So, you’re looking for MIT coding for kids? Choosing the best way to learn programming for kids can be a daunting task, as there are many great options. So today, we break down what makes MIT's Scratch and ScratchJr platforms so unique, and the best starting point for beginners. We also share some of the considerations for choosing an appropriate class for your child, and we recommend some great resources to get them started with MIT kids coding.
Start MIT Coding For Kids
When it comes to the best way to learn programming for kids, Scratch is a very popular language to begin with. Scratch is a platform designed by MIT that has a drag-and-drop interface that allows students to quickly code by organizing and connecting code blocks, and it is largely syntax-free (no typing!). Because of its visual interface it helps students focus on the logic and critical thinking of coding, without getting stuck due to typing errors. It’s a great place to start a young coder’s programming education. (Your littlest coders can start with ScratchJr, also developed by the MIT Media Lab).
Scratch is also critically acclaimed and research-supported: one study found that Scratch “stimulates learners’ various abilities, such as creativity, problem solving, logical thinking,” and a recent experiment found that Scratch has a “positive effect on reflective thinking skills of the students.”
The Educational Philosophy Behind MIT's Kids Coding
Another unique aspect of MIT’s Scratch and ScratchJr platforms is their strong foundation in educational philosophy. Scratch isn’t just a coding tool; it’s built around constructionist learning, a method pioneered by MIT Professor Seymour Papert. This philosophy emphasizes learning through tinkering — creating, building, and exploring, and by solving problems that each child finds interesting.
Instead of kids passively absorbing information, Scratch encourages kids to create projects they’re passionate about, whether it’s a basketball game, or an interactive story about their favorite vacation. By building something themselves, they naturally learn the fundamental concepts of coding, like sequencing, loops, and variables. This hands-on approach aligns with how kids learn through play and creativity—they can experiment, try new ideas, and see immediate results in their projects. This style of learning boosts their confidence, critical thinking, and curiosity as they take ownership of their work.
Start Programming For Kids With MIT Coding
Create & Learn’s award-winning Scratch Ninja class (Grades 2-5) is a great way to start your student’s MIT coding journey. (Younger students will enjoy the ScratchJr class and older students can begin with Accelerated Scratch.) This set of classes cover everything from Scratch fundamentals to complex Scratch tasks. Students are guided through all the different blocks, learning core programming concepts that extend far outside of Scratch. Also, classes are project-based, meaning that in every class, kids get to work on an animation, game, or other task they can customize and feel proud about.
Additionally, these Scratch classes are designed to fit all students’ needs and preferences. Kids can follow a structured learning path that moves students along a logical coding progression, building from the ground up. For example, explore the learning pathways for students in Grades 2-4. Our curriculum is designed by experts from Google and MIT, and all content is taught live by instructors with extensive experience. All classes are small group with a maximum of 3 to 5 students, meaning your child will enjoy individualized attention and feedback.
This class format works, but don’t take it from us. These classes receive many positive reviews:
"My son tried out the free class and he loved it. So, we signed up for the full Scratch Ninja class. I have been really impressed with my son's instructor. She goes above and beyond to ensure that my son and the other students in the class get a good understanding of the materials and concepts covered in each class. I highly recommend Create & Learn!" - Richard A.
"We are super happy with every aspect of Create & Learn. My daughter was able to take 2 intro classes to see if she likes the topics and content (she loved both and the teachers!) She is taking Scratch Ninja and we are looking at more classes. The instructor is a wonderful teacher. More than that, the personal feedback and attention for the students and parents, the immediate response to questions and advice is amazing. Truly recommending Create & Learn." - Natalie F.
"My son is currently taking Scratch Ninja 2 and he is really enjoying every session. I love how every session makes his creative juices flowing. The instructor is an amazing teacher too. She is very helpful and very patient too which is a total bonus. I highly recommend this to every kid who enjoys computers and games and of course for those who like to think through creativity." - Charmaine A.
If your student has previous coding experience and is ready to move beyond Scratch, be sure to explore other coding for kids classes.
What Age Should Kids Start MIT Programming?
The best age for your student to start programming can vary. MIT's Scratch is designed for younger students in mid-to-late elementary school (ages 8 to 16). While the ScratchJr app was made with students ages 5-7 in mind. Meanwhile text-based languages such as Python or JavaScript are often better suited to middle or high school.
However, your student’s maturity, attention span, and interest in coding are strongly related to the success they’ll see at any age. Some elementary students start Scratch before they are ready and struggle to get a lot out of the program; some may be ready to skip straight to a text-based language.
All coding requires patience and problem solving. Students should be able to sit still for half an hour or longer, and should be encouraged and willing to try tasks independently. If they meet these two criteria, they are likely ready to start programming. At the end of the day, you know your child’s current abilities, and can likely make a good decision as to what they will enjoy.
