Scratch is a programming language often used to introduce children into the world of coding. Its visual programming approach with many features similar to popular coding languages like Python, JavaScript and Java work has made it the most popular coding platform for children.
Despite being designed for children new to programming, Scratch can be difficult to master without assistance. In this article, we’ll share our top 5 free scratch coding learning resources to help understand the concepts of Scratch, from ideas for projects to video tutorials.
Scratch was developed by MIT Media Lab, an interdisciplinary research lab known for its wide breadth of research, from tools for learning and expression, to devices for human augmentation. On the official website, the team running Scratch has collated tutorials, activity guides and ideas for projects for those looking to master the programming language.
Besides a tutorial to get you started, you can also find coding cards which you can use to learn interactive games, stories, or animations; you can find starter projects made by the scratch team to inspire or remix as you wish.
Google CS First is a free computer science curriculum designed by Google that aims to help students who face challenges in accessing tools and resources for learning computer science. The platform is aligned to the Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 CS Framework and Next-Generation Science Standards, which altogether means the quality of lessons acquired are of a high quality.
Google CS first contains a special version of the Scratch Coding editor, except without the community, scratch toolbar and other settings such as the Scratch Backpack, and the ability for students to record their own sounds or use their cameras. Nonetheless, CS First has plenty to offer including video tutorials, fun activities and more.
Although YouTube is technically owned by Google, we added it to this list because plenty of the learning resources available on the video platform are created by parties outside of Google’s network.
You can find projects, video lessons as well as find ideas from content creators explaining common challenges faced by many others trying to master Scratch. Some of our favourite YouTube channels include McGuy, Griffpatch, Coding with Chris and the Scratch Team.
Anyone familiar with the online education landscape will have heard about Coursera. For those who aren’t, Coursera is a global learning platform that offers access to online courses from a wide range of institutions across the globe.
What makes Coursera unique is that you can audit a course for free. Essentially, what this means is that you can learn about a subject from instructors without gaining any academic credit.
This is great for student’s looking to acquire instruction from leading universities, the only downside – besides not being able to show a certificate for participation – is that your child misses out on so many of the advantages of learning to code in a classroom setting. Advantages like learning how to collaborate, to lead, to communicate – all of which are important skills to have in the 21st century.
With all that said, Coursera offers a number of courses for those looking to master Scratch Coding.
For those who like the written word, our fifth resource for learning Scratch coding is a series of free books containing everything from material to get you started, quizzes, games, handy code snippets and more.
1. Scratch Programming Playground: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games by Al Sweigart
While this book doesn’t offer a complete guide, we recommend it for anyone looking to make further progress along their journey to learning Scratch.
2. Learn to Code with Scratch by The MagPi Team
Learn to Code walks you through the steps you need to start coding with Scratch. You’ll find all sorts of projects from games, to animations, and quizzes.
3. {code club} Book of Scratch by Rik Cross, Tracy Gardner
{code club} Book of Scratch teaches how to code with Scratch. Include is an assortment of fun topics such as coding chatbots, making music via code, building spooky games, and more.
4. An Introduction to Computing Science: Starting from Scratch
This book aims to use Scratch to introduce learners to Computer Science. Included in the package are media files, screencasts, a learner pack as well as a tutor. Keep in mind that some of the material is derived from existing work from the ScratchEd site.
We hope that the resources shared go a long way in helping your child master the nuances of Scratch coding. It’s best to keep in mind that although useful, the resources we shared are used best as a supplement to professional instruction.
Professional instruction in a classroom setting is personalised based on the needs of the student. It provides deeper engagement and enables kids to exercise and develop skills that will help them later in their careers.
STEM Genius Scratch coding classes are accredited by STEM.org. We have options for kids aged 4 to 5, 6 to 11 and 12 to 16.
Our classes introduce kids to coding concepts and challenge them with real-world problems to build a foundation they can later rely on as they develop their coding skills. To learn more about our curriculum, click here.
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