My 10-year-old has been thoroughly enjoying Scratch, developing a range of projects from simple animations to games. It’s been incredible watching their problem-solving skills and creativity flourish. Now, they’re eager to explore more complex coding areas like website creation, advanced gaming, or app development. I’m seeking advice on suitable next steps that are both challenging and appropriate for their age.
Challenges include finding the right resources that aren’t too simplistic or advanced, and keeping the learning process engaging. I’m interested in hearing from other parents about:
Your experiences with children transitioning from Scratch to other coding platforms.
Recommendations for platforms, tools, or communities that could support their development.
Any advice on how to best support and nurture this growing interest in coding would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
For a smooth transition from Scratch, consider Makecode with Microbit for hardware projects, or p5js for web development focused on art and design. Both platforms allow for graphical programming and introduce text-based coding. Sonic Pi is also fantastic for exploring music through code.
@MiaAbigail
Pairing Makecode with a robotics kit like those from Kitronic can also be very motivating, as kids see their code come to life in physical forms.
Minecraft Education is a fantastic resource that allows kids to code in both a block-based environment and using text-based languages like Python and Java. It’s engaging and educational.
Microsoft Makecode is highly recommended. It integrates well with Microbits, offering numerous project possibilities that merge coding with physical computing.
Mary said:
Microsoft Makecode is highly recommended. It integrates well with Microbits, offering numerous project possibilities that merge coding with physical computing.
Yes, and expanding into MakeCode Arcade is great for kids who want to create video games. It’s a good step up from Scratch.
Consider Python as it is commonly taught in K-12. Replit’s 100 days of code is an excellent, beginner-friendly resource to start with. Also, Micro:bit is great for beginners and seamlessly transitions to more complex projects like Arduino.
We’ve found that mixing things up with Code.org, particularly their Minecraft lessons, keeps kids engaged. Micro:bit and programmable Lego also offer tangible results that make learning fun.
Consider Construct 3 for a natural progression from Scratch to a more sophisticated game development environment. It bridges block-based coding with JavaScript.
Samuel said:
Consider Construct 3 for a natural progression from Scratch to a more sophisticated game development environment. It bridges block-based coding with JavaScript.
If Construct 3 seems a bit advanced, GDevelop is another good option. It’s user-friendly and more accessible for younger coders.
CathyGenesis said:
MIT App Inventor is a great platform for young students to start creating their own apps. It’s straightforward and offers a drag-and-drop interface.
Agreed, but it’s worth noting that while App Inventor is great, access to robust curriculum like Project Lead the Way could be costly.
For students ready to advance beyond Scratch, the Godot game engine offers a comprehensive platform to create games using gdscript, which is similar to Python. It allows for more complex game development and has a growing community for support.
Starting with Python using simple libraries like Turtle can be a great transition for kids moving from Scratch to text-based programming. It’s visually engaging and easy to understand.