Scratch

Scratch, a free resource developed at MIT, is arguably the most popular tool for introducing kids to coding, engaging millions of children worldwide. We consulted parents in large tech communities to evaluate Scratch's effectiveness and gather their pro tips for teaching kids to code with this platform. Whether you're a senior programmer or someone who has never written a line of code, you'll find valuable insights to kick off your child's Scratch coding adventures here. We'll also share some of the best books, online classes, and teaching methods to help kids learn Scratch.

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1. What’s Scratch?

Scratch is a visual programming language and online community targeting users aged 8-16, developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It’s designed to teach programming concepts to people of all ages, especially children and beginners, in a fun and interactive way. No online access is required to use Scratch, making it more accessible than other programs. Parents can also disable online access to limit their children's interactions with the community.

2. Who is Scratch a fit for?

While Scratch was designed for users aged 8-16, many programmer parents believe it is ideally suited for children aged 6-9, from complete beginners to advanced coders. Younger children may want to use ScratchJr, designed for ages 5-7. Scratch works best for children who respond positively to its features and visual design, particularly highly self-directed learners.

3. Is Scratch an effective teaching tool?

Many families credit Scratch with nurturing a genuine passion for coding in their children. Passion for coding is crucial as it differentiates effective, innovative programmers from those whose work can be easily outsourced or automated. Great programmers are always learning and growing, driven by their passion.

Scratch has faced criticism for not being a well-structured coding language and lacking progressive learning. However, programmer parents overwhelmingly found Scratch to offer more educational benefits than drawbacks. Here are the main reasons why parents think Scratch is a great tool for teaching coding:

• Self-paced Learning: Scratch allows kids to learn at their own pace, a critical component of effective mastery-based learning.

• Encouragement: Kids see immediate results from their work and can share their projects with the online community, friends, and parents.

• Understanding Coding Concepts: Scratch teaches kids to think like programmers, laying the foundation for understanding other concepts like loop control and embedded systems programming.

• Skill Development: It encourages critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving, applicable to various endeavors.

• Exploration: Scratch encourages learning by doing and experimentation, allowing kids to tinker with other people’s projects.

• Computational Thinking: It provides training in variables, loops, algorithms, and logic.

• Inspiration to Advance: Scratch's limitations inspire kids to learn more advanced languages like Python to achieve their project goals.

4. Who is Scratch NOT a fit for?

While many children love Scratch, it’s not for everyone. The biggest challenge families cite is its exploratory nature, which may not suit children who need more structured, progressive learning. Families can combine Scratch with additional resources to provide more systematic learning.

Here’s who Scratch may not be the best choice for:

• Kids Who Need More Structured Learning: Some kids thrive on structured, progressive learning. For these children, families might want to supplement Scratch with books, online tutorials, or formal classes. Other programs like code.org, Code Ninjas, or online classes at Udemy or Outschool might be more compelling.

• Kids Who Don’t Like Scratch: Some children who enjoy coding may not resonate with Scratch. They might prefer introductory classes with languages like Python or JavaScript.

• Kids Who Don’t Like Coding: Forcing a child to code if they don't enjoy it can be counterproductive. Coding can be beneficial for many careers, but it's not essential for all, and children may find other passions that are equally valuable.

• Younger Children: For children under six or those finding Scratch too complex, ScratchJr is a more suitable option. ScratchJr introduces programming concepts in a simpler and more accessible way, with a companion book and 75 suggested activities.

5. Pro Tips for Using Scratch

Scratch offers a versatile platform for learning coding skills. Here are a few pro tips from developer parents:

• Consider ScratchJr for Younger or Inexperienced Learners: ScratchJr is a more accessible version designed for ages 5-7.

• Start Simple, Progress to Complex: Encourage beginners to start with simple projects available in the "Ideas" tab or tutorials within Scratch.

• Help Kids Follow Project Steps: Remind kids to follow project steps effectively to develop good programming practices.

• Download and Modify Projects: Learning by modifying other users' projects can help kids understand how different elements work together and encourage experimentation.

• Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Consider enrolling in tutoring programs or finding expert mentors for personalized learning.

• Supplement with Additional Resources: Use books from the library, online tutorials, and platforms like Outschool for more structured learning.

6. Resources to Supplement Scratch

To enhance the Scratch experience, parents can supplement with tutorials, online classes, books, and tutors recommended by the tech community.

• Online Tutorials: Scratch offers many tutorials on its website and YouTube channel. Popular tutorials include "How to Make a Jumping Game."

• CS50 Introduction to Computer Science (Harvard University): Harvard’s introductory course covers Scratch in its first week.

• Raspberry Pi: Offers multiple modules on Scratch.

• Udemy Scratch Courses: Several highly acclaimed classes for Scratch and other languages.

• Live Classes: Outschool offers many popular Scratch courses for all ages.

• In-person Classes: Code Ninjas offers high-quality in-person coding classes worldwide.

• Tutors: Expert mentors can nurture coding skills. Jippity combines AI with tutoring.

• Books: Many books with Scratch lessons and project prompts are available at libraries. Some recommended books include:

  • Usborne Coding Games and Projects

  • "Coding Games in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Building Your Own Computer Games"

  • "Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)"

7. How to Get Started with Scratch

Visit the Scratch website (scratch.mit.edu) and sign up for a free account. The Scratch editor includes different sections:

• Stage: Where programs run.

• Sprites: Characters or objects that interact in programs.

• Blocks Palette: Contains programming blocks to create scripts.

Kids can add characters, create scripts, save their projects, and share them with others. The best way to start is by exploring the vast Scratch community, discovering other projects, and learning from tutorials and resources shared by users.

The Scratch YouTube channel also has many tutorials on every aspect of Scratch.

8. After Scratch

Scratch is particularly beneficial for children aged 6-8, providing a strong foundation in programming concepts. As they advance, children can explore more complex programming languages like Python, C#, and Ruby. Platforms like Udemy and Outschool offer great coding classes. For game development, CodeCombat and Unity provide seamless progression from Scratch to creating more complex programs.

Thanks to all the developer parents who weighed in on my questions!

• Reddit: Discussions on coding for kids.

  • Should Kids Learn to Code?

  • Choosing Coding Classes Teaching Kids Coding

  • Coding Programme/ Platform for Kids

• Hacker News: Teaching kids to code and the effectiveness of Scratch.

  • Are you Teaching Your Kids to Code and How?

  • Is Scratch a Good Tool for Teaching Coding?

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