Module 6: Debugging – Finding and Fixing Mistakes
Every coder makes mistakes, and that is a good thing! In this module, learn why errors are helpful clues, how to find problems step by step, and how to fix bugs in everyday life and in Scratch.
Your Progress
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, your child will be able to:
- Explain that mistakes are normal and helpful for learning
- Use a step-by-step detective approach to find errors
- Apply debugging thinking to everyday problems (not just coding)
- Find and fix common mistakes in Scratch projects
- Stay calm and curious when something goes wrong
Why This Matters
Mistakes are not failures -- they are clues. Every professional coder spends a huge amount of time debugging. Learning to find and fix mistakes calmly and methodically is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop.
This module is not just about coding. The debugging mindset helps kids troubleshoot anything: a toy that will not work, a recipe that does not taste right, or homework that does not make sense. When kids learn that mistakes are just puzzles to solve, they become braver, more persistent learners.
Module Lessons
Mistakes Are Clues
Build a growth mindset around mistakes. Learn the story of Grace Hopper and the first computer "bug." Discover why errors are actually helpful.
15-20 minutes Screen-Free
Finding Bugs Step by Step
Learn the detective approach: check one thing at a time, test after each change, and narrow down where the problem is hiding.
15-20 minutes Screen-Free
Debugging Everyday Life
Apply debugging skills to real-world problems. Troubleshoot broken routines, recipes gone wrong, and things that do not work the way you expected.
15-20 minutes Screen-Free
Debugging in Scratch
Find and fix common mistakes in Scratch projects. Practice with intentionally broken programs and learn the most common Scratch bugs.
15-20 minutes Scratch
After the Lessons
Practice Activities
Debugging challenges to test your detective skills. Find the bugs in instructions, stories, and Scratch code.
Practice ActivitiesStudy Materials
Parent Guide and key concepts review. Great for a quick look before or after each lesson.
Tips for This Module
- Model calmness: When your child hits an error, stay calm and curious. Say "Interesting! Let us figure out what happened" instead of "What went wrong?"
- Celebrate bug finds: Finding a bug is an achievement! Praise the detective work, not just the fix.
- Share your own mistakes: Tell your child about a time you made a mistake and how you figured it out. This normalizes the process.
- One change at a time: Encourage testing after each small change. Changing too many things at once makes it impossible to know what fixed the problem.
- Use the word "yet": "I have not figured it out yet" is much more powerful than "I cannot figure it out."