Getting into college is more competitive than ever. Good grades and strong test scores remain essential, but they’re often just the starting point in a highly competitive admissions process. What does stand out? Real-world experience, clear goals, and skills that go beyond the classroom.

That’s why smart students (and families) are starting early with internships. This guide breaks down how internships help with college admissions by focusing on five key ways students grow through the experience:

• Gaining real-world experience that helps them stand out
• Clarifying academic and career goals through hands-on exploration
• Building the soft skills colleges value most
• Connecting classroom learning to practical application
• Forming meaningful relationships that support future success

Each of these elements plays a powerful role in shaping a compelling and authentic college application. Let’s take a closer look at how internships prepare students for the road ahead.

Stand Out With Real-World Experience

An internship is a powerful signal to admissions officers that you’re proactive, responsible, and ready to take on new challenges. It shows that you’ve gone beyond high school expectations and sought out opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.

Whether you’re helping redesign a website, supporting a nonprofit, or assisting in a research lab, your experience tells colleges you’re not just preparing for the future; you’re already living it.

Action Step: Identify one or two fields you’re curious about and search for local or virtual internships where you can gain hands-on experience.

Clarify Your Academic and Career Goals

High school is the perfect time to explore different career paths. Internships allow you to test your interests in the real world, helping you figure out what truly excites you (and what doesn’t).

This clarity pays off when you’re writing college essays or selecting majors. Instead of vague interest statements, you’ll be able to say, “Here’s what I did, what I learned, and why I’m passionate about this field.”

Action Step: After each internship experience, jot down reflections on what you liked, what challenged you, and how it connects to your future plans.

Build the Skills Colleges Really Care About

Internships are a crash course in essential soft skills: communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and leadership. These are the skills that help students succeed in college group projects, research teams, and student organizations.

When you walk into an interview or write a personal statement, you’ll have concrete examples of how you’ve developed these traits in real work environments.

Action Step: Keep a running list of examples where you demonstrated soft skills during your internship to reference in essays and interviews.

Apply What You Learn in Class

Internships don’t just reinforce what you learn in school; they help you demonstrate it. When you can show how your academic knowledge translates into a real contribution, you give admissions officers something concrete to remember. Whether you built a working app in Python or contributed to data collection in a lab, applying what you’ve learned shows that you’re capable of turning theory into impact.

This kind of crossover between classroom and internship experience can give your college essays more depth and your interviews more credibility. It’s evidence that you’re already thinking like a college student and engaging with learning at a higher level.

Action Step: Make connections between your internship tasks and your school subjects. Note how what you’re learning is being used in real life.

Build Meaningful Relationships

Internships connect you with mentors, supervisors, and peers who can support your growth far beyond the program. These are the people who can write letters of recommendation, offer career advice, and open doors to future opportunities.

Building a professional network early gives you a head start on the relationships that matter in college and beyond.

Action Step: Stay in touch with your internship mentors or supervisors and ask if they’re open to offering advice or a future letter of recommendation.

Next Steps: Make It Count

If you’re exploring internship options, look for opportunities that let you contribute meaningfully, grow your skills, and reflect on your experience. The right internship can shape not just your application, but your direction.

For students interested in technology, the CodeWizardsHQ High School Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience. You’ll work on real coding projects for a nonprofit, collaborate with a team, and build a portfolio that showcases your abilities. It’s designed to help you succeed in college and beyond.

No matter your path, one great internship can set you up for a future full of possibilities.

The post 5 Ways a High School Internship Boosts Your College Application appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

JeanAlbert Arnold’s path to becoming an educator at CodeWizardsHQ is a story of rediscovering passion, embracing lifelong learning, and finding joy in teaching. JeanAlbert has explored numerous professions, each time bringing a spirit of curiosity and a drive for innovation. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I’ve had other hobbies and passions in my life, but coding always comes back.” His coding journey began with a Tandy Computer.

Discovering Coding

JeanAlbert’s coding adventure began unexpectedly when his mother brought home what she thought was a game system. It was actually a Tandy Color Computer from Radio Shack. The confusion quickly turned into a defining moment for JeanAlbert. “My brothers and sisters quickly realized, ‘No, this is not the Atari we wanted.’ So they handed it to me, and it had the Tandy manual on how to program in BASIC. From the first time I got a program running, I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.” This early experience lit a spark in JeanAlbert, setting him on a path that would shape his career and personal interests profoundly.

With limited coding education opportunities, JeanAlbert was initially self-taught using library books. Then he and his dad found an evening class at the local high school. Much to their surprise, the class was comprised of only adults except for an eleven-year-old JeanAlbert. The quick learner soon found himself helping the adults with their programming projects. “By the time I was 16, I came back, and I was teaching those classes, the same classes I took years earlier.”

A Diverse Career Path

JeanAlbert navigated a unique career path, often merging his knack for technology with practical skills. His work history includes jobs where he applied his technical acumen to fix everything from intricate cameras to sophisticated sewing machines. This experience not only honed his problem-solving skills but also deepened his understanding of how things work—knowledge he brings to his coding classes. Each role he took on reinforced his passion for technology.

After a hiatus of over two decades from professional coding, he found his way back to his first love with a teaching position at CodeWizardsHQ. “Coming back to coding was like coming home. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I started teaching these kids. Every class is a reminder of why I started in the first place,” JeanAlbert shares.

Instructing at CodeWizardsHQ

JeanAlbert has been teaching at CodeWizardsHQ  for almost a year, and during that time he has taught all levels: elementary, middle, and high school students. He shared that he enjoys teaching each age group. He appreciates elementary classes for their foundational impact, enjoying the process of guiding young minds through their initial steps in coding and watching their enthusiasm and creativity unfold. With high school students, he values the opportunity to engage with their advanced thinking and their ability to challenge programming norms. “I love the high school students because I can see how far they’ve come and how they’ve lost that fear.” JeanAlbert finds joy in witnessing students’ “aha” moments and their development from curious beginners to skilled young coders.

JeanAlbert’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning should be an engaging, interactive process. He often emphasizes the importance of making classes energetic and dynamic, particularly enjoying the curiosity and enthusiasm of his students. He believes in the power of not just teaching coding skills but also instilling confidence and resilience in his students. Reflecting on his approach, he encourages his students and peers with a simple mantra: “Just don’t be afraid to try. Just do it.” This philosophy underpins his teaching style, focusing on encouragement, practical problem-solving, and nurturing a genuine interest in learning among his students.

