#United States #Vernon Hills #Scratch Foundation #Hand2Mind #Coding Tools

Hand2Mind and Scratch Foundation's Exciting Partnership

Hand2Mind, a well-respected leader in hands-on educational resources, has recently announced its official collaboration with the Scratch Foundation. This partnership aims to enhance coding education through the introduction of four innovative, screen-free coding products. These products are tailored to cater to both educators and students, allowing for an interactive and engaging approach to learning fundamental coding concepts.

Understanding the New Product Lineup

These newly launched products are designed with accessibility in mind and will be a great resource not just for classroom instruction but also for independent study. The lineup includes:

1. Block-Based Coding Student Activity Set for ScratchJr - Priced at $34.99, this set provides a screen-free method for young learners in grades K-2 to practice coding through picture-based blocks before advancing to the ScratchJr app.

2. Block-Based Coding Demonstration Set for ScratchJr - Available for $39.99, this classroom set includes 30 color-coded dry-erase coding blocks and peel-and-stick magnets. Teachers can utilize these tools to illustrate key concepts of ScratchJr effectively.

3. Block-Based Coding Student Activity Set for Scratch - For students in grades 3-5, this hands-on companion, priced similarly at $34.99, supports the core Scratch online program. It features reusable blocks along with activity cards guiding students through various coding challenges.

4. Block-Based Coding Demonstration Set for Scratch - Available for $39.99, this set includes 42 magnetic coding blocks designed to help teachers visually model Scratch scripts in a way that is both practical and reusable.

The Vision Behind the Collaboration

Elana Ruffman, the VP of Marketing and Product Development at Hand2Mind, expresses the vision behind this partnership. "With this new line of screen-free tools, we are helping students develop coding fluency in a hands-on, approachable way," she stated. This reflects Hand2Mind's long-standing commitment to fostering creativity in education, steering students towards a solid foundation in coding before they transition to screen-based learning environments.

The collaboration is significant not just from a product standpoint but also from a pedagogical viewpoint. By providing tools that let students learn coding principles without the distraction of screens, Hand2Mind and Scratch Foundation are promoting deeper learning experiences that can lead to better retention of key concepts in the long term.

Availability and Consumer Impact

All four coding tools are currently available for purchase online at popular retail platforms, including Target, Walmart, Staples, Amazon, and the Hand2Mind website. This accessibility ensures teachers and parents alike can readily obtain these innovative materials and incorporate them into their educational practices.

Moreover, the highlighted products are set to revolutionize how coding is taught in classrooms and at home, creating a seamless bridge between the introduction of coding and its practical application through the widely known Scratch platform.

About Hand2Mind

Hand2Mind has built its reputation over the past 60 years as a creator of hands-on educational products. Focused on empowering learners to think critically, create innovatively, and explore their curiosities through engaging educational tools, the brand spans various subjects including math, STEM, literacy, and social-emotional learning. This diverse range secures their position as a modern influencer in effective educational practices.

About Scratch Foundation

The Scratch Foundation is dedicated to empowering children globally by providing them with opportunities to express themselves creatively through coding. By leveraging innovation and collaborative efforts, the organization promotes equitable approaches to learning coding, which supports their initiative in creating a more inclusive coding community. Scratch itself, launched in 2007, remains the largest coding platform for children, welcoming millions of young minds from diverse backgrounds.

In summary, this partnership between Hand2Mind and the Scratch Foundation signifies a promising trajectory in educational resources focused on coding. It showcases a concerted effort to revamp how coding education is delivered, emphasizing hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity and problem-solving in children of all ages.