Coding with scratch
Common variables include timer, answer and coordinates. You can use the variables tab in Scratch to create your own, but there are also pre-made variables built into Scratch. This helps young people see that the code needs to be indented to the right to run within a loop. You can use this to help explain how indentation works in languages like Python. In Scratch the repeat block wraps around other code blocks within a loop. Repeat, Forever and repeat until blocks also help young people understand what code is within a loop and what is not included in a loop, in Scratch but also in text-based languages. Blocks that are used for repetition and iteration in Scratch are “Forever”, “repeat” and “repeat until”. Whereas iteration is repeating of instructions until a certain condition is met. Repetition is the repeating of a series of instructions. Scratch teaches this as the scripts or groups of code blocks run in order from top to bottom. Your program can contain any number of instructions but each instruction must be run in the order presented. They are the instructions or steps in order. Sequences are the logical structure of an algorithm or a program. This can be useful when moving on from Scratch to a text-based language as they will already have an understanding of the coding concepts involved. Below are 5 coding concepts you can highlight in Scratch, and projects to help you do so. Scratch has been developed to teach the logic of coding, without young people worrying about typing or remembering names and syntax. It also provides “quick-wins” that mot ivate and empower young people to continue coding. It is great for young people learning to code as it is so visual.
Scratch is one of the most prolific coding languages used by Dojos around the world.