JeanAlbert advises parents whose kids might have that spark of coding to jump in and give it a try. “I tell them to follow their child’s curiosity and keep them challenged. Whether a student goes into coding or not, it will teach skills that will help them all across the board.” JeanAlbert has some specific insight about CodeWizardsHQ.

“This is the most incredible project I’ve ever been a part of. CodeWizards makes coding approachable and fun for the kids. I not only teach students the technical skills, but they also learn problem solving, creativity, and they most importantly learn confidence.”

Life Outside of Coding

JeanAlbert doesn’t just teach at CodeWizardsHQ; he and his wife also homeschool their 14-year-old daughter. JeanAlbert’s teaching focus is on math and science, with chemistry being a significant topic this year. This approach ensures she receives a comprehensive education in essential subjects. By teaching her at home, JeanAlbert actively shapes her academic growth and lays a solid foundation in crucial educational fields.

JeanAlbert is a lifelong learner and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at BYU Idaho. His educational journey won’t stop there; he’s especially keen on blending his interest in philosophy with technology. With an eye towards the future, he is considering pursuing a PhD, further deepening his understanding and expertise in the field.

His life outside the classroom is as rich and varied as his career path. JeanAlbert manages a small farm that he calls a “farmette,” and exclaimed that “We got our first chicken egg this morning, and we’re planning to add a couple of goats to our little farm soon!”  Other hobbies range from mushroom foraging to solving complex puzzles. He engages in painting and creative writing as well. He and his wife also recently welcomed two playful puppies, Gizmo and Luna, to their household.

Teaching Impact

JeanAlbert Arnold’s story is a vivid illustration of how diverse experiences can enrich teaching and provide a robust foundation for encouraging the next generation of learners. Through his work at CodeWizardsHQ, he not only teaches coding but also imparts life lessons on resilience, creativity, and the lifelong joy of discovery. As we look at his career and his philosophy, it’s clear that JeanAlbert is not just teaching code; he’s preparing young minds to meet the world with confidence and curiosity.

The post Instructor Spotlight: JeanAlbert Arnold appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

In the dynamic world of tech, career paths are often less linear and more of a network of possibilities. One inspiring example of such a journey is Caleb Flores, whose transition from a biomedical science major to a CodeWizards instructor highlights a fascinating shift driven by passion and the influence of community. Caleb’s story isn’t just about changing majors; it’s a testament to the transformative power of technology and education.

Caleb’s Journey to Coding Instructor

Caleb’s initial academic pursuit was in biomedical science at Arizona State University, where he planned to dive into the complexities of physical therapy. By his junior year, however, his interest waned. “I quickly got disinterested in that,” Caleb admits, shedding light on the doubts many students face when their chosen paths no longer align with their passions.

The pivot in Caleb’s career trajectory came unexpectedly through a friend deeply entrenched in the tech world. This friend, enthusiastic about the possibilities within technology, hosted a small gathering where Caleb’s curiosity about coding was piqued. “He sold me on tech pretty easily,” Caleb recalls. It was a combination of timely advice and an open mind that steered him to a new direction.

Realizing that a traditional four-year degree might not be his pathway, Caleb explored alternative educational formats. “I saw that there are actually boot camps where you can learn tech,” he explains. This realization led him to enroll in App Academy, an intensive coding boot camp with a curriculum that promised direct entry into the tech industry. Reflecting on his decision to switch to a boot camp, Caleb shares, “It was more focused on an actual software engineering role.”

The rigorous training at App Academy was nothing short of transformative for Caleb. “About 65 hours a week,” he notes about the commitment required, highlighting the intense focus and dedication needed to succeed. 

Post-graduation, Caleb felt equipped and eager to enter the tech field, but his journey took another turn. 

“I have always been a teacher at heart. Throughout school, I was a wrestler. I coached part-time and taught, and it was no surprise that when I was at App Academy, I found myself in a tutor role there. We were running after-school tutoring sessions. I loved that role, but I didn’t consider going the teaching route until I saw the CodeWizards listing.”

Teaching at CodeWizardsHQ

Caleb appreciated the curriculum and variety of age groups at CodeWizards and decided to apply. He has been an instructor at CodeWizards for a year, where he brings his enthusiasm for coding to young learners. Caleb teaches all age groups: elementary, middle, and high school. He enjoys teaching each coding language but particularly likes anything related to web development. In addition, Caleb cites one particular class as his favorite: the first Python class where text coding is introduced.

“The first time they move off of Scratch when they first get into typing, the excitement level is through the roof. Anytime I get to that point, it’s pretty fun.”

Caleb enjoys high-energy classes and mentions a scenario that is fulfilling as an instructor.

“Many times, when the kids have such excitement for knowledge and someone asks a question, I don’t even have to do anything. I just let the other four or five students tackle each other to answer the question because they like showing their knowledge, and I can tell that knowing the answer to this question is a good thing for them, which shows me that they really like what they’re learning. It’s up to me to deliver that information so they can keep that energy level.”

Caleb also appreciates what he calls the “entry-level wonder” of the way kids’ brains work. “When you’re explaining a concept, the analogies that they can come up with are always so young and fresh. It makes me appreciate coding in a different way.”

Hobbies and Downtime

Caleb brings the same energy and passion to his hobbies and personal life as he does to his professional endeavors. He has recently discovered a love of landscaping and has immersed himself in reinventing his mom’s yard. Caleb is a self-described huge sports fan and enjoys the many professional sports options available in his hometown of Dallas, TX. He also has two new rescue dogs to keep him busy: a Rottweiler German shepherd mix named Lucas and a chocolate lab named Malcolm.

Caleb’s story is an example of how the tech industry thrives on diverse backgrounds and unconventional career paths. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the power of a supportive community. CodeWizards is fortunate to have instructors like Caleb who not only inspire a passion for coding but also focus on the excitement of creation and problem-solving, building an environment where young minds feel empowered to explore and innovate.

The post Instructor Spotlight: Caleb Flores appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Here’s our list of top-rated coding bootcamps for kids and teens to explore their interests in programming, animation, and gaming. These bootcamps are structured courses tailored to students by age that teach coding fundamentals with hands-on projects.

Coding has become an invaluable skill in the 21st century and kids benefit the most from learning to code. During bootcamp, students practice skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making while learning Scratch, Python, Java, and other popular languages. Coding bootcamps are an efficient use of your child’s summer or free time where they can learn how to code in a short amount of time.

