Many of the coding applications and programs designed for kids to learn how to program will use a block-based approach. Programs such as Scratch let kids use blocks instead of having to write lines of complex syntax and code.
But just how does block-based programming make coding easier?
In a nutshell, block-based programming is easier for beginners as you don’t need to learn and write code, which can often seem like a foreign language when getting started. This makes it ideal for kids.
When using blocks to code, you don’t need to worry about missing out a character or line and making the whole project break.
It also uses a highly visual approach to coding. By using blocks, all of which perform a certain action, it’s so much easier to understand what needs to go where and why.
And lastly, block-based programming is easier because it’s quick.
Kids can drop a few blocks in a program like Scratch and within minutes see a result on the screen.
Here’s a little more on block-based programming and why it’s so easy to get started with.
Once you’ve read that, why not browse the Scratch courses we run for kids?
Is Scratch easy to learn?
Beginners will find Scratch easy to learn since it is use visual elements and simplified drag and drop functionality – those blocks we’ve been talking about!
It has been created specifically for kids with the primary purpose of giving them an early exposure to understanding the basics of coding and programming.
Despite the simplicity of Scratch, it is good for learning programming and lets kids create projects that have a relatively high level of complexity as they learn more and more.
What is block coding?
Block coding is the most basic form of computer programming and a great way for kids to get started. Rather than having to write complex lines of computer code, with block coding, kids can use visual instruction blocks to create games or moving animations – it uses a simple drag and drop interface.
Each block performs a different function on the screen, for example, move left, move right, go forward being just some of the basic ones.
This visual approach means block coding makes the process of programming a lot easier particularly for kids. As well as the building blocks, the code is also grouped which makes it easier to find issues and fix them.
Block coding for children uses a drag and drop application where groups of code in the blocks are already prepared – like the move commands we already mentioned.
This lets kids select the block they want, drag, and drop it into the input field. A child can then select another group of coding blocks to add to the field until they’ve constructed a sequence of coding that develops their creation.
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