SCRATCH Programming

Studio of Engaging Math Supplemental programs

“SCRATCH Programming”
8-weeks course
starting November 7, 2026

With AI tools now able to write code in seconds, many parents wonder whether it’s still worth having their kids learn programming in the age of AI. We believe it matters more than ever. Learning languages like Scratch and Python isn’t really about memorizing commands; it’s about learning how to think. Coding teaches children to break big problems into small steps, spot patterns, test their ideas, and figure out what went wrong when something doesn’t work. These are exactly the skills kids will need to use AI well: knowing what to ask for, recognizing when an answer doesn’t make sense, and understanding how things fit together. A child who has built and fixed their own programs is ready to be a creator and a critical thinker, not just a user of technology.

That’s why we’re starting with Scratch, the ideal first step for students in grades 4 to 6. Developed at MIT, Scratch lets kids snap together colorful code blocks to create their own games, animations, and interactive stories, so they can focus on ideas and logic without getting stuck on typing or syntax. Along the way, they learn real programming concepts like loops, conditions, variables, and events, all while having fun and expressing their creativity. Just as valuable, they experience the satisfaction of tackling a tricky bug and finally making their project work, which builds persistence and confidence. Scratch gives young learners a strong foundation that makes moving on to languages like Python a natural next step when they’re ready.

Scratch is a powerful visual programming language that helps young students think like programmers. Students create games, animations, interactive stories, and simulations while learning core programming concepts. The emphasis is not simply on making projects work, but on developing computational thinking, breaking complex problems into manageable steps, and designing effective solutions. This course provides a strong foundation for future study in Python and other text-based programming languages.

The homework is assigned after each class and is expected to be submitted weekly.