[AstralStorm]

Yes, just like they do when talking.

The problem is not syntax, the problem is that they're bad at typing on a keyboard.

I suspect it's mostly because the keyboard is too big and stiff...

[jessaustin]

Scratch is designed to encourage children, not discourage them. Syntax errors are the bane of learning to program for the first time.

As sibling comment indicates, it's also good to be able to code on a tablet, but I didn't think that would be as convincing to parent who seems opposed to graphical interfaces in general.