Scratch is the largest coding community for kids. Its coding language for kids offers a simple visual interface that allows them to easily create games, animations, and digital stories using a simple drag and drop method. If your children are interested in learning to code, you might be looking for courses covering scratch coding for kids.
This guide will highlight the best online Scratch coding courses for kids to help you get started. Enrolling in online courses will help them gain the skills they need to start working on real coding projects. There are even several free scratch coding classes for kids. Keep reading to learn about these educational resources.
Can Kids Learn Scratch Coding?
Kids can learn Scratch coding because it is designed for children. Children from eight to 16 years can start with Scratch, while younger kids aged five to seven can use Scratch Jr, which is a much-simplified version of the original language. Scratch is a good programming language for children because it is much easier to master than any other traditional programming language.
Resources to Help Kids Learn Scratch Coding
Kids can learn Scratch coding from several resources including online courses, in-person classes, after-school classes, Scratch coding toys, and Scratch coding books. These all make for great after-school activities. Kids can work on simple design projects, learn the basics of coding, and build a foundation in programming, all while having fun.
Online Scratch Coding Courses
Online Scratch coding courses are often self-paced and project-based, allowing them to learn at their own pace. They will often build simple exciting projects before the course ends. There are paid and free online courses for this purpose, with some focusing on fundamental coding concepts and others on more difficult concepts of coding.
In-Person Scratch Coding Classes
For students who prefer a more traditional learning approach, an in-person Scratch coding class is a good option. They often include one on one classes with practical block-based coding tools to learn to code and use a fun game to get the kids to connect with the activity.
Scratch Coding After-School Programs
There are also after-school programs for kids who want to learn Scratch coding. These classes are often short, may not be available in all schools, and are generally in-person programs. Schools running these after-school programs will bring in someone with coding expertise who will use coding games to teach kids the basics of programming.
Scratch Coding Toys
There are a lot of toys that help introduce kids to robotics, electronics, science, and programming. Some popular ones include Botley The Coding Robot 2.0, Mochi, and Dash. These are great ways for kids to learn fundamental coding concepts and critical thinking skills all while having fun.
Scratch Coding Books
You can also find Scratch for kids books to help you get started. Some common ones include The Everything Kids’ Scratch Coding Book, Learn to Program with Scratch: A Visual Introduction to Programming with Games, Art, Science, and Math Paperback, and Coding for Beginners Using Scratch.
Online Scratch Coding Classes to Help Your Child Learn Scratch Coding
| Course Title | Course Provider | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Storyteller: Visual Coding with Scratch and VEX VR | iD Tech | $899 |
| Creative: Vector Art and Audio Design with Scratch | iD Tech | $649 |
| Scratch: Programming for Kids (8+) | Edx | Free |
| Accelerated Scratch | Create & Learn | $252.00 |
| Scratch Ninja | Create & Learn | $252.00 |
| Programming for Kids and Beginners: Learn to Code in Scratch | Udemy | $14.99 |
| Coding for kids: Scratch, Python, HTML, CSS, Math, Robotics | Udemy | $13.99 |
| Scratch Programming – Build 14 Games in Scratch 3.0 Bootcamp | Udemy | $16.99 |
| Coding for Kids – Scratch Programming for Beginners | Udemy | $11.99 |
| Programming for Beginners – Build games using Scratch | Udemy | $11.99 |
The Best Online Scratch Coding Courses for Kids, Explained
Storyteller: Visual Coding with Scratch and VEX VR
- Course Provider: iD Tech
- Subjects Covered: coding, robotics, game dev
- Cost: $899
This coding course for beginners allows kids to use Scratch to create stories and teach robots to draw self-portraits. They will also explore visual coding concepts and use them on sensors, robotics, and other physical objects. This is a great course for kids to gain experience with coding.
Creative: Vector Art and Audio Design with Scratch
- Course Provider: iD Tech
- Subjects Covered: animation and design
- Cost: $649 per 10-week session
This beginner Scratch coding course teaches kids to create character designs and uses games and stories to bring them to life. This course can help kids express themselves with games and stories. It also allows them to explore basic coding concepts as they play. Students will be able to practice 2D animation techniques.
Scratch: Programming for Kids (8+)
- Course Provider: edX
- Subjects Covered: algorithms, variables, signals
- Cost: free
This beginner Scratch coding course for elementary school students covers Scratch visual programming language in a fun and easy way. It also comes with assignments that allow children to create programs for their own use.
Since it is self-paced, parents or teachers can choose how much time can be dedicated to it in a week. Kids can build projects that resemble well-known mobile games or virtual pets. This course is great for kids interested in game design.
Accelerated Scratch
- Course Provider: Create & Learn
- Subjects Covered: variables, conditionals
- Cost: $252.00
This beginner Scratch coding course covers coding concepts as well as the basics of computer science. Using this program, kids can learn about variables, conditional statements, loops, and sensing through projects such as games, animations, and graphic designs. It will also challenge them to solve tough questions and be creative. The curriculum also covers advanced coding concepts like lists and functions.
