Learning to code is one of the essential skills in the 21st century. I love coding and I can’t wait to teach Gab the endless possibilities of coding. But I have been resisting the urge to teach Gab to code for years now. I already bought books as early as 2017 when it was still Scratch 2.0. It is only this year that I decided to start learning how to code.
We are now using Scratch version 3.0. Scratch is a visual programming language developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is a great first programming language. Gab doesn’t need to learn syntax, variable types, and other technical aspects of coding. Scratch uses block programming. Gab will simply drag and drop colored interfaces to build a program. No need to type any code.
A WORD OF ADVICE: There is something that worries me about coding. It’s a very demanding skill. I have experienced sleepless nights to fix a code. I have been asked many times to work overtime to meet a deadline. That is why many programmers are not teaching their kids to code. They suggest you do the same. They believe that there other important skills for kids to learn instead like creativity, problem solving, and teamwork. These skills can be learned through other activities aside from coding.
Why learn Scratch
What I like about Scratch is how it focuses on the creative aspect of coding. It looks simple and fun. It uses colorful blocks to build the code but can be powerful as well. Gab can make animations, story cartoon, games and more.
Since Gab doesn’t need to master the technical aspects, he can simply focus on being creative. Creativity is a valuable skill that can be used in any career, not just for coding.
The drag and drop interface also makes it easy to debug and study the logic and flow of the program. If there is bug in the program, Gab can focus more on problem solving skills instead of looking for errors in the syntax.
Creativity and problem solving are the two skills I would focus on teaching aside from coding itself. And using Scratch is a good starting point before we jump into C++, Python and Java.
Our books and resources
I have bought books too early. They were still about Scratch 2.0. But the books are still useful.
- Beginner’s Step-by-Step Coding Course: Learn Computer Programming the Easy Way – Really good book. Lots of illustrations, examples and projects. It also covers Python and Web programming. This uses Scratch 3.0 already.
- 20 Games to Create with Scratch (How to Code) – I totally agree that the best way to learn is by having fun. This books is all fun. I bought the book that still uses the Scratch 2.0 but a new Scratch 3.0 edition is now available.
- Coding with Scratch Workbook: An Introduction to Computer Programming – This is the first book that we used. Simple to understand and great for beginners. It still use Scratch 2.0 though.
- Coding in Scratch: Games Workbook – A follow up to the Coding with Scratch Workbook, this one provides more games and projects to practice.
I also bought the BBC micro:bit. The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together.
The BBC micro:bit let’s Gab experience how to program an external device. Gab can light up the LEDs, use the buttons to control a Scratch program, and use the sensors to trigger events.
Coding with Scratch is fun and easy to learn. It opens a lot of possibilities since Gab makes his own version of the games or try to add features to the projects given in the book.
Visit the official Scratch website to download and learn how to code.
