Programming languages can be broadly classified into text-based languages and block-based languages. You’ll have to use letters and numbers to ‘write’ code in a text-based language.
On the other hand, block-based languages do not require you to write lines and lines of code rife with letters and numbers. They are visual in nature and often employ a drag-and-drop mechanism.
Let’s talk about Scratch, a free block-based programming language that kids love because it is simple and easy to use.
What is Scratch Programming?
Scratch is a free programming language that doesn’t require you to type code. It is a block-based coding language, also known as a visual programming language, rather than a text-heavy language like JavaScript or Python.
This simply means you can use the drag-and-drop feature to create programs of your own. Because of this convenient functionality, Scratch is used across the world to introduce coding for kids (age groups 8-16).
Here’s a fun bit of information: Scratch got its name from DJs! Let us tell you how. A DJ ‘scratches’ or manipulates the sounds on a disc with preloaded sound effects.
Scratch programming for kids follows the same principle - it allows users to manipulate existing blocks to create programs of their own.
Overall, the benefits of Scratch programming for kids include:
- Nurtures critical thinking
- Encourages problem-solving
- Introduces collaboration
Camp K12’s teaching philosophy also focuses on the 3 pillars mentioned above. That’s exactly why we’ve included Scratch Programming tutorials in our curriculum.
Summary: Scratch is a block-based programming language that is simple and easy to learn for kids between the age group of 8-16. It helps kids solve problems and think rationally. Camp K12’s Scratch programming courses are the perfect way to introduce coding for kids.
What is the Right Age to Learn Scratch Programming for Kids?
Scratch programming uses a block-based style so it’s simple to learn and easy to execute. This makes it suitable for kids between the ages of 6 to 9.
However, there’s no upper age limit to learn Scratch programming as it is taught right from the primary school level to the college level.
More importantly, Scratch programming incorporates artistic and visually appealing projects across domains like:
All three of these domains may interest kids between the ages of 8 to 16 more than, for example, building a text-heavy program that tracks the price of a Tesla share in the US stock market.
At the same time, it prepares kids to use critical thinking and visual problem-solving for future text-based coding projects. Here’s how Scratch programming’s components are divided to ensure a fun yet resourceful learning curve:
| Scratch UI Component | End Goal |
|---|
| Motion Block | Manipulate angles and positions of sprites |
| Looks | Build or enhance sprite visuals |
| Sound | Add & play sounds |
| Event | Set an event/action to be handled |
| Control | Conditional statements & loops |
| Sensing | Interacting with the environment |
| Operators | Mathematical operators |
| Variables | Variables & lists |
| My Blocks | Create functions with a null return value |
| Extensions | Extra blocks & features |
These diverse components ensure that Scratch programming for kids is comprehensive but not overwhelming, an important aspect of coding that can make or break a child’s interest in the domain.
Camp K12’s mentors and faculty place value in the same principle. Moreover, Camp K12’s Scratch programming tutorials for kids is tailor-made for grades 1 to 4.
Summary: Scratch programming is ideal for kids between the ages of 8 to 16. It uses diverse components to introduce a fun yet thorough learning curve. Camp K12’s Scratch programming tutorials for kids is suitable for Grades 1 to 2.
What is the curriculum of Scratch Programming for Kids at Camp K12?
If a coding course includes Scratch programming, it must:
- Leverage the strengths of the Scratch programming language
- Give kids access to projects that are fun yet challenging
- Prepare kids to enter the world of text-based coding in the future
That’s exactly what Camp K12 does with its
Scratch programming tutorials for kids
. The syllabus includes projects based on these domains:
The projects incorporate concepts like:
⟶ Coding fundamentals
⟶ Logic development concepts like:
⟶ Mathematics concepts like:
- Arithmetic
- Geometry
- 2D coordinate systems
- Animations along x and y axes
⟶ Coding essentials like:
- Commands
- If-else (conditionals)
- Loops,
- Variables
- Events
- Cause-and-effect
- Functions
⟶ Game Dev concepts like:
- Collision Detection
- Animation
- Graphics
Camp K12’s Scratch programming tutorials for kids ’ syllabus is broken down into 4 modules that make up a learning path.
| Course Duration | GameDevelopment | AI & Game Development | Mobile App Development | 3D Coding & Virtual Reality Games |
|---|
| 3-months | ☑️ | | | |
| 6-months | ☑️ | ☑️ | | |
| 9-months | ☑️ | ☑️ | ☑️ | |
| 12-months | ☑️ | ☑️ | ☑️ | ☑️ |
But that’s just the technical side of it. The real magic lies in how Camp K12 teaches Scratch programming. For starters, we give your children access to mentors and faculty that have:
- Worked with tech giants like Google and Microsoft
- Studied at prestigious universities like MIT and IIT
- Made coding fun and easy to learn
Explore Camp K12’s Scratch programming tutorials for kids by scheduling a call or dropping a line at customerservice@campk12.com.
Summary: Camp K12’s syllabus for Scratch programming for kids contains 4 exciting domains and a learning path that is spread across 12 months. The tutors and mentors at Camp K12 are experienced professionals who have worked with leading tech giants. But at the end of the day, they love to code and believe that it should be taught in a fun and interactive way.
What’s the Schedule of Scratch Tutorials for Kids at Camp K12?
Camp K12 isn’t structured like a school. This means you can enrol your child for Camp K12’s Scratch tutorials any day of the week, month, or year!
Better yet, you can even enrol for one free demo which is as comprehensive and similar to the classes your kid will attend once you start the actual course.
This may help you gauge the teaching style of our tutors and mentors along with Camp K12’s philosophy that’s rooted in encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
Summary: You can enrol your child with Camp K12 at any time whenever your child is ready to learn how to code in a fun and organic way.
What are the Software Requirements for Scratch Programming Tutorials for Kids?
Scratch is a free to use programming language. Thus, there are no software requirements for Camp K12’s Scratch Programming Tutorials for Kids.
Almost all of Camp K12’s courses use open source programming languages so that children do not have to buy or invest in expensive software.
Summary: Scratch programming is free so there is no need to buy or invest in any software.
Hardware requirements for Scratch classes for Kids
Your child will need access to a basic laptop - that’s it! There’s no other hardware requirement to learn Scratch programming at Camp K12.
However, not everyone may have access to a basic laptop. Thus, Camp K12 will give your child a free laptop if you enrol them in any course for at least 6 months.
Camp K12’s primary aim is to make coding fun and accessible. This is the best way to do it!
| Course/Freebie | 3-months | 6-months | 9-months | 12-months |
|---|
| Free laptop | ❌ | ☑️ | ☑️ | ☑️ |
Summary: Camp K12’s Scratch programming tutorials require a basic laptop and nothing more. Your child can get access to a free laptop if you enrol them for any course for 6 months or more.
These skills and coins are added to your portfolio automatically upon course completion
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