PetCoders is an open-source, creativity-focused project designed to spark curiosity for programming in children and young teens using art, storytelling, and fun.
The goal is simple: make their first contact with code magical.
I believe every child should feel empowered to explore technology through play, imagination, and self-expression. Coding can seem intimidating at first — but when it’s connected to something personal (like a pet they drew themselves), it becomes joyful, accessible, and meaningful.
PetCoders was created to:
- Encourage young people to enter the programming world in a welcoming way
- Bring art and creativity into a tech environment
- Help guardians learn alongside their kids
- Provide a safe, open-source path to learn using Scratch, the world’s most child-friendly programming tool
- Create memorable moments of bonding, creation, and early digital confidence
PetCoders is a mini-workshop (or classroom activity) where kids:
- Draw and color their own pet on a printed card.
- Scan or photograph the drawing to bring it into Scratch.
- Use simple Scratch blocks to make their pet come alive with:
- movement
- sounds
- reactions to keys and clicks
- emotions
- mini-stories or surprises
- Take home extra coloring cards with new behaviors or emotions so they can continue coding and expanding their pet’s world.
It’s not just an activity — it’s an entry point into creativity, storytelling, and programming logic.
- Printer & scissors
- PetCoders drawing cards (templates included in this repo)
- A computer with internet access
- Scratch (free): https://scratch.mit.edu/
- Scanner or camera (a phone works!)
- Optional: Stickers, coloring supplies
- Pencils, pens, colored markers
- Their creativity
- Their unique pet idea 🐶🐱🦄🐉✨
Perfect for schools, clubs, libraries, tech events like FOSDEM Junior or even a fun activity at home.
Explain:
- What Scratch is
- What they will create
- That their drawing will become a real animated character
Build excitement!
Kids choose a blank card and draw:
- A pet (real or imaginary)
- A name
- Personality traits
- A little story if they want
Encourage freedom — the goal is expression, not perfection.
Participants:
- Take a photo or scan their drawing
- Upload it as a sprite
- Remove the background using Scratch’s built-in editor
Using block programming, they code behaviors such as:
- Move around
- React to keys pressed
- Play a sound
- Say something
- Change colors or costumes
- Start a story
Sample challenges:
- “Make your pet meow when clicked!”
- “Make your pet go on an adventure when the space bar is pressed!”
A small demo where each child introduces their pet and what it can do.
Kids receive extra cards with:
- New emotions
- Animations
- Behaviors
- Mini-stories
- Puzzles or challenges
This keeps them engaged at home — and encourages long-term learning.
You’re welcome to:
- Add new templates
- Suggest new behaviors
- Create more extension cards
- Submit Scratch project examples