The ability to code is one of the few in such high demand in the modern economy. It used to be that coding was a skill only utilized in a small number of positions that were particularly computer-specific; however, this is no longer the case.
In today’s world, working knowledge of programming benefits practically any profession, from an accountant to a zoologist. Computing is becoming increasingly ubiquitous.
If you want to take your kid to coding classes in Singapore , you may have heard about scratch coding and Lego coding and wondered what the difference is. In this article, we will look at each type of kids’ coding to understand the difference.
What is Scratch Coding?
Scratch coding, in its most basic form, is a block programming language that is incredibly simple to pick up.
To make longer, more complicated codes, it first takes shorter snippets of code and organizes them into colorful blocks, which may then be snapped together to build longer, more complicated codes. The complexity of the code will increase proportionately to the number of blocks utilized.
The developers of Scratch have stated that the program has always been and will continue to be free to use. It is not necessary to purchase a license to use Scratch at your school or home.
It is a brilliant idea that has helped millions of kids learn the foundations of kids coding courses since it was first launched.
What Programming Concepts Can Scratch Teach?
Scratch coding is designed to be used in much the same way as a blank canvas for painting. Young programmers have a space to develop their works of art there, and they also have the opportunity to hone their coding skills via various kinds of experimentation and practice.
Kids can learn various coding skills as they explore what Scratch offers, from problem-solving to analytical thinking, that will grow with them on their journey beyond Scratch and into their future coding endeavors. These skills include:
Understanding the fundamental ideas behind coding functions is crucial to working with any programming language.
Scratch coding is a great way for kids to grasp the fundamentals that underpin a wide variety of programming languages.
Both skills are important, whether it’s the ability to think systematically about how the code will function or delving deeper into how the various pieces of code interact with each other.
Problem Solving
Like many other programming languages, Scratch is primarily designed to find solutions to problems.
It could be as simple as writing a line of code that moves a sprite from one side of the screen to the other, or it could involve combing through the code that has already been written in search of an elusive bug. Problem-solving is involved in virtually every stage of the learning process for coding in Scratch.
Project Design
It’s one thing to write lines of code to make something happen, but it’s a different challenge to grasp how those lines of code should fit together to form a coherent whole.
As they attempt to refine their project’s design, children learning to code on the Scratch platform may have the opportunity to think about the project on a more systemic level.
Why Should Kids Learn Scratch Code?
Many of these coding ideas are things that can be taught on a variety of different platforms, which is very convenient.
After all, one thing that makes scratch coding so appealing is that it can perform many of the same tasks as other traditional programming languages.
For instance, like Python, Scratch enables programmers to work with loops and variables in their projects. So, why is learning Scratch coding such an excellent place to begin?
Ease of Access
The ease with which one can get started using Scratch is a significant contributing factor. To use it, all you need is a web browser and an online account; there is no need for any specialist software.
Because it is built on block-based coding, it does not demand nearly as much attention to detail as text-based programming languages.
A misplaced block of code can still result in issues, but it is far simpler to locate than a missing period!
It simplifies the process of coding by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts, allowing children to increase their level of comprehension while at the same time actively generating real code.
Effective Education and Training
Scratch makes creating a project that flows together much simpler than with more conventional text-based languages. That is, in point of fact, a great deal more significant than you may imagine!
Scratch enables users to show off their work far earlier in the process than other programming languages, which can be a significant motivational factor for children. This is due, in large part, to the fact that it is visually appealing.
Access to their extensive library of sprites and backdrops is one feature incorporated into the Scratch platform.
It is a feature many other programming languages do not have, but it is one of the things that make it possible for children to start coding right away and create something complete.
It’s Exciting!
One of the best reasons for children to learn to code in Scratch is that it is a lot of fun in and of itself.
Things that are enjoyable to do are a much more powerful motivator for people of all ages, including children. Scratch transforms learning to code from a tedious task into an engaging puzzle by relieving students of the stress of memorizing many coding words and directing their attention instead to the concepts.
This makes the transition from hard work to its just reward a lot less difficult. It is an excellent method for maintaining kids’ interest in the coding process and keeping them involved.
What is Lego Coding?
Coding on a computer with LEGO is a fun way to start computer programming while using one of everyone’s favorite building toys. Kids can learn how to code on computers, which is a great skill if they’re particularly interested in computers and their functions.
Lego is an enormously lucrative series of plastic toys popular with both children and adults alike.
Since its establishment in 1931, the firm has earned a reputation for its unique toy design. It has won off many of its competitors purely via the wonderful and varied array of building block kits it markets to youngsters and professional collectors.
Boxes of Lego have rapidly established themselves as a mainstay in many classrooms worldwide. As a result, many educators often assign their students projects that revolve around constructing things and structures using these bright plastic bricks.
In contrast to the majority of other toys currently available, Lego is seen as an activity that is beneficial for children since it encourages them to think creatively and in novel ways.
Similarly, it would be extremely unusual to come across a home that did not contain a toy box stuffed to the brim with Legos or, at the least, many of the toy company’s plastic bricks and characters dispersed throughout the house.
Most adults soon learned how beneficial Lego could be for their children’s imaginations and other play-related skills. As a result, they will frequently joyfully make models alongside their children.
Despite this, many parents are likely unaware of a relatively recent and exciting addition to the Lego universe that could be useful to their child in various ways. This addition could help their child build creativity and imagination.
How Kids Learn Coding with LEGO
Coding is a skill that requires a computer to be accomplished. Constructing with LEGOs is a fantastic way to hone various abilities, including those related to engineering, but an electronic component is typically required for actual coding.
We want to clarify that we are not denying that children can learn many in-demand STEM skills just by exploring with and building with LEGOs. These itty-bitty bricks are a classic for a reason, and it’s for everything from iteration to problem-solving.
However, when the power of LEGOs and computers are combined, there is a plethora of hands-on activities that can assist children in gaining an understanding of coding ideas and practicing thinking like that of a coder.
The applications of this technology are almost countless, ranging from the operation of robots to the creation of incredible structures controlled by code.
All this information leads us to an outstanding selection of LEGO robot games and coding toys that make it enjoyable to learn how to program.
How kids can benefit from Lego coding
A working knowledge of programming is becoming an increasingly valuable talent in today’s rapidly advancing world.
It is necessary to work in the technology industry and an extremely lucrative career choice, as many large companies rely heavily on programmers to code their websites, apps, and products. If you are interested in working in the technology industry, you must meet this requirement.
Because of this, children will get a significant advantage if they are introduced to programming while they are still young.
Comparable to picking up a new language, most younger children will pick up the fundamentals of computer programming more rapidly than their elder siblings or parents.
As a result of this incredible collection of robots, parents can expose their children to programming in an enjoyable and approachable manner and perhaps cultivate an interest in the topic that might last for the rest of their lives.
Lego Robotics is a great way to not only introduce youngsters to the fundamentals of programming but also to help them develop their ability to solve problems.
Children will have to construct their robots from the ground up, much like conventional Lego constructions, and there will be occasions when they will get stuck or be unable to determine what the next step should be.
From this point forward, it will be necessary for them to determine what steps to take next. They can do this by consulting the user guide, exploring the app, or asking for assistance online; they could enroll in one of the STEM genius courses.
In conclusion, teaching kids to code with Legos unleashes their whole creative potential. The internet is home to many kid-friendly communities, such as those mentioned above, in which young people can search for and view the works of other users.
Children can also learn how to program their creations to follow specific commands by using the accompanying app, which provides them with this opportunity.