Explore the most fun and effective coding bootcamps for kids

CodeWizardsHQ has the most fun and effective coding classes for kids. We’ve developed a structured curriculum that teaches kids to code in Scratch, Python, Java, and more with engaging hands-on projects. Students who graduate the high school program are invited to join a real-world coding internship. Kids get the best curriculum, teachers, and tools to learn to code successfully.

We are Trustpilot’s top-rated summer camp with 3-week summer coding bootcamps for accelerated learning and 1-week bootcamps in Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite. We also offer 2-day AI bootcamps, where kids experiment with artificial intelligence and train their first AI models using Google’s Teachable machine.

What is a coding bootcamp for kids? 

A coding bootcamp for kids is a short and intensive educational program designed to teach children the fundamentals of coding and computer programming in a hands-on and immersive environment.

Bootcamps are structured to provide a condensed and focused learning experience. They often emphasize hands-on learning through a variety of strategies and techniques designed to provide participants with practical, real-world coding experience. They will range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the specific program.

Why attend a coding bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps are a great option for kids who want to build a coding foundation or dive deeper into a specific language. You might choose a bootcamp over a self-taught course or weekly class because they can get results more quickly and effectively. Coding bootcamps are fast-paced and high-impact, they emphasize hands-on learning, and help kids learn to code faster. 

Fast-paced and high-impact

Bootcamps offer an immersive and intensive learning experience. This is advantageous for students who want to dedicate a concentrated period to learning coding and are looking for a more accelerated pace compared to traditional classes or self-paced learning. They’re typically shorter in duration so kids can acquire coding skills in a more time-efficient manner. For kids, summer is a great time to participate in a coding bootcamp. They can focus on coding with minimal distractions.

Emphasis on Hands-On Learning

Coding bootcamps emphasize hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios. This practical experience allows students to build a portfolio of work that can be showcased to schools and employers. The portfolio of projects gives them a tangible demonstration of their skills. For example, in our Roblox bootcamps, kids build their own obstacle game and leave with the ability to enhance their games and build more complex games on their own. In the core track bootcamps, kids build a full portfolio of projects, one for each session. All of our coding bootcamps use a project-based curriculum where kids learn by solving real-world problems.

Learn Faster Than On Your Own

Self-taught courses take incredible self-discipline and extra work. When kids have a set schedule with classes that require attendance they can stay focused and they have the support needed. So if time is of the essence, bootcamp is the way to go. Teamwork is essential to success in the real world. You will work on teams to solve problems and build products. Good bootcamps have you work on team projects during camp. This helps develop communication, problem solving, and analytical skills.

Coding Bootcamps for Elementary Kids

These top-rated coding bootcamps are available for kids ages 8-10. At this age, kids focus on understanding programming concepts in a fun way while also learning problem solving and decision making.

Animation and Games with Scratch

Ages 8-10 | 3-week bootcamp

In Animations and Games with Scratch, students are introduced to block programming in Scratch and how to think like a programmer. They’ll get to build fun, interactive projects in every lesson. This unique bootcamp uses the Scratch platform to make learning complex concepts and advanced programming skills fun for younger students! 3-week bootcamps are an accelerated versions of our 12-week classes in the Elementary School Coding Program.

View camp schedule

Intro to Roblox Game Development

Ages 8-10 | 1-week Bootcamp

Students experience Roblox game creation in Intro to Roblox Game Development! In one week, students learn to build their own obstacle course using Roblox Studio, a free Roblox game editing software, and Lua coding language. We’ll also touch on fundamental Lua programming concepts to enhance their game design. It’s Roblox game development, programming, and design through an exciting project-based curriculum.  At the end, students will have a fully developed obstacle course project and the skills to create their own Roblox games.

View camp schedule

Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft

Ages 8-10 | 1-week Bootcamp

In Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft, students take their Minecraft experience to the next level. They learn new technical concepts with redstone, an element used for mechanical and electrical programming in Minecraft logic. It’s a fun introduction to coding that will get them excited about programming. In one week, they will learn how redstone works and advance to build logic gates, similar to what electrical engineers create. At the end of camp, students will have the knowledge to build their own redstone projects in Minecraft.

View camp schedule

Coding Bootcamps for Middle School Kids

These coding bootcamps are available for kids ages 11-13. They’ll dive into Python and text-based programming while coding robust games and apps.

Intro to Programming with Python

Ages 11-13 | 3-Week Bootcamp

In Intro to Programming with Python, Students learn fundamental programming concepts while building fun, interactive projects in Python. These bootcamps use our custom Python libraries to make programming easier and more enjoyable. Kids will study variables, data types, lists, loops, conditional logic, and functions, all while building a passion for programming. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Beyond Basics with Python and Webpages with HTML & CSS.

View camp schedule

Intro to Roblox Game Development

Ages 11-13 | 1-week Bootcamp

In Intro to Roblox Game Development, students learn Roblox game development, programming, and design through an exciting project-based curriculum. In one week, they’ll learn to build their own obstacle course using Roblox Studio, a free Roblox game editing software, and Lua coding language. We’ll also touch on fundamental Lua programming concepts, such as variables, loops, and function calls, to enhance their game design. At the end of camp, students will have a fully developed obstacle course project and the skills to create their own Roblox games.

View camp schedule

Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft

Ages 11-13 | 1-week Bootcamp

In Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft, students take their Minecraft experience to the next level and learn new technical concepts with redstone, an element used for mechanical and electrical programming in Minecraft logic. In one week, they will learn how redstone works and advance to build logic gates, similar to what electrical engineers create. At the end of camp, students will be able to build their own redstone projects in Minecraft and understand how redstone logic can be applied to real world programming.

View camp schedule

Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite

Ages 11-13 | 1-week Bootcamp

Embark on an exciting adventure into the realm of Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite. This bootcamp enables students to craft their own unique gaming experience using UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite), a professional game engine. Students will learn how to integrate fundamental elements into their game, including buildings, vehicles, enemy characters, and beyond. At the end of camp, students will have completed their own unique Fortnite game and also possess the skills to independently create more Fortnite games in the future.

View camp schedule

Coding Bootcamps for High School Teens

These coding bootcamps are available for teens ages 14-18. Teens can learn complex coding concepts and build a foundation in  computer science using Python.

Intro to Python

Ages 14-18 | 3-Week Bootcamp

Students learn fundamental programming concepts while building fun, interactive projects in Intro to Python. This course uses a project-based approach to teach complex Python concepts like variables, loops, functions, modules, and more. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Fundamentals of Web Development and User Interface Development.

