What is Scratch?
We are not talking about the act of scraping or digging with a sharp object! We are talking about the programming app that is making waves across various schools and educational institutions.
Scratch is a visual coding program that teaches coding concepts using graphics and visual blocks.
Instead of numbers and letters, the primary coding tools on Scratch are blocks. Each one of these visual blocks carries code instructions. Students drag and drop these blocks to a creator’s workspace. When users put together these blocks, they form algorithms.
Similar to making LEGO structures, learners use blocks to build a simple computer program- which can be games, animations, or interactive stories.
The History of Scratch
The Lifelong Kindergarten Group developed Scratch in the MIT Media Lab. They designed the program to be suitable for kids aged 8 to 16 years old. However, people of all ages can use Scratch as it is free and available in over 70 languages!
Scratch creators wanted it to be a coding program that is simple and user-friendly. Although it is a platform teaching kids code, they do not need to have prior knowledge in coding to use Scratch. This program has the design framework to be accessible to coding beginners. In addition, it also has a flexible and free environment that enables coders to expand their creativity and develop higher-level coding skills.
Why Do Teachers Rave About Scratch?
Prepares students
Most teachers feel that it is their job to prepare kids for higher levels of learning and the challenges of adult life.
The ability to code computer programs is a valued skill in our world. By incorporating Scratch in their classroom, teachers can have more confidence and assurance that students are learning valuable skills that will help them in the future.
Offers Many Learning Benefits
With Scratch, teachers realize that they can help students develop a wide range of skills and competencies.
Some of the learning benefits include:
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Creative thinking
- Logical reasoning
- Critical thinking
Makes Teaching Programming Easier
Many teachers find teaching kids to code the traditional way difficult because it does not inspire student interest and engagement in the classroom. Although students use computers in their everyday life, they find learning programming difficult MonroyHernández & Resnick, 2010; Dagdilelis, Satratzemi & Evangelidis, 2004). However, kids generally like social media and computer games. It does make sense to use technology to demystify technology concepts. With Scratch, teachers have realized that they can teach coding without being boring and vague.
Enhances learning in other subjects or fields
Teachers can use Scratch to help students improve in other disciplines. For example, teachers can introduce Scratch in their Math classes. In Math, learners must learn to break down a problem into parts to solve it. This analysis is the same learning objective offered by coding apps like Scratch.
Many visual learners are struggling to understand mathematical processes. Teachers use Scratch’s graphic nature to enable students to visualize mathematical equations and problems. This allows visual learners to understand mathematical processes better. Scratch also promotes inquiry and logical thinking – crucial skills for scientific investigations and experiments.
Why Do Students Love About Scratch
It’s Excellent to Fail
Existing education systems can put too much emphasis on results and the marks that quantify success. Students feel the pressure to succeed in their classes to gain favor from their teachers and parents.
Scratch allows kids to experiment and fail. It is alright to feel unsure about the result in Scratch, and failure is a natural occurrence. Scratch teaches kids that failure is part of the process of learning and progressing. As a result, kids are more at ease using Scratch because they don’t have to do things perfectly.
Easy to Use
Even without prior knowledge in coding, kids can jump into Scratch with ease. They don’t have to possess superior science and math skills to use this coding program. After a few hours with Scratch, kids quickly understand the concepts of completing coding projects.
Turns Imagination into Reality
Compared to adults, kids naturally have wilder imaginations. This is why they love flying unicorns, superheroes, and dog patrols. Unfortunately, their physical world can restrict kids from exploring their imagination. The imagination can shrink as they grow up to become adults.
Scratch encourages imagination and delights kids by giving them the chance to see their ideas come to life. With this coding app, kids are not just passive audiences or readers of cartoon shows and books; they become creators of products stemming from their imagination. This is what makes Scratch so interesting to young learners.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Children love to work together because it makes learning relatable and fun. They also like being part of something big. Scratch promotes collaboration and teamwork. It has a built-in social community. Learners can browse millions of projects of other users. They can take inspiration from these projects or use them as the basis for their work. In a classroom setting, students can share the progress of their project. They can help each other by exchanging ideas and suggestions to correct errors or improve the finished product.
Have you ever learned or taught scratch coding? Share in the comments.
We found some really neat scratch coding and other coding courses for kids here. Check it out!
Don’t leave just yet! Check out some other articles on teaching and learning.
About the Author: Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He is currently finishing his Doctor of Education degree in Miriam College. Bash writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle, and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management, and traveling are translated in his works.
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Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
This is so cool, I like that it has a lot of benefits. And it’s an interesting idea. Thank you for sharing!
I had no idea about this before reading this post! You’ve sent me away with at least some basic understanding 😀
I wasn’t aware of scratch coding, and you did a great job for those like me to help us understand it. The benefits are amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have never heard of this. I’m glad to hear it makes programming easier.
I haven’t learned Scratch coding before. I’d love to….that thrill I’d get from perfecting my code after numerous fails is something I can’t trade for anything else in the world.
I’ve not heard about scratch coding before. I don’t think my son has even done coding in school yet. This should be interesting when they start. Hopefully, I’ll learn to do it too.
My eldest loves to learn about computer programming, so I think she knows about this. It’s amazing to see how far technology has come.
That’s kinda neat for learning. I didn’t know you could learn to code that way.
I love Scratch coding. My son uses it at school and it’s so user friendly. He is able to code without any issues. The best part, not only is it educational but it is fun!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Scratch coding is such a great way to learn coding! My boys do this at their elementary school. My 9 year old is making a game right now that the computers teacher will use for the kindergarteners using scratch coding.
Having it be simple and user-friendly is so important! I’m glad that there are creative ways to present information like this.
This is really interesting concept. I’ve never heard of scratch coding before, but I can see how it’s a great intro.