Moonpreneur
Choosing a suitable Scratch programming Class for your child can be a confusing choice that a parent needs to make wisely as this would ensure that a solid base is made for a career in programming and also help them gain a deeper understanding of more complex programming concepts in the future.
What is Scratch programming, and how is it useful for your kid in the future?
Scratch is a block-based visual programming language and platform aimed at children ages 5 to 12 years. It provides a drag-and-drop interface for creating animations, games, and interactive stories. The language has a booming presence in more than 200 different countries and territories and has been made available in more than 70 languages worldwide.
Scratch is useful for kids in the future because it helps them develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and computational skills. These skills are increasingly in demand and can be applied in a variety of fields, such as computer science, engineering, and even arts and design. Additionally, Scratch is a fun and engaging way for kids to learn to code
What points should be considered when choosing an Online Scratch programming Class for your kid?
There are several pointers that a parent can consider before enrolling their child in an online Scratch Programming Class.
1) Age Appropriateness
As Scratch is a platform that caters to kids of the age range 8 to 16 years and thus it is of utmost importance that you as a parent look for classes specifically designed for your child’s age group, as different classes may have different levels of difficulty.
2) Interesting Course Content
Children today need diverse and engaging course content which will provide them with experiential learning! Ensure that the course covers the basics of Scratch programming and gradually builds upon those skills, so your child can not only learn at a steady pace but also build upon those skills to learn other complex programming languages in the future.
3) Experienced Instructors
Since enrolling in a Scratch Programming Class is the first step your child will take as they step into the world of programming; thus it is important to ensure that classes are taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who can provide clear and concise explanations. Learning from industry experts inspires a kid to achieve more and gets them more interested in the world of programming.
4) Highly Interactive
Scratch is a platform that is built for teaching kids programming, and thus the classes you are planning to enroll your child in should be highly interactive with several quizzes, projects, and activities to keep your child engaged and motivated to ace the process of learning.
5) Availability of resources
Look for classes that provide resources such as video tutorials, sample codes, and step-by-step instructions to help your child practice and reinforce their skills. Also, provide your child with interesting projects and assignments to work on.
6) Flexibility
Consider the schedule of the classes and make sure they fit into your child’s schedule, so they can attend regularly. Classes that provide recorded sessions and flexibility regarding timing enable a child to balance school work and extracurriculars effectively.
7) Cost and Trial Class
Look for the classes which do not burn a hole in your pocket!! There are several online Scratch classes offering payment options, i.e., monthly, quarterly, or yearly so one should always compare prices to make sure they are getting good value for their invested money.
Additionally, it is always a wise decision to go in for a trial class before enrolling as it reveals how effective their teaching methodology is.
8) Reviews and Ratings
The reviews of already enrolled children and parents can provide sufficient guidance regarding the particular Scratch programming class. Read reviews written by other parents and students to get a better understanding of the quality of the Scratch programming classes and ensure to go in for 4 or 5-star rated programming classes.
Recommended Reading: Top 5 Scratch Project Ideas for Kids
What do kids learn in a Scratch Programming Class?
A Scratch Programming Class should be designed by educators to provide young learners with a safe and interactive environment to learn and grow, helping them master the below-mentioned five key skills
- Critical thinking
- Systematic reasoning capabilities
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving and computational thinking skills
- Working collaboratively with peers
Recommended Reading: Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Scratch Programming?
The focus of a Scratch class may vary depending on the age and skill level of kids, but the aim should be to introduce kids to the world of programming in a fun and accessible way. Making an informed decision by exploring all the viable options available will help them take a firm step into the world of programming!
Moonpreneur can help your child take that step!! Our qualified instructors teach game development and programming through the Scratch platform with loads of interactive projects, thus helping your child gain experiential learning.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to educate and ignite the flames of entrepreneurship through our holistically created online STEM programs, which will help kids master the futuristic sciences such as Robotics, Game Development, App Development, Advanced Math, and much more!!
Register for a free 60-minute robotics workshop today!