View bootcamp schedule

Beginner Python

Ages 14-18 | 3-Week Bootcamp

Beginner Python is the first course in the Python Language Track. Students  learn to work with variables, data types, lists, loops, conditional logic, and functions, all while building a passion for programming through our engaging project-based lessons. The fundamental programming skills they’ll learn in this course are transferrable between programming languages and problem domains. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Intermediate Python and Advanced Python.

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Introduction to Java

Ages 14-18 | 3-Week Bootcamp

In Introduction to Java, students learn fundamental programming concepts while building practical projects in the Java programming language. This bootcamp is a preparatory course for the high AP Computer Science A  class. Students will tackle Object-Oriented Programmingm conditional logic, methods, and more in Java. The skills learned in this course will give students a leg-up upon entering a traditional APCS course. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Java II.

View camp schedule

Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft

Ages 14-18 | 1-week Bootcamp

Students take their Minecraft experience to the next level in Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft. They learn new technical concepts with redstone, an element used for mechanical and electrical programming in Minecraft logic. It’s a fun introduction to coding that will get them excited about programming. In 1-week, they will learn how redstone works and advance to build logic gates, similar to what electrical engineers create. At the end of camp, students will have the knowledge to build their own redstone projects in Minecraft.

View camp schedule

Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite

Ages 14-18 | 1-week Bootcamp

Embark on an exciting adventure into the realm of Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite. This beginner-friendly camp enables students to craft their own unique gaming experience using UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite), a professional game engine. Students will learn how to integrate fundamental elements into their game, including buildings, vehicles, enemy characters, and beyond. At the end of camp, students will have completed their own unique Fortnite game and also possess the skills to independently create more Fortnite games in the future.

View camp schedule

Choose the Best Coding Bootcamp for Your Child

If you have limited time and want your child to learn in a focused and engaging way, choose one of our top-rated coding bootcamps for kids and teens. Bootcamps are offered during the summer coding program. We also have afterschool coding classes for kids and teens who want to code all year round. Your child can learn the skills to succeed in coding and beyond.

The post Top-Rated Coding Bootcamps for Kids and Teens appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Meet Kathleen! A high school sophomore who has been a CodeWizardsHQ student for three years. Her dedication to developing her coding skills, working as a helper in our CodeWizardsHQ Forum, and volunteering for her school as a webmaster have made her a standout student and our March Spotlight.

Kathleen’s Coding Journey

Kathleen always knew that she was going to pursue a future in STEM. She wanted to learn to code because it is an integral part of so many STEM-based careers and she liked the idea of what you can accomplish with code.

“I was always interested in computers and the idea of being able to get them to do what you want them to do and make whatever you want to make. I thought that was really cool and I wanted to do that too. You see in the movies where there is that one coder who does all this super cool stuff with computers and I always wanted to be that person.”

Kathleen tried various online resources for learning to code but decided that she wanted to find a more structured opportunity. She and her dad started researching. Kathleen saw an ad for CodeWizardsHQ and immediately saw the benefits of the program.

“One thing I liked about CodeWizards was that it was live classes, and I didn’t want to really do an online self-paced thing. I wanted to have an actual teacher and be in a live class with other kids. That is one thing I really liked, and the internship. I thought that was cool.”

Parent Insights

Kathleen’s dad, an IT project manager, was happy to encourage his daughter’s interest in learning to code. Working with software engineers and developers gives him unique insight into the tech world.

“To me, coding has so many benefits that go beyond STEM classes. Coding teaches you logical, progressive thinking and planning and that’s something that I wanted Kathleen to have.”

Kathleen’s dad researched CodeWizardsHQ and liked what he saw.

“There was a lot of positive commentary in different reviews. Beyond people saying a lot of good things, I liked the plans, the way things were nested, and the course progression. I liked CodeWizards because you have tracks and they lead progressively to a point and then the idea of the internship at the end, building to something. The organization seemed better from that perspective.”

Once Kathleen started classes, her dad appreciated the thorough communication that keeps parents informed of student progress.

“One of the other things that I liked about CodeWizards once we got into it was the way the instructors presented themselves professionally to me as far as emails and their regular communications. Those regular emails that the instructors send out are really helpful in keeping me engaged in what she’s doing and what she’s going to be doing.”

Sharing Her Coding Skills

Kathleen didn’t stop at being an exceptional coding student. She was nominated and accepted a volunteer role as a Forum helper. The Forum is a private, moderated online community at CodeWizardsHQ where students can connect with each other and teachers to get help with their homework and projects. The Forum places helpers in mentorship roles and encourages leadership, communication, and teamwork. Kathleen’s dad appreciated the Forum for its value-added benefits.

“Kathleen was able to go into the Forum and help other students with their projects and the things that they were working on. I felt that was good from a leadership perspective because it allows you to take what you have learned and then help others and you can derive a lot of pride and enjoyment from that.”

Kathleen is getting close to graduation with just a few classes remaining before her real-world internship. She is currently taking a High School Wizard Level III class called Object Relational Mapping where students learn to manage interactions with databases. 

When asked about her favorite projects during her tenure at CodeWizardsHQ, Kathleen cites a project that taught students how to structure the back end of blogs. She had been trying to build one on her own and appreciated the opportunity to have three weeks devoted to this topic and have all of her questions answered.

Kathleen also liked a meme generator project. She particularly enjoyed the way the project was structured.

“It combined a lot of stuff that we had learned into one project and then we let it sit for a while and learned a bunch of new stuff and then we took that new stuff and we made the app even more complex and coded even more of it ourselves.”

While Kathleen typically prefers back-end languages such as Python, she has recently found front-end languages like HTML to be useful and she has used her knowledge of HTML/CSS to create and maintain a new website for her school newspaper. Kathleen was asked to help build the entire site from the ground up and collaborated to create a product that would serve their needs.

Kathleen is certain that her career will include STEM. Right now she is interested in artificial intelligence because it blends her favorite subject, math with coding. She is also interested in a career as an electrical engineer.

Staying Active

Kathleen supplements her busy high school schedule with sports. She is a member of her high school’s cross country running team. In its inaugural season last fall, she was the team’s only girl. She looks forward to competing next year as well. Kathleen loves to read and lately has enjoyed murder mysteries and historical fiction. She also spends her time with her one-year-old puppy, a goldendoodle named Penny.

CodeWizardsHQ is fortunate to have Kathleen as part of our coding family and we look forward to seeing Kathleen continue her impressive accomplishments. Her instructor, Ife, echoes these sentiments.

