SCRATCH CODING and NEP 2020 for CALSSIS 1 to 8 (Primary & Middle School Department) 2025
Scratch Coding and NEP 2020 in the Primary Department
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark reform that aims to transform India’s education system to meet the needs of the 21st century. One of its key features is the introduction of coding and computational thinking from the early grades, especially in the Foundational Stage (ages 3–8) and Preparatory Stage (ages 8–11), which correspond to the primary department in schools. In this context, Scratch coding plays an important role as a beginner-friendly tool for introducing children to the world of computer programming.
Scratch is a visual programming language developed by MIT that allows young learners to create animations, games, and interactive stories by dragging and dropping code blocks. It is designed especially for children and does not require any prior programming knowledge. This makes it ideal for the primary department, where students are just beginning their journey into digital learning.
NEP 2020 emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. Scratch helps in cultivating these skills in a playful and engaging way. By using Scratch, children learn how to think like a programmer, break down problems into steps, and use logical thinking to solve them. For example, when a child makes a simple game using Scratch, they are not just having fun—they are learning how to structure code, use loops, and apply conditionals, all in a visual and intuitive way.
Another important aspect of NEP 2020 is the integration of technology in education. The policy encourages the use of tools and platforms that enhance learning and make students future-ready. Scratch fits perfectly into this vision. It promotes active learning, where children create rather than just consume content. It also supports multilingual learning, which aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on mother tongue-based education in the early years, since Scratch supports many languages, including Indian ones.
Scratch Coding and NEP 2020 in Classes 1 to 8 (Primary & Middle School Department)
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a major step toward transforming India’s education system to prepare students for the future. One of its most exciting features is the inclusion of coding and computational thinking from the early grades, starting as early as Class 1. For students in Classes 1 to 8, this opens up new opportunities to learn critical 21st-century skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy. In this context, Scratch coding is an ideal tool for introducing students to the basics of programming in a fun, visual, and interactive way.
Scratch is a block-based visual programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It allows students to create their own games, stories, animations, and interactive projects by snapping together coding blocks. This approach helps children understand coding logic without worrying about complex syntax, making it perfect for younger learners in Primary (Classes 1–5) and Middle School (Classes 6–8).
NEP 2020 highlights the need to build strong foundations in logical thinking and digital skills from an early age. It encourages schools to introduce basic coding in the curriculum so that students learn how to think critically, experiment, and express themselves using technology. Scratch directly supports this goal by helping children learn computational thinking, which includes skills like sequencing, pattern recognition, and debugging.
In Classes 1 to 5, students can use Scratch Jr (a simplified version of Scratch) to create simple animations and stories. This encourages creativity and storytelling while introducing basic concepts like events, loops, and motion. By Classes 6 to 8, students can move on to standard Scratch and explore more complex projects such as interactive quizzes, mini-games, and simulations. This progression builds confidence and deepens their understanding of programming concepts in a hands-on way.
Another important feature of NEP 2020 is the emphasis on learning through play, discovery, and projects. Scratch aligns perfectly with this approach. It promotes active learning, where students do not just memorize concepts but apply them in real-life scenarios. For example, students can create a Scratch project to explain a science topic, design a quiz on social studies, or tell a story in their mother tongue—combining multiple subjects and skills in one activity.
NEP 2020 also stresses multilingual learning and local relevance, and Scratch supports many Indian languages, helping children learn coding in their mother tongue. This makes coding more inclusive and accessible to a wider group of students.
Furthermore, Scratch encourages collaboration, which is also a key part of NEP 2020’s vision. Students can work in groups, share projects online, and learn from one another. This builds teamwork, communication skills, and digital citizenship from an early age.
In conclusion, integrating Scratch coding into the curriculum for Classes 1 to 8 supports the goals of NEP 2020 by making education more engaging, skill-based, and future-ready. It empowers students to become creators, not just users, of technology, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and innovation.
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