I don't know if it's actually simpler than Scratch. On the other hand if you want something like this for kids now there's Pico-8. https://www.lexaloffle.com/

I don't know if it's actually simpler than Scratch. On the other hand if you want something like this for kids now there's Pico-8. https://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php https://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php Even has a discount for teachers. Only one copy needed for the entire class in school https://www.lexaloffle.com/info.php?page=schools https://www.lexaloffle.com/info.php?page=schools