Register for Weekly Programs: Beginner Coding
Kids will learn everything they need to know to code their very own game: character development, storyboarding, animation, environment and level design, beta testing and, of course, coding.
Our beginner coding classes are designed to prepare kids for text-based coding languages like Python, Javascript and C++ by teaching them the foundations of code in Scratch, a program that is accessible to all learning styles. Scratch is a video game design platform made by MIT to help kids learn to code. It uses color-coded blocks that fit together like puzzle pieces to make the coding experience more visual. By making a new Scratch project every class, we are using active learning to teach your kids how to logically solve problems and consider every step of the design process.
By the time they are ready to move on to our experienced coding classes, our beginner Makers will know how to problem solve basic computer issues, design a variety of game styles and, most importantly, they will be able to use logic to make their creative ideas a reality!
Scratch is a programming language developed by MIT designed to give kids a fun and easy intro to coding along with an open and friendly community. With Scratch kids can use code blocks to address colourful and fun characters on a stage, but it is most definitely an actual programming language and not simply a game or animated story development environment. This means that programming concepts must always be at the forefront and very rarely can fundamental gameplay functionality (say for example gravity) just be turned on and not manually coded.
Scratch has a kid friendly interface which students will quickly learn to navigate through. After thorough introduction to events, loops, and conditional “if” statements the beginner section focuses on programming different types of motion using XY coordinates. We will even begin to prepare them for more advanced coding and math concepts such as variables, functions and lists with projects designed to showcase one major concept using pre-built elements. Throughout this, the huge volume of image resources and “looks” modifying coding options included allows for tons of artistic customization and even frame-by-frame animation!
Many of the jobs of the future will require coding skills, so by the time your child graduates high school, coding will become an essential skill required for their career success. Introduce your child to coding to set them up for success
Kids learn core skills that get applied in projects to integrate their learning and make it fun. Some of the core skills learned and sample projects made include:
- Intro to Scratch’s Interface
- Coding Characters’ Looks
- Custom Character Costumes
- Project: Moustache Party
- Events (triggering code to run)
- Project: Plant Watering
- Project: Plant Watering (Watering Can)
- Relative Motion (make sprites move)
- Absolute Motion (make sprites move)
- Repeat Loops (repeating your code)
- Project: Walk the line
- Forever Loops (never ending games)
- Project: Walk around the circle
Skills Learned
MakerKids Mindset for Coding: Resilience
Coding requires a lot of trial and error. Programmers spend most of their time figuring out why the code they think should be working, keeps failing. The resilience to dig into error messages, run countless tests, address numerous bugs, and often starting from scratch with a different approach, is what eventually leads to rewarding success. This resilience can be used in many areas of life and is a valued skill worth having.
Basic Requirements:
- A laptop or desktop
- Internet connection
- Headset with microphone and headphones (or computer with microphone and speakers)
- Keyboard and a mouse
- Chrome browser
- Webcam (optional)
For more information, visit our FAQ page.
Class Details
1 hour or 2 hours
Choose between a 1 hour or 2 hour weekly timeslot
1:5 instructor:child ratio
1:5 instructor:child ratio or better
Project-based learning
A new project each week, allowing kids to join anytime. Projects combine foundational building blocks with new material, which teaches and reinforces concepts in new ways to learn by doing through project-based learning.
6 months – 1 year
Takes 6 months to 1 year to complete this level and advance to the next one based on instructor recommendation
Why Parents and Children Love MakerKids
Expert Facilitators
With a passion for youth and technology, our Maker Mentors recognize the uniqueness of your child and fosters their creative side and joy for STEM. Maker Mentors are trained to have students focus on the why and discover the logic behind the code instead of following a prescriptive set of instructions.
Engaging Curriculum
Weekly programs are built for all interests and experience levels. See the excitement in your child as they watch their work come to life. All classes include mini-lessons on internet safety and computer literacy so your child is better prepared to navigate the digital world.
Social Connections
With a 5 to 1 child to staff ratio and a focus on collaborative problem solving our classes are designed for your child to actively participate. Parents are amazed at how fast their child opens up socially, as they connect and build friendships with like-minded children.
Testimonial
“Our kids also enjoy learning a new coding language and I’ve watched my younger one who started off being a bit shy and unwilling to share online to make new friends and became one of the most talkative ones in class.”
– Debbie Fung
Success Story
Max, age 11
- After starting our program, Max taught a coding class at his school. Over a 10 week period, Max taught 60 different students after school, starting from grade 2.
- Max was a top four finalist for Best Game at his school’s street fair. He was even visited by the school district Vice President!
Meet An Instructor
Meet Ariel, One of Our Maker-Mentors
Certified Teacher with a Background in Early Childhood Education
Hello, my name is Ariel! I have worked for the YMCA, volunteered for day camps and had a number of placements in other learning spaces such as TDSB classrooms and the Boys and Girls Club. I completed my undergrad at Ryerson University where I studied Early Childhood Education. I most recently earned my Bachelors of Education at University of Ontario Institute of Technology where I graduated with the highest distinction. More simply put, I love learning.
Specialties: Teaching children with unique skills and abilities, meeting diverse learning needs and optimism!