Kathleen is a coding rockstar in her own right, often experimenting with different approaches, both in class and homework time, based on what she’s learned at CWHQ and elsewhere. She’s an independent thinker who is not intimidated by stepping away from the template to challenge her own understanding.

Ife, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

The post Student Spotlight: Kathleen appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

It’s not unusual for CodeWizardsHQ students to be exceptional scholars. They not only excel in school but are also devoted to extracurricular activities like coding. Zachary, a CodeWizardsHQ high school student, is no exception and his passion for coding and one other very unique sport, make him an interesting student to meet and spotlight.

From Gaming to Computer Science

Like many students, Zachary’s interest in learning to code started with a passion for video games. He wanted to know more about how they work and learn to make his own games. 

“I was playing a lot of video games and I wanted to make my own.  Modding Minecraft started my interest to learn to code and also sparked an interest to learn Python. Once I started learning more about coding, I could understand how some other things work, like websites. Those seem fun now because I know HTML/CSS.”

His mom saw coding as a learning opportunity that she wanted to encourage.

“Learning to code was driven by Zachary when he was about ten. You could tell that he had a strong desire and interest in coding and so I wanted to keep building on top of that.”

Zachary tried a variety of learn-on-your-own opportunities but found that the support just wasn’t there. His mom found CodeWizardsHQ and decided to give it a try. She was drawn to CodeWizardsHQ by the opportunity to have the in and out-of-class support that her son was missing elsewhere. As a homeschooling parent, she liked CodeWizardsHQ’s Homeschool Program and its unique Internship Program for graduates. She continues to be happy with her choice, especially the assistance on how to choose classes with no guessing about what course comes next.

“The teachers have been great and sit with students way beyond their class time, which is nice. Zachary gets responses to questions within five minutes. If parents are like me and they need a lot of guidance, then this is the program for them because CodeWizardsHQ has auto-enrollment for classes. With CodeWizardsHQ’s three-year program, you can be confident in the fact that students get a full and complete course and it’s covering everything.”

Zachary’s Coding Journey

Zachary is currently enrolled in a Responsive Web Development course. He enjoys all of his projects, but several are more memorable. 

“One of them that does stick out to me is an HTML project. It was teaching us how to put videos onto the screen…and that let me figure out how YouTube works a little bit, like how it has tons of videos and how I can make a website that looks like it…It allows me to get insight into other programs and websites. I also like my portfolio because I can browse my projects easily. It was also my first solo project in an HTML course.”

His favorite languages center around his future career goals of game or website creation.

“I’ve enjoyed Python for the user interface and how you can interact with it and have certain functions and things happen. I also like HTML for the graphics and I want to learn how to combine those to make video games so you can have the user interact with graphics.”

His dedication to coding has not gone unnoticed by his CodeWizardsHQ instructor, Holly.

“Zachary is a deep thinker and his ability to absorb the material we’re learning is out of this world. He’s now able to create our class projects from scratch on his own by just showing him the final project. He asks forward-thinking questions, and his projects always push the envelope. His questions allow us to discuss topics generally not covered in the material.”

Hobbies and Interests

Coding isn’t Zachary’s only passion. He is an avid reader and has played piano for ten years. He also participates most days in another exciting activity. For over five years, Zachary has been active in an American Ninja Warrior program at a gym near his home. 

“It’s like an obstacle course somewhat. You have a lot of hanging and swinging to small ledges and stuff. It focuses on the upper body and balance.”

Zachary and his team travel to gyms and compete against other teams about once a month. He’s starting to place in competitions and has a remarkable record of fifty pull-ups in a row. Impressive, but not surprising for a teen who doesn’t shy away from setting lofty goals and working hard to achieve them. 

At CodeWizardsHQ, Our Students Are Our Top Priority.

We are lucky to have Zachary and his family as a part of our community!

Level up your child’s learning experience. Take a coding class with CodeWizardsHQ:
Elementary School Coding Program, Middle School Coding Program, High School Coding Program

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When meeting Sophie, a CodeWizardsHQ student, it’s immediately clear that she does not like to be bored. It’s not surprising then, that during pandemic downtime, Sophie decided to learn how to code. Her goal was to make her own video game. She learned on her own for a year with an educational app, but as she progressed, she found that it became increasingly difficult to follow some of the complicated instructions. That’s when her family found CodeWizardsHQ.

Sophie’s Coding Journey

Sophie’s mom was interested in finding a virtual learning opportunity for her daughter with live teachers and small classes. She chose CodeWizardsHQ after seeing positive reviews online. She was also attracted by the program’s plentiful extra help resources, such as instructor office hours and homework help.

“If there’s a child who is interested in coding at all this is a great opportunity for them to get hands-on practice with a qualified teacher there to help them out. If they need help in between classes there’s a variety of ways to get that help. So this is just a great way to succeed with coding.”

Sophie started CodeWizardsHQ’s Middle School Program a little over a year ago and has advanced to Wizard Level II. She is currently taking the Interactive JavaScript course. She enjoys working with both HTML/CSS and Python. 

“I like HTML/CSS because you can make websites and designs with it. I Like Python a lot because in Python you can make things with functionality such as text-based games.”

Sophie has enjoyed all of the projects that she’s worked on but especially more recent ones.

“I really like the ones that I have been working on lately because of how much more intricate they are. The last one I did was a text-based Wizard Quest game. It’s really cool and I even added features.”

Sophie’s mom believes that learning to code has enhanced Sophie’s non-coding skills.

“It’s helped her to realize that it’s okay not to have all the answers, to get things wrong, and to think about it and try it again.”

School and Career Plans

CodeWizardsHQ classes aren’t her only outlet for creative coding projects. Sophie has entered a competition at school using her coding knowledge.

“At my school, they have Tech Fair and I’m in the programming challenge part of it. I’m making a tic-tac-toe game and I’m using JavaScript and HTML/CSS to make it. I just think it’s super cool.”

The ever-industrious Sophie, has developed short and long-term plans for her coding journey.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about how to make games that have visuals like HTML/CSS but also have mechanisms that use JavaScript. That’s the first step to making everything that I want.”

Sophie was initially interested in becoming a programmer and now wants to specialize in UI/UX web design. She sees significant career opportunities in that area. She is even planning to use coding and web design skills to find part-time jobs while still in school. 

Sophie enjoys school and all of her subjects. She has been in the gifted program and at the top of her class since kindergarten. This year, she cites math as her favorite class. She is excited about learning algebra this year and loves her teacher. 

