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Facilitator Toolkit

This page collects practical tools you can use throughout the curriculum. Print them, copy them into your own documents, or just use them as a reference. Nothing here is required — pick what helps.

Weekly Planning Checklist​

Use this before each week's lessons to make sure you're ready.

  • Read the week's lesson page (at least the prep notes and Session 1)
  • Check that the computer/device is working and charged
  • Open or bookmark any websites needed for the week
  • Ensure the learner's My Projects folder is accessible
  • Set up a visual timer
  • Have paper/whiteboard available for discussion or drawing
  • Review the "Simplify or Extend" section to plan for your learner's level
  • Check the "Success Indicators" so you know what to watch for

Weekly Reflection Template​

After each week, take two minutes to jot down observations. These notes help you track progress and adjust pacing.

Week ___: _________________

What went well this week?

What did the learner struggle with?

What surprised me?

What should I revisit or spend more time on?

Skills the learner showed confidence with:

One thing to try differently next week:

Learner Artifact Checklist​

Use this to track what each learner has saved to their portfolio. Check items off as they are completed.

WeekArtifactSaved?
1Bookmarked website list☐
2Desktop screenshot or input→result diagram☐
3My Projects folder with subfolders and a file☐
4Typed paragraph or typing score☐
5Written document (story, message, or writing piece)☐
6Digital drawing or story panels☐
7Search investigation notes or fact sheet☐
8Wikipedia exploration notes☐
9Written or drawn instruction set☐
10Scratch project (.sb3 or screenshot)☐
11Fixed Scratch project or bug report☐
12System diagram or analysis☐
13AI interaction notes☐
14AI-assisted creation with change notes☐
15Project plan + first version (v1)☐
16Improved version (v2+)☐
17Final version + presentation notes☐
18Presented project + creator reflection☐

Portfolio Check-In Questions​

Use these prompts at the end of each unit (or whenever you review the portfolio together) to help learners see their own growth.

After Unit 1 (Week 4):

  • "Look at your My Projects folder. What has changed since we started?"
  • "Which file are you most proud of so far?"

After Unit 2 (Week 8):

  • "How is the work you're making now different from what you made in the first few weeks?"
  • "Which artifact taught you the most?"

After Unit 3 (Week 11):

  • "What's the most challenging thing you've built so far?"
  • "If you could redo one thing in your portfolio, what would you improve?"

After Unit 4 (Week 14):

  • "What new tool or idea did you enjoy most in the last few weeks?"
  • "How has your thinking about computers changed?"

After Final Project (Week 18):

  • "Walk me through your whole portfolio from Week 1 to now. What changed?"
  • "What would you tell someone who is just starting this curriculum?"

Session Pacing Guide​

Each weekly lesson page includes three sessions. Here's a quick reference for how to pace them.

SessionSuggested LengthPurpose
Guided Session 125–40 minutesIntroduce the concept through exploration and conversation
Guided Session 225–40 minutesHands-on activity and deeper exploration
Independent Session15–30 minutesPractice, create, and reinforce with minimal support

Tips for pacing:

  • If sessions run short, use extra time for reflection or free exploration.
  • If sessions run long, split across two days. Guided sessions carry the core learning.
  • Independent sessions can be shortened or skipped in a tight week without losing the core learning.
  • Typing practice (5–10 minutes) can be added to the start of any session from Week 4 onward.

Caregiver Communication Template​

If you're working with parents, caregivers, or other adults who support the learner outside of sessions, here's a simple update template.

Computer Literacy Update — Week ___

This week we explored: _________________________

Key skills practiced:

What to try at home:

Something your learner did well:

Ask your learner: "_________________________?"

Environment Setup Checklist​

Use this when setting up the learning space for the first time.

  • Computer or tablet with internet access and a web browser
  • Mouse or trackpad (physical mouse recommended for younger learners)
  • Keyboard at comfortable height (feet should reach the floor)
  • Screen at eye level or slightly below
  • My Projects folder created in Documents (or shared drive)
  • Bookmarks folder with a few kid-friendly websites
  • SafeSearch enabled on the default search engine
  • Visual timer available (app, website, or physical timer)
  • Paper, pencil, and whiteboard/markers available for unplugged activities
  • Quiet, low-distraction workspace when possible