For Kids aged 5-7. Drag colorful blocks to create programs and make characters move!
ScratchJr is an engaging introductory programming language tailored for young children aged 5 and up. It empowers them to craft their own interactive stories and games by snapping together vibrant, graphical programming blocks. These blocks enable characters to perform actions like moving, jumping, dancing, and singing. Kids can personalize characters using the paint editor, add their voices and sounds, and even incorporate personal photos, then animate them using the programming blocks.
ScratchJr draws inspiration from the renowned Scratch programming language (http://scratch.mit.edu), which is used by millions of young people aged 8 and up worldwide. To cater to younger audiences, we've meticulously redesigned ScratchJr's interface and programming language, ensuring they are developmentally appropriate and align with young children's cognitive, personal, social, and emotional growth.
We view coding, or computer programming, as a new form of literacy. Just as writing helps organize thoughts and express ideas, coding does the same. Previously considered challenging for most, we believe coding should be accessible to everyone, much like writing.
As children engage with ScratchJr, they learn to creatively express themselves through the computer, not just interact with it. This process fosters problem-solving skills, project design, and sequencing abilities, which are crucial for future academic achievements. It also integrates math and language learning in a fun and meaningful way, enhancing early childhood numeracy and literacy. With ScratchJr, kids are not just learning to code; they are coding to learn.
ScratchJr is a collaborative project involving the Developmental Technologies group at Tufts University, the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, and the Playful Invention Company. Two Sigma spearheaded the development of the Android version, while HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson designed the graphics and illustrations.
If you enjoy using this free app, please consider donating to the Scratch Foundation (http://www.scratchfoundation.org), a nonprofit that supports ScratchJr. We appreciate contributions of all sizes.
This version of ScratchJr is compatible only with tablets that are 7 inches or larger and run Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or higher.
Terms of Use: http://www.scratchjr.org/eula.html
What's New in the Latest Version 1.5.11
Last updated on Nov 28, 2023
Minor bug fixes and improvements. Install or update to the newest version to check it out!