Sophie packs a lot into her sixth-grade schedule. In addition to school and CodeWizardsHQ classes, she plays clarinet in the school orchestra. She also enjoys art and writing in her free time. She is currently working on a Harry Potter-style book about children who go to a special school to learn magic.

It seems that Sophie is already working on making coding magic happen at a special school. With so many interests and a drive to succeed, there’s no doubt that she is well on her path to a bright future. Her current instructor, Holly agrees.

“Sophie is a Wizard through and through. With her innate desire to challenge herself, coupled with her youthful curiosity, keen eye for layout and design, and her determination and perseverance, Sophie outputs projects that are far above and beyond our expectations; Many of which stand on their own in comparison to similar projects completed by professional developers. From asking inspired questions in class, to regularly attending homework help, engaging with the CodeWizardsHQ community, and challenging her peers, Sophie inspires us all to step up and unleash our inner Wizards. It is my absolute honor to have Sophie in class.”

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CodeWizardsHQ instructor, Alicia Mullen shatters the stereotype of a typical computer scientist. From how she discovered an interest in programming to the way she incorporates her passions for art and technology into her life, she has chosen unique paths. Alicia provides a wonderful example of how students can find surprising opportunities when they pursue STEM.

From Artist to Engineer

Alicia followed her love of art early. She was in an art-focused middle school and participated in art contests throughout high school. During high school, however, she found a new interest that would take her down an unexpected road. She was in an early college program in high school where she was able to take classes at a community college. It was there that she rekindled an interest in math. Alicia credits her experience in community college and the mentorship that she received there for leading her to study engineering. In her senior year, Alicia pioneered a new program for high school students to study full-time at the Oregon Institute of Technology.

After high school, Alicia went to the University of Washington where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her focus was on embedded systems. She also enjoyed studying robotics in her free time. After graduating, Alicia worked as a systems engineer both in product development and testing and in IoT system integration.

Passion Becomes Profession

Recently, Alicia found that her first passion was calling and she decided to make a career change. She is now channeling her art background toward new goals and is serving an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist. Five days a week, she learns the intricacies of this genre, receives art critiques, and assists in the shop.

“It’s a lot of studying. It’s very technical as well. You have to adhere to the styles. You have to learn all the rules and what makes sense and what doesn’t.”

That’s not the entire story though. Alicia’s expertise lies in historical tattooing, specifically American traditional tattooing from the 1890s until the 1960s. Alicia can recount a wealth of fascinating information about the history of tattooing. Themes of tattoos in this era were in large part military-based. 

“It’s an interesting history of how the wars would spark different trends in the tattoo world…The modern style comes from Japanese tattooing. They did full-body tattoos and had strong rules about the subject matter and how you did the backgrounds. It spread to Europe in the 1860s. Prince Albert went there to get tattooed along with other royalty.”

Teaching Kids to Code

While in school, Alicia took engineering education courses and spent a year as a teaching assistant for digital circuits courses.  She was looking for a job that would complement her time in the studio and accepted an instructor position at CodeWizardsHQ. Her experience with computer science education allows her to be involved in both the art and STEM worlds.

Alicia teaches elementary and middle school coding classes at CodeWizardsHQ. She enjoys teaching both groups and finds the greatest satisfaction in watching students with varied learning styles and backgrounds get excited about the material and push through to solve problems. When asked about memorable student projects, Alicia mentioned a student who wanted to build his own ghost holograms. She said that opened the door to discussing the tools needed for that project and how to do the research to build it. Alicia says her students enjoy learning coding in class that they can then apply to real-world projects on their own.

Alicia finds that her CodeWizardHQ students enjoy the program and they get particularly excited about overcoming challenges as they code. They learn good problem-solving and technical skills and how to find answers on their own. She sees a lot of growth in the students from participating in the program. When asked about what she’s learned as a coding instructor, Alicia talks about her unique students and their individual backgrounds and learning styles. 

“It’s always been a passion of mine to try to be more inclusive and to work with students who don’t fit the typical mold of a programmer…It’s important to be flexible to different styles of learning.”

Alicia is a strong proponent of giving students without traditional STEM backgrounds opportunities in areas like engineering. She feels that it’s important to create educational structures that engage these students.  Despite not fitting the mold of the typical programmer herself, Alicia has managed to combine all of the best attributes of programming skills into her life and career choices, chief among them logical thinking, problem-solving, and of course, creativity. 

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Java and JavaScript have similar names, so they must be similar programming languages, right? While they both have “java” in them, they are actually two very different programming languages.

[Download] JavaScript Projects Source Code Get the full source code for seven JavaScript project examples. Download Now

In fact, if you Google “java vs. javascript,” you’ll see many people have the same question. Both coding languages have been around a long time. But they are quite different, as you’re about to learn. One is a dominant tool in the world of enterprise software with a huge base of developers. The other is part of the three fundamental components of the world wide web. So, what’s the difference between Java and JavaScript?

What is Java?

Java is what’s known as a high-level programming language, which means that it’s much easier for humans to read than the complex (low-level) code computers understand. In this way, it’s similar to popular languages like Python and C#. Sun Microsystems released Java back in 1995. Nearly 30 years later, it’s in use by almost 9 million software developers.

There are several ideas behind Java as a coding language:

1. Java uses a programming paradigm called object oriented programming. You’ll learn more about that in a moment.
2. Java programs should be secure.
3. Java is that programs built with it should run on any platform. That includes Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Software made with Java is also supposed to require very little support from what are called dependencies. A lot of programs rely on large collections of code written by others to function. These are dependencies.

Finally, Java is a compiled language. Put simply, a compiled language is one that goes through a process that translates it from human-readable format to something computers can read. This translation makes programs faster than those written in interpreted languages, like Python, which essentially translate as the code runs.  

Java Features

Java is an object-oriented programming language. It uses classes, objects, and other related concepts. Classes are prototypes that define the characteristics of the objects that belong to them. Software engineers build programs by creating classes and defining all the things the objects that belong to those classes can do. Then they add objects to their software that do the actual work. A real-world analogy might be helpful: Imagine that “car” is a class. A car can move forward, backward, it can turn left and right, and come to an abrupt stop. The vehicle in your driveway can do all these things because it’s an object that belongs to the “car” class. Programmers would call every individual car an “instance” of the car object.

Java Applications

Java is responsible for some of the most powerful and popular pieces of software in the world. Minecraft, the biggest video game on the internet, was built with Java. More than 140 million players around the globe explore and build virtual creations in Minecraft’s 3D worlds. Zillow, the real estate website used by millions of people to search for houses, condos, and apartments, is a Java application. Acrobat Reader is a Java app that lets people open, review, and sign PDF documents. Amazon uses Java, and so do Netflix, Tinder, Google Earth, and Uber.

