ​their account.
  

*Pricing as of 08/15/2024, check w/management for current pricing.

General Membership Details

General ​Membership Details

• Classes are once a week and run up to 60 minutes each session, or (4) ​classes every (4) weeks.

• Each class is 45-60 minutes long, with 30-60 minutes dedicated to ​instruction and any remaining time allotted for creative play (free ​choice).

REFRAIN FROM OFFERING SCREEN TIME AS A FREE CHOICE ACTIVITY ​FOR ANY JR CLASS. IF YOU HAVE PARENT CONSENT FROM ALL KIDS ​IN THE POD, YOU MAY ALLOW IT BUT NO MORE THAN 15 MINUTES.

CONSENT FROM PARENTS SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED IN AN EMAIL IN ​MYSTUDIO. THIS MEANS YOU SEND AN EMAIL TO THE PARENTS ​ASKING FOR PERMISSION. A NOTE SHOULD BE ENTERED UNDER THE ​CHILDS RECORD AFTER THE EMAIL HAS BEEN SENT REQUESTING ​PERMISSION, AGAIN WHEN THE PARENT REPLIES, INCLUDING ANY ​RESTRICTIONS (IE. MINECRAFT ONLY, NO ROBLOX, ONLY A CERTAIN ​AMOUNT OF TIME, ETC).

NEVER allow a child to play any video games that we do not have parental ​permission for. These kids are young, and extra screen time or playing ​video games is usually not appreciated by the parents. This could turn a ​member into a non-member very quickly.

JR Training quiz ​(Sharepoint)