At The Children’s School, we believe every student is a maker and problem-solver. Coding has become a part of our math curriculum thanks to Scratch, an engaging platform for young programmers. With its playful, hands-on approach, Scratch makes the concepts of coding and digital creation accessible—even to children who are just beginning to read and write.
Developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT’s Media Lab, Scratch is built on a simple yet powerful idea: coding should feel as natural and enjoyable as building with LEGO. Its visual programming language uses colorful blocks that snap together like puzzle pieces, allowing students to focus on creativity rather than syntax.
Scratch introduces a world of possibilities with just three basic elements: a stage for action, quirky characters called “sprites,” and a tool kit of drag-and-drop commands to animate and manipulate these sprites. Students can create vibrant animations, design games, or compose interactive stories while exploring foundational programming concepts like sequences, loops, and conditionals. Best of all, results come quickly: within minutes, their characters are dancing, singing, or flying across the screen.
The magic of Scratch lies in its open-endedness. It’s more than a coding tool; it’s a medium for creativity and self-expression. Whether students are animating their names, designing virtual pets, or crafting complex projects like dress-up games or musical performances, their passion and imagination shine. Collaboration flourishes naturally, with students exchanging tips and troubleshooting advice as they bring their ideas to life.
Scratch encourages experimentation, inviting students to tinker, tweak, and refine their work. This process instills resilience and curiosity. If something doesn’t work, they dive back in, testing and adjusting until it does. As Mitch Resnick of MIT’s Media Lab observes, “In Scratch, if you’re not getting the results you want, you must go back in and figure it out. This attitude is essential in math, but to students, it might feel more natural when programming.”
Through Scratch, students aren’t just learning to code—they’re learning to think like creators, inventors, and problem-solvers. They develop technical skills alongside design instincts and experience the joy of bringing ideas to life. It’s a powerful reminder that when we trust in every child’s potential to code, we empower them to create something extraordinary.
Maureen
