Building a Brighter Future by Teaching Every Child Computational Thinking
Kirat Academy offers free Scratch programming lessons for kids. Start with beginner tutorials, then build games, animations, and art in step-by-step projects.
FAQs
What is Kirat Academy?
Kirat Academy is a free, non-profit educational platform committed to empowering children worldwide with computational thinking skills. Through project-based learning and Scratch programming, we inspire young minds to explore, create, and turn their ideas into reality while developing strong problem-solving skills. Our mission is to make computational thinking accessible to every child, regardless of their background or location.
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a visual, block-based programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab. Instead of typing code, kids snap together colorful blocks to create interactive stories, games, and animations. It's perfect for beginners because it eliminates syntax errors while teaching core programming concepts like loops, conditions, variables, and events. Scratch is used by millions of kids worldwide and is completely free to use at scratch.mit.edu.
Are the projects suitable for beginners?
Yes! Our curriculum is carefully designed with beginners in mind. We start with the Basics section, which introduces fundamental Scratch concepts through 14 bite-sized tutorials. Once kids understand these building blocks, they can move on to our project-based learning, which progresses from simple games (Level 1) to complex simulations (Level 13+). Each project includes step-by-step instructions with screenshots and clear explanations.
How are the projects decided?
Project selection is guided by key computational thinking concepts arranged in order of increasing complexity. The curriculum starts with fundamentals like looping, pattern recognition, graphics, and data representation, then progresses to advanced topics like decomposition, algorithms, and messaging. To keep kids engaged, projects incorporate games and art-based animations. The team continuously adds more projects based on feedback from parents and children to ensure the content remains relevant and exciting.
How much time should kids spend on Kirat Academy?
The choice is up to the kids! Some may enjoy spending hours exploring the site, while others prefer shorter sessions. For beginners new to programming, Kirat Academy recommends spending 5-10 hours on the Basics section before diving into the full projects. Each project typically takes 2-10+ hours to complete depending on complexity and the child's familiarity with Scratch. The most important thing is that learning should be enjoyable, not rushed.
Wouldn't all programming jobs be done by AI in a few years?
While AI is becoming more powerful, the goal of learning computational thinking isn't just about getting a programming job. It's about developing a problem-solving mindset that will be valuable in any career. Computational thinking teaches kids how to break down complex problems, think logically, and create solutions—skills that are essential whether working with AI, managing teams, conducting research, or building businesses. In fact, understanding how computers and AI work will be even more important in the future, not less.
Can I access the site on multiple devices?
Absolutely! Kirat Academy works on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Since Scratch itself is web-based, kids can start a project on one device and continue on another by logging into their Scratch account. Our website is fully responsive and designed to provide a great learning experience across all screen sizes.
Why is Kirat Academy free?
Education is a fundamental right, and we believe every child should have access to high-quality learning resources regardless of their economic background. Kirat Academy is a passion project created by educators who want to make computational thinking accessible to all. We are committed to keeping all our content completely free forever. There are no hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no paywalls—just free, quality education for kids worldwide.
What is the meaning of the word "Kirat"?
The name 'Kirat' (ਕਿਰਤ) comes from a Punjabi word meaning 'honest work' or 'earning through diligent effort.' Rooted in Sikh philosophy, Kirat Karni is a foundational pillar of life that emphasizes righteousness and sincere labor. We chose this name because we believe true learning—especially in computational thinking—cannot be rushed. It requires patience, perseverance, and dedication. Much like the essence of Kirat, our projects are designed to be rigorous and challenging, teaching children the lasting value of hard work and commitment.
Can I suggest a project or help Kirat Academy?
Yes! We welcome contributions from the community. If you have a project idea, found a bug, or want to help improve the curriculum, please reach out through our contact channels. Educators, parents, and developers are all welcome to contribute. Whether it's suggesting new projects, translating content to other languages, or helping with technical improvements, every contribution helps make computational thinking accessible to more children.
How do I share feedback?
We love hearing from our users! You can share feedback, report issues, or ask questions by reaching out to us through the contact information provided on our website. Your feedback helps us continuously improve the platform and create better learning experiences for kids worldwide. Whether it's praise, constructive criticism, or suggestions for new features, we appreciate all feedback.