Scratch
by Scratch Foundation (website )
A free, block-based visual programming language designed by MIT to teach coding logic through creative project creation.
Best Fit For
Families looking for a free, highly creative, and logic-focused introduction to computer science that allows for immediate visual results.
Not Recommended For
Parents seeking a traditional, step-by-step graded curriculum with built-in assessments or those who want a strictly offline, solitary experience.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers consistently praise Scratch as the gold-standard introduction to programming logic, noting its 'low floor, high ceiling' design that allows children to start creating immediately. While the platform is universally lauded for being free and accessible, a recurring critique in homeschool forums like Well-Trained Mind is that it lacks a structured, linear curriculum path. Parents often find that students benefit from external workbooks or guided 'coding clubs' to move beyond basic exploration into more complex logic. The community aspect is frequently cited as a highlight for inspiration, though some parents express caution regarding the social features. Overall, it is viewed as an essential, high-quality resource for developing computational thinking before transitioning to text-based languages.
How It Works
A typical week involves a student logging into the Scratch website for two to three self-paced sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes each. The child creates projects by dragging and dropping colorful 'blocks'—which are visual representations of code—to make characters move, talk, or interact on the screen. Parents usually act as facilitators, helping the child select a project theme or finding a step-by-step tutorial on the 'Ideas' tab for the child to follow. Since the platform is an open-ended sandbox, the student spends most of their time experimenting with 'if-then' logic and loops to build their own games or animations. No special materials are required beyond a computer with internet access and a mouse, which makes it easy to use at a kitchen table or desk.
Switching to This?
Scratch does not offer formal placement tests or a graded sequence, so families typically begin by exploring the built-in 'Tutorials' library at any time during the year. The community rule of thumb is to start with ScratchJr for children in grades K-2 and transition to the main Scratch platform once the child is a confident reader, usually around 3rd grade. Because it lacks a linear path, many parents find it helpful to supplement with an external workbook or a project-based book to provide a sense of progression. Families switching from curriculum like Code.org should expect a shift from solving structured puzzles to a 'blank canvas' experience where the student must decide what to create. If a student is already comfortable with complex logic in other block-based programs, they can jump straight into advanced projects by 'remixing' existing code from the Scratch community.
Curriculum Details
- Price
- $0
- Grades
- 2 - 12
- Available As
- Digital Video
- Coverage
- Single subject
- Subjects
- Computer Science
- Pacing
- Self-paced
- Parent Time
- 5-20 min/day
- Parent Involvement
- None
- Student Independence
- Semi-independent
- Academic Level
- Grade level
- Worldview
- Neutral
- Teach Multiple Ages
- Yes
- Engaging for Reluctant Learners
- Yes
Scratch is a free project of the Scratch Foundation in collaboration with the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.
Videos
CODING BOOKS FOR KIDS | Homeschooling Reference Books for Learning to Code Using Scratch
by Calm in the Chaos Homeschool
Reviews We Consulted
Highlights Scratch as a superb, free entry point that uses a block-based system to teach logic without the frustration of complex syntax. It is noted as being particularly easy for non-technical parents to implement.
"Scratch teaches users how to code, but in a simplified fashion. It uses blocks that fit together in particular ways rather than requiring users to first learn a detailed coding language... this is an easy way for young people to get started with coding."
Praises the platform for fostering creativity and critical thinking through its unique approach. However, the reviewer warns that it lacks structured progression and that the social community can be a potential distraction for some students.
"Scratch has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from homeschool parents. The key strengths highlighted include its unique and engaging approach to teaching coding, its accessibility, and its ability to foster creativity and critical thinking."
Gives the program a "two-thumbs-up" recommendation for helping students transition from technology consumers to creators. The reviewer appreciates how the graphical interface eliminates the typical barriers of learning computer programming.
"MIT Media Lab’s Scratch is a free graphical programming language designed as an introduction for children ages 8 to 16. It’s meant to be easy for beginners – yet very powerful – and can be used to create amazingly complex creations as your child’s skills progress."
Positions Scratch as the gold standard for beginning homeschoolers. The review emphasizes that the drag-and-drop system makes coding feel like a fun digital building activity rather than an intimidating academic subject.
"Scratch is a fantastic starting point for homeschoolers looking to introduce their kids to the world of coding in a fun and approachable way. Developed by the MIT Media Lab, this free, block-based visual programming language uses a drag-and-drop system."
Recommends the platform for its "Lego-like" feel that focuses on logic rather than typing. Parents in the community appreciate the ease of use but suggest supervising students when they explore the online galleries.
"For children (and adults) of all ages, I can't recommend Scratch enough... It is great for kids because the code consists of drag and drop blocks that fit together like legos and very little typing and no obscure syntax is involved."
Updated: March 2026
How This Compares
Compared to Code.org, which uses a highly structured, puzzle-based progression, Scratch is a 'sandbox' platform where students have total creative freedom but less direct guidance. When weighed against Tynker, Scratch remains completely free and community-supported, whereas Tynker offers a paid, teacher-led experience that is more helpful for parents who want a 'hands-off' curriculum. Parents choosing between Scratch and CodeCombat often find that Scratch is better for creative storytelling and animation, while CodeCombat is more appealing to students who prefer a gamified environment that introduces typed text earlier. Against ScratchJr, the standard Scratch platform offers significantly more complex math and logic blocks, making it the better choice for older elementary students who have outgrown simple tablet apps. Finally, compared to moving directly into Python or Java, Scratch allows students to master computational thinking without the frustration of typing errors, making it the preferred bridge to text-based programming.
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