If you’re looking for a great way to learn the basics of programming, there are plenty of tools available out there. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tool that makes learning to program a lot more fun, especially for children, then explore the Scratch Coding Community for Children and coding language.
The Scratch coding community for children is the most welcoming coding community around. It’s centered around the block-based Scratch programming language that allows even young individuals to step into the world of coding.
Here, we’ll explain more about this particular programming tool that you may find helpful.
What Is The Scratch Coding Community for Children?
Not only is Scratch the largest coding community for children, but it is also a block-based language that is specifically designed to help teach beginners the basics of coding.
This tool teaches children how to create computer-generated items such as animations, games, music, art, and interactive stories and then share their creations with people all around the world.
There are multiple reasons people, especially parents, and educators, have chosen to trust the Scratch coding community for children. The two most prominent ones are:
Scratch is Completely Free
You might think, at first, that such a big and helpful platform that allows users to create their own projects via an easy-to-use coding language would have at least some sort of subscription system. However, that isn’t the case with Scratch.
Instead, anyone can create an account on the official website and start coding without having to pay a single cent. All of this is possible thanks to the nonprofit organization, Scratch Foundation, which keeps the Scratch coding community for children running.
Of course, you can always donate to the developers if you are looking to help them out, but Scratch will never ask you to pay anything. These experiences should be free and for everyone.
Scratch Doesn’t Require Any Prior Experience
This one is rather self-explanatory. Considering that the Scratch coding community mostly includes children, it’s a given that the requirements wouldn’t be too high to allow newcomers to start using it.
However, Scratch has gone above and beyond by not only incorporating steps that players can follow but also several guides that help those who are completely new to the art of coding.
Finally, every member of the Scratch coding community for children is trying to help each other out. Because of this, even if someone feels as if they don’t get the help they need, all they need to do is ask.
This sense of community allows everyone to push each other toward success and a greater knowledge of coding.
Why the Scratch Coding Community for Children Is Great to Teach Kids Coding
With this particular tool, you’re provided with free learning paths that will help guide children through various programming projects. This will give them the independence and foundations needed to become good coders.
Although Scratch is specially designed for children between the ages of eight and sixteen, people of all ages and backgrounds use it. Homes, schools, libraries, and even museums regularly create Scratch projects.
Naturally, coding is something that has limitless potential, and by being a part of the Scratch coding community for children, kids can let their creativity loose.
After all, because of the unique block-like interface, Scratch is an amazing gateway into the world of coding.
Everyone Is Welcome
One of the highlights of the Scratch coding community for children is that everyone is welcome and treated equally.
Of course, all of this is possible because of Scratch’s community guidelines that ensure Scratch is a welcoming, supportive, and creative space for all.
Everyone on Scratch can share things that excite them and are important to them, all the while respecting the identities of their fellow Scratch community members.
To help with this and to make people all around the world feel even more welcome, the Scratch tool has also been translated into over forty languages.
It’s a Community to Help Everyone Improve
The Scratch coding community for children encourages its members to share their ideas and projects with others around the world. It also encourages them to give valid feedback on the works of others.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that anyone should be overly critical. However, honest and constructive feedback is perhaps the most helpful thing someone can get, especially in a field like coding.
People in the Scratch coding community for children are always being encouraged to come up with new ideas and creations and then improve on them to the best of their abilities.
Remix Culture Is Embraced
Perhaps the best way to connect with other members of the Scratch coding community for children is by remixing or building upon someone’s project, idea, or creation.
This culture allows members of the community to get together to create something new. Of course, providing credit where credit is due is an absolute must.
Because of this, according to the Scratch guidelines, if you share something on Scratch, you’re giving others permission to improve on your creation, hopefully, to take it to the next level. Two heads are better than one, and Scratch has over a million heads.
Paths are Already Available for Your Guidance
For those who are complete beginners, Scratch also offers set paths users can follow to gradually work up their coding skills. This not only makes the process of learning coding easier but also more enjoyable.
The first path is the introductory one. This path, made up of sprites, scripts, and loops, provides the perfect introduction to this programming tool. It also offers step-by-step lessons relating to various coding concepts such as creating an app, games, animations, and even books.
After the introductory path comes the intermediate, or ‘more’ path. This path takes children on a journey revolving around broadcasts, decisions, and variables.
Here, children are able to build on the skills previously taught in the first path, enabling them to take the Scratch creations previously created to the next level.
In the final path, children can learn more about clones, blocks, and boolean logic. Children can take advantage of Scratch’s various tools when on this path. This will allow them to create code for multiple programs such as games, art generated by a computer, and simulations.
Let’s Wrap Things Up
We hope that you found this article about the Scratch coding community for children interesting.
Our aim was to enlighten more parents and educators about this amazing coding community and the Scratch coding language. Scratch has the potential to open so many doors for people interested in coding.
Related article: are you looking for more online resources to help your kids learn Python? Have a look at the Codefather article about Python online resources for kids.
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