Recommended: Summer Minecraft Camp for Kids

Java Resources

Several resources can tell you more about Java, how it works, and how to use it. The best one to start with is probably the Java website from Oracle. You can download everything needed to write Java software and access tutorials here. There, you’ll also find Java Magazine, a helpful blog for those who want to go in-depth on Java technology. 

If you’d like to get your student started with Java classes, online coding classes for kids are an excellent option:

• Java I Intro to Java: Kids learn what Java is and why it’s useful. They also learn the basic building blocks of the language, including its methods, decision-making statements, and data types.
• Java II Intermediate: This class builds on the information in the previous one and presents the concept of object-oriented programming. Students finish the class by building a project.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is what’s known as a scripting language. Its code doesn’t get compiled or translated before the computer runs it. JavaScript is a super popular language for web development and appears in countless websites. In fact, it’s in more than 95% of sites on the web. Front-end developers use it to control elements of a website’s user interface, also called a UI. They employ JavaScript to make objects on the screen respond to user input like mouse clicks and button presses. But this language isn’t limited to simple behaviors such as these. JavaScript’s numerous frameworks make it useful for building powerful web apps. These frameworks include Angular, maintained by Google and used in apps such as Gmail, PayPal, and Netflix. React, a framework created and used by Facebook, also powers parts of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Dropbox. There’s also Vue.js, Ember.js, and others. 

JavaScript Features

Some of JavaScript’s most notable features include its ability to work with HTML forms. If a user forgets or fails to fill out a field, JavaScript can find out before submitting the form and instruct the person to enter the required information. Because JavaScript runs in the browser, it can do quick math without having to contact a server. Browsers of all kinds and on all platforms can run JavaScript code. Another great feature of JavaScript is that programmers can insert short bits of it directly into HTML files. They simply put their code between <script></script> tags.

JavaScript Applications

So many websites and web apps use JavaScript that it would be impossible to list even a fraction of them. PayPal, LinkedIn, Yahoo!, Mozilla, Uber, and nearly all the other big apps people use on the web rely on JavaScript for part of their functionality. Often, JavaScript handles front-end tasks related to what users see on their screens. But JavaScript does plenty of behind-the-scenes calculations, too.

JavaScript Resources

JavaScript’s many frameworks, libraries, and run-time environments are helpful resources for web developers. They include:

• Node.js—a runtime environment that lets developers run JavaScript programs outside of the browser.
• jQuery—a library that makes it easy to manipulate HTML elements and add interaction to websites. 
• Angular—a robust framework for web applications.
• React—another framework for web apps that can also be used for mobile apps
• Vue—a framework for building all sorts of web applications. The helpful explainer video on the Vue.js homepage explains its key advantages.

Several online development environments let anyone write, test, and run JavaScript code in the browser. They include:

• JSFiddle
• Playcode.io
• JSEditor

Finally, CodeWizardsHQ has online JavaScript classes for elementary, middle, and high-school kids:

• Classes for elementary school students, like Intro to Real-World Programming, focus on building problem-solving skills and acquiring the basic concepts.
• Middle school students learn to use JavaScript libraries like JQuery in Interactive Web with JavaScript.
• In Fundamentals of Web Development, high school students combine the three fundamental front-end languages of the web and learn to build complete websites.

Java vs JavaScript: What’s the Difference?

You might still be wondering about the connection between Java and JavaScript. They both seem to have something to do with coffee, right? The following joke concerns the relationship between the two languages: 

Java and JavaScript are similar in the same way car and carpet are. 

In other words, only the first few letters are similar. There are other variations of this joke, but they all assert that the two languages do very different things and have different structures, syntaxes, and underlying concepts. 

However, that’s not the whole story. The names of these two languages reveal a relationship.

Sun Microsystems, the company that released Java back in the 1990s, originally called the language Oak. But another company already had a trademark on that name, so Sun’s lawyers said Sun couldn’t use it. A team of engineers and product managers at Sun did some brainstorming and someone came up with Java. A product manager claims to be the person responsible for the name, and says that it reflects the dynamic, energizing nature of the language.

Like Java, JavaScript started out as something else. A Netscape engineer created it and called it Mocha. Later, Netscape renamed it LiveScript. Then Netscape and Sun made a deal to provide Java in web browsers. LiveScript was more approachable for non-programmers and Netscape wanted to include it. So Netscape renamed it JavaScript and presented it as a kind of beginner-friendly Java companion. 

The following table illustrates a few of the differences between Java vs JavaScript.

Download JavaScript Projects Source Code

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Java vs JavaScript: Which is Best for Kids to Learn?

When deciding which language to learn, it’s important to know what you want to build. Kids who should learn Java probably want to build mobile apps for Android devices or work on huge software suites with large user bases. For these students, CodeWizardsHQ’s AP Computer Science prep courses would be a good choice. 

JavaScript for kids is more appropriate for those who would like to do front-end web development, create single-page web applications, or build games for the web. Aspiring web developers such as these will benefit from CodeWizardsHQ’s lineup of JavaScript classes for kids ages 8-18.

Regardless of the language, kids will learn important and transferable programming skills in online classes from CodeWizardsHQ. Many of the ideas behind Java apply to JavaScript, Python, and other languages. So your aspiring software engineer can start with Java, experiment with JavaScript for web development later on, and learn other languages with little difficulty in the future.

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Scratch is a simple, fun coding platform designed especially for kids. We teach Scratch in our elementary school coding program, but even adults can enjoy coding with Scratch. The Scratch platform does a pretty good job of making it easy to jump into coding, but even the simplest programs are intimidating for someone who is just getting started. It’s helpful to see Scratch code examples and try them out for yourselves. After all, it’s a brand-new interface with buttons, blocks, and more. 

[Download] Printable Scratch Coding Tutorials Get 2 printable Scratch tutorials, Rocket Landing and Flying Space Cat, to code your own games step by step. Download Now

We’re going to take a look at different Scratch code examples and what they do, but first, what is Scratch and why should you care? 

Learn Programming in Scratch

Scratch is a free platform for learning how to code. It’s popular, in large part, because MIT put a ton of work into making Scratch programming language easy to understand and use. It’s a block-based coding language and allows users to drag and drop colorful blocks of code to build animations or games. 

