[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_font_size=”33px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
So your kid wants to learn to code, and you\u2019re confused between the many options available online. You\u2019ve probably come across Scratch and Tynker as well. Both are quite popular platforms, but which one is right for your little prodigy?<\/p>\n
Well, this article will explore both platforms, finding out the similarities and differences between the two. Hopefully, at the end of it, you\u2019ll be more informed to go with one of these platforms.<\/p>\n
Coding has become an essential skill in today\u2019s super-connected world. As a parent, you want to ensure that your kid is prepared for the future. What better way to do that than to teach them coding?<\/p>\n
So let\u2019s see Tynker vs. Scratch; which one is better for your kid?<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.stevenstech.org\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tynker-vs-scratch.png” alt=”Best Online Coding Classes for Kids” title_text=”tynker vs scratch” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”63%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Tynker<\/a> is a paid teaching platform for kids to learn how to code. It\u2019s designed for kids five years and older, based on a monthly subscription model.<\/p>\n It features a wide range of courses delivered through guides and videos, with some of the most frequently used programming languages. It uses both block coding and text coding to teach children programming.<\/p>\n There are mainly three subscription plans that suit kids of different age groups. The basic subscription plan is for younger kids who would benefit from the block coding courses. On the other hand, for teenagers, the subscription has access to all the courses, including advanced ones that teach HTML, CSS, Python, Java, and JavaScript.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Scratch<\/a> is both the name of the platform and the block coding language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab for kids. It\u2019s a programming language that uses visual blocks to teach kids the basics of computer software and applications.<\/p>\n Scratch is a free platform, good for kids as young as eight. However, for kids younger than eight years, there\u2019s a simplified version called ScratchJr. Scratch language and platform is developed and maintained by the Scratch Foundation, which is made of coding experts who want more kids to learn how to code from a very early age.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the Scratch Online Community, where kids can share their work, get feedback, and learn from other members\u2019 projects.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Let\u2019s first discuss some of the similarities between the two:<\/p>\n While Scratch is entirely based on visual block coding, Tynker also has its very own block coding courses. These courses serve as the basis for learning coding, included in its first-tier subscription.<\/p>\n Scratch is the language on the Scratch platform. Tynker has its own proprietary block coding language. Tynker\u2019s block coding also includes famous games like Minecraft, as well as cartoons like Barbie.<\/p>\n Another similarity between the two platforms is that they are completely web-based. This means that kids can use them on any device. However, there are apps as well for a better mobile interface.<\/p>\n With all the courses and lessons available online, there\u2019s no need to download any kind of software or tool that restricts usage to just one device.<\/p>\n There are tutorial videos for both platforms. However, the main chunk of learning comes from working on projects. This hands-on approach makes it easier for kids to learn coding, as they directly start working on their own projects.<\/p>\n Unlike a lecture, this learning model imparts a deeper understanding of concepts as children explore the programs themselves.<\/p>\n Both Scratch and Tynker have active, safe, and engaging online communities where kids can share their work. This way, they can get feedback on their work and learn even more.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are some significant differences between the two coding platforms as well:<\/p>\n Scratch platform only offers the Scratch visual block coding language. While Tynker also has a block coding language for the young ones, it also has other text-based programming languages courses.<\/p>\n That said, since Scratch is solely about visual block coding, the language is unique in its ability to teach kids the basic concepts of coding. Through stacking and controlling the functionality of each block, kids can learn loops, conditionals, and variables.<\/p>\n However, once they have mastered visual block coding, they will need to transition to text coding, which Tynker does provide. On Tynker, kids can learn different coding languages, from the easy Python to the ubiquitous JavaScript.<\/p>\n If we compare the overall ease of use, Scratch is even more user-friendly than Tynker. Tynker\u2019s block coding is for children aged five, so it may be a little bit too basic for kids, say, eight years or older.<\/p>\n Scratch has solved this problem by introducing an easier ScratchJr. version. This is ideal for kids six to seven years. So the actual Scratch language is easy yet captivating enough for kids as young as eight and as old as 12 years to learn coding concepts.<\/p>\n It also helps that it\u2019s a single project-based, web-based platform that is more experimental in nature. It doesn\u2019t feel like a classroom lecture, and kids are able to learn at their own pace.<\/p>\n Tynker, on the other hand, while easy, has a set course of a learning trajectory. This may be good for older kids.<\/p>\n The most significant difference between the two is that Tynker has a fee, whereas Scratch is free. Your kid can use Scratch through the Scratch website or the Scratch app to create projects. They don\u2019t necessarily need an account to use it but making an account can help save projects and work on them later.<\/p>\n Tynker only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, it\u2019s a monthly subscription model, so you\u2019ll be paying every month based on the plan you have chosen. With the cost in mind, Tynker is better for very serious kids, and especially older kids who are now ready to learn text-based coding.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”Poppins|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”29px” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n For young kids who are just starting out learning how to code, Scratch is a better option. For starters, it\u2019s free and easy to use from any device. Plus, it\u2019s been designed to be very fun, so kids do enjoy using it.<\/p>\n Tynker has its benefits, too, like offering text-based language as well with many courses. However, it\u2019s the best option for kids wanting to learn coding online<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat is Tynker?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is Scratch?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
It\u2019s web-based as well as available as an app for Android and Mac.<\/p>\nTynker vs. Scratch: The Similarities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Block Coding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Web-based Courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Online Community<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tynker vs. Scratch: The Differences<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Coding Languages<\/strong><\/h3>\n
So, while Scratch as a language has the edge over Tynker\u2019s visual block coding, it\u2019s limited to gamified, visual lessons.<\/p>\nEase of Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n
While it does cost money, Tynker has a wider range of courses and materials than Scratch. However, the courses can take up to months and even more than a year to complete, especially during a school year. That adds up the cost.<\/p>\nTynker vs. Scratch: Which is Better?<\/strong><\/h2>\n