.avif)
.png){kind=small}
.avif)
Have you heard of Scratch and wondered, what is Scratch? This groundbreaking platform is changing the way kids approach coding, making it both fun and accessible. Designed to spark creativity and enhance problem-solving skills, Scratch has become a favorite among young learners. Want to know what can scratch be used for and how it can benefit your child? Read on to uncover everything you need to know about this innovative coding tool.
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a visual programming language for kids aged 8 to 16, but it’s also a platform for anyone eager to learn code but don’t know how to start.
Created by the geniuses at MIT Media Lab and the Playful Invention Company, headed by luminaries such as Brian Silverman, Paula Bonta, and Mitchel Resnick, Scratch was launched in 2003 to make programming intuitive and enjoyable for young learners. What’s fantastic is that people of all ages now embrace it.
By 2024, Scratch had expanded to 150 countries and been translated into more than 70 languages. It encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovative thinking, making learning fun for anyone involved.
Key features of Scratch
Visual programming
Scratch became famous with its user-friendly and visually appealing interface. Unlike traditional ways of coding, which require us to write thousands lines of text, users can now use drag-and-drop movements to create scripts for their coding projects. It goes beyond what we know about coding, where even a person without programming experience can understand the logic and create games, animation, or story after just a few minutes.
Interface that easy to use
As an educational tool, and having kids as their target audience, Scratch’s interface must be eye-catching, and it has to make it easier for kids to navigate through the platform.
Online community with up to 200 million users
Scratch is available in 150 countries and has been translated into more than 70 languages. It’s no surprise that the Scratch online community is active, with millions of kids (and educators) around the world creating and sharing their awesome projects everyday. Scratch has successfully developed a platform on which its users can stretch their imagination, share and get feedback and meet new friends.
The History of Scratch
Scratch 1.0 (2003)
Scratch started way back in 2003. The first version lets you use drag-and-drop blocks to make your own projects. It was indeed a game changer for learning how to code back in the day.
Scratch 2.0 (2013)
Released in 2013, with Scratch 2.0, users could create projects directly in their web browser.
Latest version release: Scratch 3.0 – What is Scratch 3.0?
The latest version, Scratch 3.0, came out in 2019 and added even more fun features:
- New extensions: Now you can connect Scratch to gadgets like micro:bit or LEGO Mindstorms.
- Available on mobile: Scratch works great on tablets and phones, so you can code anywhere, anytime.
- Richer library: A ton of new sounds, graphics, and animations to make your projects pop.
It is Scratch's most recent and optimized version. It has a new modern look and design, and fixed many bugs in Scratch 2.0. This revolutionary version removes the Flash Player requirement restriction for users to view and edit projects from mobile devices.
Understanding Scratch Coding
What is Scratch coding?
Unlike other coding languages like HTML, Python, or CSS, coding in Scratch does not require users to have prior knowledge to create games, animations, or stories.
Scratch works by turning programming commands into colorful blocks of codes. Each block has a different function, such as moving characters (sprites), playing sound or music, and changing the backdrops. Users then drag and drop those coding blocks to create scripts for the projects.
This method makes it easier for beginners to learn to code, allowing Scratch to introduce fundamental coding concepts like loops, conditionals, events, and variables to kids as young as 5.
What can Scratch be used for?
Scratch provides endless possibilities to learn and create, whether you are a student, teacher, or just brand new to code. What can you do with Scratch? Here are ways that Scratch can be used for:
Game Development and Animation
Scratch is an excellent tool for budding game developers. It allows young learners to create anything from classic arcade challenges to intricate role-playing games.
Using the assets provided in the library, users can create designs and customize characters (sprites) and backdrops. In Scratch, most of the game functionality can be enabled, such as:
- Collision detection: Characters can bump into the background or other sprites.
- Levels and progression: Creates several levels with gradually increasing difficulty.
- Sprites control: Designs and makes the characters move or progress through a level.
- Scoring systems: Sets up scoring where the player gets points by completing specific tasks or challenges.
- Interactive elements: Adds the fun aspects of power-ups, obstacles, and enemies.
Teaching and other educational purposes
When appropriately used, Scratch is the perfect tool for educators to enhance their interactive teaching in the classroom. Scratch helps teachers create fun activities that engage students. They can design interactive puzzles, games or presentations that captivate students and foster a dynamic learning environment.
Students use Scratch to simulate real-life situations, helping them understand complex topics in school subjects like physics and mathematics. By turning theory into animated lessons or presentations, they improve not only their writing skills and creativity but also their ability to grasp knowledge effectively. Working on Scratch projects at school with friends also encourages students to communicate with friends, level their teamwork skills, and expand their social circles.
Why Should Kids Learn Scratch Coding? Benefit of Learning Scratch for Kids
Using Scratch, your kids can create their own interactive games, stories, and animations through simple drop-and-drag action. Let’s discover the benefit of learning to code for kids, Scratch Edition!
A simple starting step for children to learn how to code
Even children who have never coded before may create their own games, animations thanks to Scratch’s intuitive interface. With the dynamic coding setting of Scratch, children can pick up basics of programming and coding logic without having to comprehend tedious, complicated lines of code.
Level up their creativity
By developing narratives, writing dialogue, customizing characters, and selecting the ideal background for their mini projects, they will not only increase their creativity but also improve their writing skills, express themselves, and develop their aesthetic viewpoint at such a young age.
Take up the role of problem-solver
One excellent way to introduce children to programming fundamentals is to teach them Scratch coding. By starting to code using Scratch, they expose themselves to the practical parts of coding and topics from school subjects like science and math, such as X-Y coordinates, degrees, gravity, velocity, and acceleration. These skills help them to become more logical and practical problem solvers later on in life.
Getting started with Scratch coding
Step 1: Create an account
- Go to the Scratch website.
- Look at the top right corner.
- Click Join Scratch.
- Fill in your information and create your free account.
Step 2: Make your first project
Once you’re in you can start creating immediately. Get creative by starting your first Scratch coding projects using their resourceful assets.
Step 3: Explore and learn
Check out the Scratch community and look through other people’s projects and play with them. The possibilities are endless!
Want to get your kids into Scratch coding?
TechTrain is an inspiring virtual academy offering top-notch technology and creative coding courses for children aged 5-17, accessible from anywhere on the planet Earth.
Explore our best-selling program, where kids can learn Scratch coding and unleash their creativity. Join us on this exciting journey!
.png)
.png)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.png)
