Programming for Kids and Beginners: Learn to Code in Scratch from Udemy

In this course, we'll learn to code, starting from the basic blocks. No kidding. Scratch, the programming language we use (developed by MIT), is so fun that it makes programming seem like a game.

We'll learn by doing. The course is designed so that you create the games and applications with your own two hands. But what makes this course truly unique is the teaching method I've used live 4+ years. We learn a variety of computer science topics, but we hide the complexity behind characters, animations, analogies and fun.

That's because, in these carefully designed lessons, we train our intuition to make sense of what we want to achieve and how to get there. This will help you quickly master the basics. After this course, you'll learn text-based programming languages at a blazing speed and quickly make sense of any piece of code.

The content is designed to be fun. We learn to create animations and cool effects and we create clones of some of the most popular games, such as Flappy Bird or Pac-Man. The games are handpicked to optimize learning computer science topics while having fun along the way. I will also update the course on a regular basis with new content - and challenges.

This course is designed for

parents or teachers who want to give their children the best skills and most fun
kids and beginners who want to learn to code games
anyone new to programming who doesn't know where to start

I can't wait to have you in the course.

The course is regularly updated with new material, tips and tricks that you can use in your games and projects.

Note: this course is intended for purchase as an adult. Those under 18 may use this course only if a parent or guardian opens their account, handles any enrollments, and manages their account usage.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create smart and fun games
Create animations and cool visual effects
Code - one of the most important skills to learn!

Understand complex computer science concepts by intuitively applying them in games
Learn text-based programming languages 2x - 10x faster

Create smart and fun games
Create animations and cool visual effects
Code - one of the most important skills to learn!
Understand complex computer science concepts by intuitively applying them in games
Learn text-based programming languages 2x - 10x faster

Syllabus

In this section we'll quickly create a Scratch account and get started. We'll go through the most important concepts and we'll apply them on some cool effects and animations.

If the zip doesn't work, remix this project:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/454209841/

If the zip doesn't work or you don't want to use it, remix this project:

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/454214233/

If the zip doesn't work or you don't want to use it, remix this project:

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/454215867/

If the zip doesn't work or you don't want to use it, remix this project:

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/454216456/

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Engages learners with entertaining games and graphics

Promotes a deeper understanding of computer science principles through practical applications in game development

Provides a unique and immersive learning experience that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills

Designed specifically for beginners with no prior programming knowledge

Empowers learners to create their own games and projects, fostering a sense of accomplishment

Taught by an experienced instructor with a proven track record in engaging students

Reviews summary

Fun scratch coding for kids and beginners

According to learners, this course is a fantastic introduction to coding, especially for kids and absolute beginners. Students highlight the engaging projects, particularly creating popular games like Flappy Bird and Pac-Man, as a major strength that makes learning fun and intuitive. The clear explanations and easy-to-follow structure are frequently praised, making complex ideas accessible. While overwhelmingly positive, some note that it is very basic and may not be challenging enough for those with any prior programming experience.

Course content tied to Scratch.

"The course is based entirely in the Scratch environment, which is perfect for beginners."

"Follows the standard Scratch interface and block system."

"Relies on using the Scratch website for projects."

Instructor explains concepts clearly.

"The instructions were very clear and broken down into manageable steps."

"I appreciated how simply the instructor explained potentially confusing concepts."

"Following along was easy because of the clear visuals and audio."

"Every lesson built logically on the last one with simple, direct teaching."

Learning is fun by building games.

"Making the Flappy Bird game was so much fun and really helped the concepts stick."

"I loved building the Pac-Man clone. It felt like I was really coding something substantial."

"The projects are highly motivating and make you excited to keep learning."

"The variety of games kept me engaged throughout the course."

Ideal starting point for coding novices.

"This is exactly what I needed to start coding. It assumes absolutely no prior knowledge."

"I wanted a course my child could follow easily, and this fits the bill perfectly. It's truly for beginners."

"As a complete beginner, the pace was just right and everything was explained simply."

"This course is perfect for someone like me who has never coded before and wanted a fun entry point."

Not challenging for users with experience.

"While excellent for total beginners, I found it moved a bit slowly having tinkered with Scratch before."

"If you have any prior coding background, even minimal, this course might feel overly simplistic."