While the way learners interact with the code is simplified, the code itself is not. Each block represents a chunk of real code, which means kids are learning real coding concepts when they work in Scratch. As such, Scratch is a great platform for teaching your child coding concepts like conditionals and loops, exploring how (X,Y) coordinates work, or what exactly an “event” is in coding. 

If that sounds interesting, you can also check out our Scratch coding classes for kids!

Recommended: Kids Coding Websites

Scratch Code Examples for Beginners

Scratch builds complete programs by connecting a series of code blocks together. Each block represents a piece of real code inside that users can string together to make things happen. In a Scratch program, different kinds of blocks have different colors and names that tell you the type of block it is and what job it does. 

Let’s take a look at a few Scratch code examples. These are some of the most common blocks in beginner Scratch programs and what they do.

• Event blocks
• Motion blocks
• Looks Blocks
• Sound Blocks
• Control Blocks

You can also see how these example blocks work together to build a complete project, like our Scratch Valentine’s Day tutorial.

Event Blocks

The orange blocks in Scratch, usually with a rounded top, are event blocks. 

In most cases, the event blocks are the ones that begin each sequence of code. They usually can’t be added below other blocks on a chain. Their job is to wait for a specific event to happen or send a message to other blocks so they can tell the code blocks below them to go! 

Scratch code blocks that aren’t attached to an event block won’t run, so event blocks are a necessary part of every program. 

When Green Flag Clicked

The “When Green Flag Clicked” event block starts a chain of code when the green flag button is clicked. This is commonly used as a way to start the code for an animation or game that doesn’t need other interaction from the person playing it. Essentially, it’s a start button to get your code going!

When Key Pressed

The “When Key Pressed” event block starts a section of code when a specific key is pressed on the keyboard. It’s useful for when you want something to happen when the user presses a key, like getting a sprite (a character or image) to move around.  

When This Sprite Clicked

In Scratch programming, sprites are elements and characters in your project. The “when this sprite clicked” event block starts the code when the user clicks on the chosen sprite. This is useful for any Scratch game that involves collecting items by clicking on them or for letting users click on buttons using the mouse. On touchscreens, a click event happens when the user taps on the sprite with their finger. 

Motion Blocks

The motion blocks are the blue blocks. These are the blocks that control the movement of the different sprites in your program. Any time you want a sprite to change its position on the screen, these are the blocks that you’ll add.

Move

The “move” block is the most basic of the motion blocks. When activated, it will move its sprite the indicated number of steps in the direction the sprite is facing. So, if you wanted to move your sprite 10 steps to the right, you would make sure it is facing 90° (the right side of the screen) and activate the move block.

The white circles inside these blocks have numbers that you can change so you can move the sprite the specific distance that you want. 

Turn

The “turn” blocks change the direction your sprite is facing by the number of degrees shown in the white circle. In a maze game, your sprite might need to turn 90° to travel the right path. Remember that the direction a sprite is facing affects the direction that the “move” block takes it.

Go to 

The “go to” block will instantly move its sprite to the coordinates shown in its circles. 

Glide

The “glide” block will also take its sprite to the set coordinates but will do it over a number of seconds instead of doing it instantly. This is useful if you want to show the movement instead of just moving the sprite instantaneously.

Looks Blocks

Looks blocks affect how sprites and backgrounds appear to the user. This is great for making sprites look like they are moving or for changing the scenery in animations. Changing the looks of a block is a separate task from changing its position. If you want to make a sprite appear to be walking, you’ll need to activate both a motion block and a looks block.

Switch Costume

Changing the looks of a sprite is done by switching between costumes. Costumes are different pictures that are all connected to a single sprite. When the “switch costume” block is activated, its sprite will change to the specific costume shown in the dropdown menu.

Switch Backdrop

Changing the looks of the scenery is done by switching between backdrops. When the “switch backdrop” block is activated, the picture used as the background will change to the backdrop indicated in the dropdown.

Show and Hide

The show and hide blocks affect the visibility of sprites. If there is a sprite that you don’t want visible on the screen, the “hide” block can make it invisible, but still a part of your program. Likewise, if there is an invisible sprite on the screen that you want to make visible, the “show” block will make it visible.

Sound Blocks

Sound blocks are blocks that affect the audio playing instead of anything visual. You can choose specific sound files included on Scratch, upload your own files, or even record directly in the program if you like. 

Of the three most commonly used sound blocks, two will play your chosen sound file, but there’s a major difference between them.

Play Sound Until Done

The “play sound until done” block will play the file until it finishes before activating the next block. This keeps sounds from overlapping each other, which could make any dialogue difficult to understand. It’s also useful if you want a sprite to finish saying what he’s saying before moving.

Start Sound

In contrast, the “start sound” block will play a sound, but will also instantly activate the next block in line. This is useful if you want to stack sounds on top of each other, or activate another block while the sound is playing.

Stop All Sounds

The “stop all sounds” button does just what it says. When this block is activated, it will stop all sounds from playing. Note that this doesn’t pause or mute them, it stops them from playing. That means that sound files will start over from the beginning if they are activated again.

Control Blocks

Control blocks don’t directly affect sprites, backdrops, or audio. Instead, they control when and how often other blocks get activated. That gives you the ability to code loops, add in delays, and generally increase the amount of control you have over your code.

Wait

The “wait” block keeps code blocks from activating directly after the block ahead of them. This is useful for making sure block actions happen exactly when you intend them to.

Repeat

“Repeat” blocks are used to create code loops. When a “repeat” block is activated, it will repeat whatever other blocks it contains for the specified number of times before activating any block underneath. This helps a ton in keeping the overall length of code down and helps in avoiding small mistakes in repeating code.

Forever

The “forever” block is a special loop block that will continue activating whatever blocks it contains until it is made to stop. This is especially useful for things like creating background music or other actions that you don’t want to stop.  

Scratch classes for kids ages 8-10. Learn Scratch with fun and enagaging, live coding classes. View Elementary School Program.

Scratch Game & App Tutorials

Learn how to create a simple game or application with these free projects. Find full Scratch code examples in our programming tutorials.

Download Free Printable Scratch Coding Tutorials PDF

Get the Rocketship Landing game and Flying Space Cat Scratch tutorials in a printable format.

Make Games & Apps in Scratch

Now that you have the hang of the basic kinds of Scratch blocks, it’s time to put them to use! 

Everything you can make in Scratch is created through combinations of the different kinds of blocks, and there is no better way to learn than by jumping in and trying it out yourself. But if you’re interested in getting a head start on learning, be sure to check out CodeWizardsHQ’s Scratch coding classes. 

Good luck and happy Scratching!

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