Scratch Ninja
- Course Provider: Create & Learn
- Subjects Covered: list/array, defining your own blocks
- Cost: $252.00
This beginner Scratch coding course begins with the basics and is ideal for complete beginners. Some topics in the curriculum include loops, sequence, conditionals, and other core coding concepts. It will also cover sending, motion and control, and other Scratch-specific capabilities. The course is fun and project-based so students can begin to code from the first day of learning.
Programming for Kids and Beginners: Learn to Code in Scratch
- Course Provider: Udemy
- Subjects Covered: variables, coordinates, direction
- Cost: $14.99
This beginner Scratch coding course teaches kids to code using Scratch. It is gamified to make the learning of core coding concepts fun. The curriculum helps kids learn how to create apps and games on their own. It also covers several other computer science topics with simple analogies, characters, and animations.
Coding for kids: Scratch, Python, HTML, CSS, Math, Robotics
- Course Provider: Udemy
- Subjects Covered: Arduino, WordPress, HTML
- Cost: $13.99
This practical Scratch course helps kids learn programming concepts and apply them. Users can create apps to build 3D shapes through programming, build interactive apps like calculators and quiz systems, and even construct interactive games.
They can also create animations, stories, and other games with Scratch. The course will also introduce concepts of other programming languages. If you are looking for Python courses for kids, this might be a good option.
Scratch Programming – Build 14 Games in Scratch 3.0 Bootcamp
- Course Provider: Udemy
- Subjects Covered: Scratch 3.0, Arcade Arkanoid
- Cost: $16.99
This course teaches kids how to build 14 different games using Scratch 3.0. The course also offers a seamless graphical interface that allows the kids to drag and drop code blocks. Students can learn to use Scratch to create games and better understand the fundamental principles of programming.
Coding for Kids – Scratch Programming for Beginners
- Course Provider: Udemy
- Subjects Covered: loops, algorithm, syntax
- Cost: $11.99
This project-based course teaches kids to code with Scratch. The curriculum covers important concepts like conditions, loops, and object oriented programming. These fun projects are engaging and keep kids interested with an easy learning process.
Programming for Beginners – Build games using Scratch
- Course Provider: Udemy
- Subjects Covered: variables, sensing, animation
- Cost: $11.99
This course helps kids build games using Scratch. They can learn how to use controls for decision making, use motion sensors, create animations, use mathematical operators, and create variables.
The curriculum also covers how to add sprites with sensing and controls, randomization, and program sharing. If your kid wants to become a game developer when they grow up, a class like this will get them started.
The Best Free Scratch Coding Classes for Kids
- Coder Kids. This website offers an on-demand course known as Introduction to Scratch Coding. Kids with no coding experience can learn how to create a Scratch account and master the basics of the coding language.
- Code.org – Learn to Code. This website offers online tutorials for young children with no experience in coding. It gives them a seamless introduction to Scratch coding. Its search function allows you to easily find relevant courses.
- Codecombat.com. This website offers a free version for kids. It offers an introduction to coding and computer science. There are several levels that cover parameters, basic syntax, loops, arguments, and variables.
- Khanacademy.com. This website offers free coding training for both kids and adults. The material for kids is entertaining and features video tutorials to keep kids engaged. It also doesn’t require an account to access the information.
- Codemonkey.com. The website also offers free coding resources for kids. It contains over 200 challenges for kids to practice what they learn basic coding syntax. There are additional challenges for those willing to pay.
Benefits of Teaching Kids Scratch Coding
In this technological era, it’s important for kids to learn to code. Many argue that coding should be a part of basic literacy because the knowledge can help prepare them for the ever-evolving world while developing skills in math, communication, and writing. Scratch coding is made for kids, making it easier to master and can keep them engaged while they learn practical skills.
Scratch Coding for Kids FAQ
Kids should learn Scratch coding because it develops their logical thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It can help introduce them to fundamental concepts and core coding concepts while keeping it fun. They can start their coding journey by working on coding projects, mastering essential coding concepts, and building amazing custom games.
Kids older than eight can learn Scratch coding because it was designed for kids ages eight to 16. Those who are five to seven years of age can use ScratchJr instead to prepare them until they are old enough to use advanced coding languages or attend advanced Scratch coding camp. As they get older, kids can move on and learn more advanced languages like Python.
Some resources to learn Scratch coding include online courses, in-person classes, after-school classes, Scratch coding toys, and Scratch coding books. With some research, you should be able to find the most suitable program for your child’s learning style.
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Scratch coding for kids is worth it because it helps kids develop useful skills that can help them stand out in the future. Kids learn to collaborate, solve problems and come up with useful solutions. It may also help them perform better in STEM courses and lead them towards lucrative careers such as web development or game design.
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