"Good foundation, but I was hoping for slightly more advanced Scratch techniques."

"Might be better suited for younger learners or absolute first-time coders."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Programming for Kids and Beginners: Learn to Code in Scratch with these activities:

Review the basics of computer science before starting the course

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Refreshing your knowledge of computer science will help you better understand the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Computer Science

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Read a book or article on the basics of computer science.
Watch a video tutorial on computer science.
Take a practice quiz on computer science.

Watch the Scratch tutorials on YouTube

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These tutorials will provide you with additional instruction and examples of how to use Scratch.

Browse courses on Scratch

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Go to YouTube and search for Scratch tutorials.
Choose a tutorial that interests you and watch it.
Follow along with the tutorial and try to recreate what the instructor is doing.

Create a digital notebook to store your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Having a central location for all of your course materials will help you stay organized and prepared.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

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Choose a digital notebook app.
Create a new notebook for this course.
Add sections for notes, assignments, and quizzes.
Regularly add to your notebook as you progress through the course.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Complete the Scratch coding exercises on the course website

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These exercises will help you practice your Scratch coding skills and reinforce the concepts you are learning in the course.

Browse courses on Scratch

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Go to the course website and find the coding exercises.
Choose an exercise and read the instructions carefully.
Write the code to solve the exercise.
Test your code to make sure it works.

Create a Scratch project to demonstrate your understanding of variables

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Creating a project will help you solidify your understanding of variables and how they are used in Scratch.

Browse courses on Variables

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Plan your project. Decide what you want your project to do and what variables you will need.
Create your Scratch project and add the necessary variables.
Write the code to use your variables to make your project work.
Test your project to make sure it works as expected.

Join a Scratch online community and discuss your progress with other learners

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Engaging with other learners can help you stay motivated and learn from others' experiences.

Browse courses on Scratch

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Find a Scratch online community.
Join the community and introduce yourself.
Share your projects with others and ask for feedback.
Help other learners with their projects.

Create a Scratch game that incorporates multiple concepts from the course

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This project will allow you to apply your knowledge of Scratch and demonstrate your understanding of multiple concepts from the course.

Browse courses on Scratch

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Plan your game. Decide what type of game you want to create and what concepts from the course you will use.
Create your Scratch project and add the necessary sprites and backgrounds.
Write the code to make your game work.
Test your game to make sure it works as expected.
Share your game with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming for Kids and Beginners: Learn to Code in Scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Developer

As a Video Game Developer, you will design and implement games. This course may be useful in learning the basics, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. This course may also help build a foundation in coding. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in designing games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Developer

Computer Science Teacher

As a Computer Science Teacher, you will teach computer science concepts to students. This course may be useful in learning the basics of computer science, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in teaching students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Motion Graphics Designer

As a Motion Graphics Designer, you will create animations and other visual effects for various media. This course may be useful in learning the basics of creating animations and visual effects. Furthermore, this course teaches the user to create clones and apply motion, which could prove helpful in motion graphics design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Web Developer

As a Web Developer, you will design and implement websites. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will design and implement software applications. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in software engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Graphic Designer

As a Graphic Designer, you will create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful in learning the basics of creating visual effects. Furthermore, this course teaches the user to create clones and apply motion, which could prove helpful in graphic design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Animator

As an Animator, you will create animated images, often for film and television. This course may be useful in learning the basics of creating animations. Furthermore, this course teaches the user to create clones and apply motion, which could prove helpful in animation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Game Designer

As a Game Designer, you will design and implement game mechanics. This course may be useful in learning the basics of creating games. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in game design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems and make informed decisions. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will create and maintain technical documentation. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in technical writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

UX Designer

As a UX Designer, you will design and implement user interfaces for websites and software applications. This course may be useful in learning the basics of creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Product Manager

As a Product Manager, you will manage the development and launch of products. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in product management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

IT Support Specialist

As an IT Support Specialist, you will provide technical support to users of computer systems and software applications. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in IT support.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will analyze and improve business processes. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in business analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will plan, organize, and manage projects. This course may be useful in learning the basics of coding, such as creating animations, cool effects, and game mechanics. Furthermore, this course employs methods to help the user intuitively apply computer science concepts, which could prove helpful in project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager