Speak & Code Juku · SOON IN -  South Manila / Ayala Alabang Pilot

Read, Write & Code: StoryCoders Hackathon Course

A special course where children read short stories, write their own endings, and code them in Scratch — finishing with a friendly Story & Code Hackathon / Olympiad.

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Limited pilot seats for Ayala Alabang. Priority for current Speak & Code Juku families.

Course Snapshot

Literacy + Coding Story Hackathon Small Groups

Suggested ages:
Level 1: 6–8 years · Level 2: 9–12 years

Format: Phased sessions + 1 Hackathon Day
Location: Ayala Alabang area (South Manila)

What Is the StoryCoders Hackathon Course?

Overview

Read, Write & Code: StoryCoders Hackathon Course is a short, intensive program that connects phonics, reading, writing, and coding into one exciting experience. It can sit on top of your child’s regular classes at Speak & Code Juku or be taken as a stand-alone special course.

Instead of learning coding in isolation, children:

  • Read short, level-appropriate stories and prompts.
  • Write their own mini-stories, dialogues, and endings.
  • Code their story as a Scratch animation or simple game.
  • Present their work in a supportive Story & Code Hackathon.

Who Is It For?

This course is ideal for:

  • Children who enjoy stories, comics, games, or animation.
  • Readers who are ready to turn their imagination into digital stories.
  • Beginners in Scratch who want a clear, guided project with a strong purpose.

No advanced coding background is required. Basic reading ability in English is helpful; we support mixed levels with scaffolding and differentiated tasks.

What Your Child Will Do: Read, Write, Code & Present

Step 1 · READ

Build Reading & Story Sense

Children start with phonics-based reading and short, decodable stories. They learn to identify Beginning, Middle, End, characters, setting, and problem.

  • Short texts and story prompts matched to level.
  • Story maps, favourite scene drawings, vocabulary work.
  • Read-aloud and pair reading to support confidence.
Step 2 · WRITE

Plan & Write Their Own Stories

Next, learners move from sentences to a complete mini-story using clear structures such as WHO + DO + WHERE and simple emotional vocabulary.

  • Write character profiles and feelings.
  • Plan setting, problem, and resolution.
  • Draft a 5–8 sentence story to use in Scratch.
Step 3 · CODE

Code Stories in Scratch

Using their own text, children turn each part of the story into a Scratch scene. They see reading and writing come alive as sprites, backdrops, and dialogues.

  • Create characters (sprites) and backgrounds.
  • Use say, move, wait, and simple events.
  • Build a 3-scene animated story or simple story-game.
Step 4 · PRESENT

Showcase in a Friendly Hackathon

The course ends with a child-friendly Story & Code Hackathon / Olympiad, where students present their projects, receive feedback, and celebrate together.

  • Short presentation (My story is about…)
  • Judging focused on story, effort, and creativity.
  • Certificates, ribbons, and special awards for everyone.

Phased Structure (Mastery-Based, Not Rushed)

The course follows 12 learning phases grouped into four journeys: READ → WRITE → CODE → HACKATHON. Each Phase typically takes 1–2 sessions, and we only move forward when most children are ready.

Phase Focus Language / Literacy Coding / Digital
1–2
READ		 Baseline, CVC & short vowels Letter sounds, CVC review, simple sentences Teacher demo only; concept of “story that can move”
3–4
READ		 Digraphs & short story sh/ch/th words, story map (Beginning–Middle–End) Sprite as character; scenes as parts of a story
5–6
WRITE		 Mini-scenes & characters WHO + DO + WHERE sentences; feelings words Scenes described in sentences; later used as Scratch scripts
7–8
WRITE		 Story plan & full draft Setting, problem, resolution; 5–8 sentence story Mark which sentences become Scene 1 / 2 / 3 in Scratch
9–11
CODE		 Scratch Scenes 1–3 Re-reading and tightening dialogue and narration Sprites, backdrops, say, wait, move, simple interactions
12
HACKATHON		 Story Coding Olympiad Day Oral presentation, reflection, peer feedback Run full project for judges & parents; showcase & awards
Teacher Note: Each Phase can be repeated with a new text or story if needed. The goal is mastery and confidence, not simply finishing all phases quickly.

Age Levels, Schedule & Format

Level 1 · Story Animators (6–8)

Level 1 — Story Animators (Ages 6–8)

Younger learners focus on simple animated stories with 3–5 sentences. They receive more scaffolding in reading and writing, and use basic Scratch blocks such as say, move, and switch costume.

Ideal for early readers who enjoy pictures, characters, and acting out scenes.

Level 2 · Story Game Designers (9–12)

Level 2 — Story Game Designers (Ages 9–12)

Older learners create multi-scene story-games with more complex scripts, simple choices, and deeper emotional themes. They can explore variables, scoring, and more advanced Scratch features.

Perfect for children who like comics, manga, games, or creative writing.

Sample Schedule & Tuition

Format suggestion (for Ayala Alabang pilot):

  • Sessions: 1–2 times per week (60–90 minutes each)
  • Course length: 10–12 sessions + 1 Hackathon Day
  • Class size: Small groups (approx. 8–12 students per class)

Tuition: Please contact us for pilot pricing and schedule.
You can bundle this course with our regular Speak & Code Juku programs.

Story & Code Hackathon / Olympiad

Friendly, Not High-Pressure

The Hackathon is designed to be encouraging and development-focused, not a stressful exam. Children work individually or in small teams to refine and present their projects.

  • 2–3 hour event format.
  • Short reading prompt and recap of story goals.
  • Final debugging and rehearsal time in class.
  • Presentations to a small panel (teachers, invited guests, or parents).

Awards & Recognition

We celebrate effort, creativity, and growth, not only “who is best”. Possible award categories include:

  • Best Story Game / Best Animated Story
  • Best Creative Design / Best Coding Logic
  • Best Presentation / Best Teamwork
  • Special awards: Most Improved Reader, Future Game Designer, Kindest Teammate

Every child receives a certificate of participation, a badge or ribbon, and a photo opportunity with teachers and parents.

Why Parents Love the StoryCoders Hackathon Course

Strong Literacy in a Motivating Context

Reading and writing are no longer abstract exercises. Children see their own words become moving characters and scenes, which motivates them to read more carefully and write more clearly.

Real Digital Skills with a Human Touch

Instead of random coding drills, children learn to use technology as a tool for expression. They practise logic, sequencing, and debugging while staying connected to feelings, characters, and stories.

Confidence, Communication & EQ

Presenting their own project in front of others builds confidence and communication skills. EQ questions such as “How does your character feel now?” help children reflect on emotions and choices.

Fits into a Larger Future Skills Pathway

The StoryCoders Hackathon Course aligns with Speak & Code Juku’s broader vision: combining literacy, logic, and creativity to prepare children for a future where language and digital skills go hand in hand.