How MIT Programming For Kids Builds Foundational Coding Concepts
Scratch and ScratchJr are carefully designed to introduce fundamental programming concepts in a way that’s accessible and fun for kids. By using visual coding and game-like challenges, both platforms help children develop key coding skills without the complexity of traditional text-based programming languages. Here’s how they do it:
1. Visual Coding
Unlike traditional programming languages, which rely on written code, Scratch and ScratchJr use blocks that snap together like puzzle pieces. This approach makes coding much more approachable, especially for younger learners. Kids can drag and drop these blocks to create sequences, loops, and conditionals, all without having to worry about typing or syntax errors. Visual coding helps kids focus on core concepts—like how to structure a program logically—without getting frustrated by the details that often trip up beginners in text-based languages.
2. Algorithmic Thinking
Both Scratch and ScratchJr teach kids how to think like a programmer by encouraging algorithmic thinking. For example, when a child builds an animation or game in Scratch, they must plan out each step logically—whether it’s moving a character across the screen, making it bounce off walls, or triggering a sound when two objects collide. This process of breaking large tasks into smaller steps is essential to all programming, as it helps kids develop a mindset for problem-solving that they’ll use in more advanced coding later on.
3. Event-Based Programming
One of the most important concepts Scratch introduces is event-based programming. Kids learn to trigger actions in their projects based on user input, such as pressing a key or clicking on a sprite. This mirrors how many real-world applications and games function, where actions occur in response to what the user does. Understanding event-based programming is a critical skill in game development and many other programming fields, and Scratch makes it easy for kids to grasp this concept in an interactive and intuitive way.
4. Sequencing
Sequencing is the process of putting commands in the correct order to achieve a desired outcome - and MIT's coding for kids helps teach it. For example, when a child creates a story or game in Scratch, they need to ensure that each action happens in the right sequence, whether it’s making a character move, speak, or change colors. If the commands aren’t in the correct order, the program won’t work as expected. This focus on sequencing helps kids understand that coding is all about cause and effect—one action leads to another in a specific, logical order.
By building these foundational coding concepts Scratch and ScratchJr give kids a head start on their programming journey, while laying the groundwork for learning more complex coding languages like Python, Java, or C++ down the road.
How Can I Teach My Child MIT's Programming?
To teach your kid to code, here are a few simple suggestions:
- Sign up for a coding class: The quickest and most effective way to learn coding is to take lessons. Working with a teacher in a small-group setting or one on one allows students to get immediate feedback and rapidly develop coding fluency. That’s Create & Learn’s philosophy, and it’s why we offer so many different classes geared towards students of all ages and expertise levels.
- Join a coding club. Many schools have after-school coding clubs, such as Girls Who Code or Code Club, that provide a supportive network for students who want to learn coding. These clubs have great resources and are nationwide.
- Try a project on Code.org. Code.org is a non-profit invested in bringing computer science to students worldwide. Their website has many one-hour starter projects that students can attempt, and supports interests in games, web development, digital art, and more. Choose a project that is appropriate - for younger kids, finding one that involves block coding (such as MIT's Scratch) is likely the best.
- Build in a sandbox. Not all coding must be project-based; many times, learning is achieved through exploration. Help your student create a blank “sandbox,” or place to try out new techniques, in an IDE such as Scratch, and let them see what they can build. Start with these tutorials featuring introduction Scratch exercises and fun beginner Scratch challenges.
- Code along with your child. If you have never coded, learning to do so with your child can be rewarding and a great way to bond. If you have, you can help show them fun tips and tricks while also deepening your relationship. Modeling being curious, trying new things, and problem solving is a great way to get your child engaged and excited about programming.
Free Programming Classes For Kids
Check out some of the best free coding classes for kids in elementary through high school.
- Scratch Ninja is a flagship coding class, and is a great fit for students who are just starting off in their coding journey. Enroll your child in a free intro Scratch class today.
- Python is a great language for beginners and experts alike, and is well suited to kids who have some prior coding experience with a language such as Scratch. Begin with a free Python class.
- Minecraft coding is a great way to engage students who enjoy playing the game because it builds on something they love, and allows them to bring their ideas about changing the game to life! It's best suited for elementary to middle school children. Enjoy a free Minecraft class.
- Our Roblox Studio course is very popular among late elementary to middle school students, especially those who love playing the game! The class focuses on learning to code within the Roblox Studio, and allows students to be creative and expand their abilities in a comfortable, familiar setting. Get started with a free intro Roblox class.
Enjoy The Best MIT Programming Course For Kids
Hopefully, this article has helped you think about the best way to get your child started with coding. Next, begin learning how to use Scratch.
Written by Sarah Rappaport, who graduated from Northwestern University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and music. She's now working on a masters in data with Georgia Institute of Technology. She taught math and computer science with Teach for America for two years, and now works as a Systems Engineer.
