README.md

Week 01: Hello Python - Story Printer

📚 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Run a Python program in Thonny IDE
• Use print() to display text output
• Understand the difference between running code and saving code
• Write and modify simple Python programs
• Debug basic syntax errors (missing quotes, typos)

🔗 Required Prior Knowledge

• None! This is the first week
• Helpful: Basic computer skills (opening files, typing)
• Helpful: Scratch experience (but not required)

⏱️ Lesson Flow (60-75 minutes)

Setup & First Run (10 min)

• Install Thonny (if not done)
• Open week01_story_printer.py
• Press F5 (Run) - celebrate first success!

New Concept: print() (10 min)

• Explain: print() is like Scratch's "say" block
• Demo: print("Hello") vs print(Hello) (error)
• Show: Multiple print statements create multiple lines

Guided Build (15 min)

• Add 3 more print lines to the story
• Change the character name
• Add blank lines with print()

Independent Challenge (20 min)

See student_tasks.md:

• Task A: Run the program successfully
• Task B: Create 8-12 line custom story
• Task C: Add title and formatting

Wrap-up (5 min)

• Student reads their story aloud to class
• Quick quiz: "What does print() do?"

🎯 Success Criteria

• Student can open and run a Python file
• Student can modify text in print() statements
• Student creates original story (8+ lines)
• Student can explain what print() does in simple terms

⚠️ Common Student Errors

Intentionally demonstrate these:

1. Missing closing quote

   print("Hello)  # SyntaxError

   Fix: Add closing quote

2. Misspelled print

   prnit("Hi")  # NameError

   Fix: Check spelling

3. Forgot quotes

   print(Hello World)  # SyntaxError

   Fix: Add quotes around text

📊 Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support:

• Provide story template with blanks to fill in
• Start with just changing existing text (not adding new lines)
• Pair with stronger student
• Use visual guide showing print() syntax

For Advanced Students:

• Add 15+ line story with dialogue
• Use variables to store character name (preview of Week 2)
• Research: What else can print() do? (printing numbers, multiple things)
• Help others debug their code

🏠 Homework / Extension Ideas

• Write a joke using print statements
• Create "About Me" program (name, age, favorite things)
• Try printing numbers: print(5 + 3)
• Ask: "What happens if you remove the quotes?"

📝 Assessment

Quick Check Questions:

1. What key do you press to run code in Thonny? (F5)
2. What do we put around text in print()? (Quotes)
3. How do you make a blank line? (print() with nothing inside)

🔗 Files in This Week

• teacher_notes.md - Detailed lesson plan with timing
• student_tasks.md - Guided activities for students
• week01_story_printer.py - Starter code

➡️ Next Week

Week 2: Variables - Students will learn to store and change values, building a scoreboard program.

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📖 Back to Main Curriculum | ➡️ Week 02: Variables