How can we get kids into coding early?
Scratch is a super exciting resource that lowers the skill floor for coding, removing barriers to entry by making coding easier to understand, and therefore easier to do. My experience using scratch was very encouraging, as coding has been something I’ve dreamed of being able to do for the longest time. I’ve tried learning about code on Kaggle but I found the experience unfulfilling. I felt that its Python course was well structured and well delivered for beginners, but I struggled with code in general.
Luckily, we have Scratch. Not to mention Scratch JR, an even further limited coding platform. Below is an amusing video of someone familiar with coding finding interesting ways to squeeze a surprising level of capability out of Scratch JR. Scratch JR is characterized by allowing people to code without reading a single word. This is especially helpful for introducing code to children who aren’t necessarily comfortable with their literacy skills yet.
Should I find myself teaching a sufficiently low grade level, I would certainly consider including Scratch, or even Scratch JR, in my practice. I would be more interested in higher grade level projects, allowing for the inclusion of devices like the Raspberry Pi.