The Scratch Tutorial for Kids

An interactive programming language known as Scratch was created by the MIT Media Lab in 2007. Its vibrant block drag-and-drop interface makes it one of the simplest programming languages to learn. Unlike more conventional programming languages like Python, where the code must be written out, Scratch enables both adults and kids to create interactive games and programs quickly and easily by connecting code blocks together.

Kids older than eight should generally avoid using Scratch. For kids ages 5-7, ScratchJr is a different option with a platform that is even more simple and more likeable than regular Scratch.

Even though Scratch is great for kids ages 8 to 11, it can also be used by older kids and adults. Anyone with even an essential understanding of computer science can learn how to code using Scratch. Let us have a look at the scratch programming tutorial.

Scratch Tutorial for Beginners

Step 1: Pick your Background and Characters

You can choose from a variety of backgrounds and character options by clicking on the two circles in the bottom right corner of a blank Scratch project. Selecting a character is done by clicking the cat-shaped circle while choosing a background is done by clicking the image-shaped process.

We selected the "Blue Sky 2" backdrop and the "Flying Cat" character from the character menu for our scene. Use your imagination to choose an arrangement that appeals to you!

Pick your Background and Characters

Step 2: Create a Welcome Message and Move the Cat with Arrow Keys

The cat should display a welcome message when the game first launches. To signal the beginning of the game, we can use the "when green flag clicked" block. In the Control section, you'll find this block. So that our block shows "say 'I'm flying for 2 seconds," we can use the "say" block from the Looks section. We have the option of customising both the message and the period.

Additionally, we want our cat to move left, right, up, and down when the appropriate arrow keys are pressed. The "when key pressed" block can be obtained from Events. One of these blocks is required, and the drop-down menu should now have the option "left arrow". The Motion block "move x" should be placed beneath this. For leftward movement, we must change the number in this block to -10. Another "when key pressed" block is required, with a "right arrow" as the drop-down option. The "move x by 10" Motion block can be used exactly as is.

We require a "when key pressed" block with the drop-down option "up arrow" to handle vertical movement. We need the "change y by 10" Motion block because this is vertical.

The "when key pressed" block's "down arrow" option can be used to move in the final direction that we require, which is downward. Here, we need the "change y" block to change the value to -10.

Create a welcome Message and Move the Cat with Arrow Keys

Step 3: Choose an Object to Collect and Make the Object Move

Let's click on the balloon now so that we can program it. For the cat to enjoy chasing the balloon, we want to make it move randomly.

Click on the Balloon to Program It

Because the balloon requires its actions once the game begins, we want to use the "when green flag clicked" block for it. Since we want our object to move around for the duration of the game, we can now go to Control and get the "forever" block. Anything we put inside a "forever" block will continue running until we manually end the program by pressing the "stop sign" button.

"Go to random position" is the first block we want from Motion. Project excitement is maintained by randomness. Next, we need a Motion block that says "change x." Put 250 as the number to enter in this instance. You can type any number to replace any block that has a place for one to appear.

The next step is to select "repeat" from Control and type 32 into the box. The possibilities for this number are virtually endless. The Motion block should be set to "change x" and the value "-15" within our "repeat" block.

Summary

Children can create and share interactive media like stories, games, and animation using the programming language Scratch for kids and a large online community. Children who use Scratch acquire abilities in creative thinking, teamwork, and logical reasoning. Children can use Scratch to add their voices, sounds, and even self-portrait photos and then use the programming blocks to give their characters life. Kids can easily make games, animations, and other interactive programs thanks to this. Children can explore coding concepts in a safe and fun environment in this way.