ScratchJr: Coding Fun for Young Children (Ages 5-7)
ScratchJr is a playful introduction to coding, designed for children aged 5 and up. This app lets kids create interactive stories and games by snapping together colorful programming blocks. Watch as characters move, jump, dance, and sing—all controlled by the child's creations!
Kids can personalize their projects by modifying characters in a built-in paint editor, adding their own voices and sounds, and even including photos of themselves. ScratchJr brings these creations to life through simple, intuitive programming.
Inspired by the popular Scratch programming language, ScratchJr simplifies the interface and coding blocks to be developmentally appropriate for younger children. It's carefully designed to support their cognitive, personal, social, and emotional growth.
We believe coding is a crucial 21st-century skill, similar to reading and writing. It helps children organize their thoughts and express their ideas creatively. ScratchJr makes coding accessible and fun, empowering children to become creators rather than just consumers of technology.
Through coding with ScratchJr, children develop problem-solving skills, learn project design, and build essential sequencing skills—all crucial for future academic success. They also engage with math and language in a fun and meaningful way, boosting early childhood literacy and numeracy. It's coding to learn!
ScratchJr is a collaborative project of the Developmental Technologies group at Tufts University, the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, and the Playful Invention Company. The Android version was implemented with the support of Two Sigma. Graphics and illustrations are by HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson.
If you enjoy ScratchJr, please consider donating to the Scratch Foundation (http://www.scratchfoundation.org) to support its ongoing development. Every contribution helps!
This version of ScratchJr is compatible with tablets 7 inches or larger, running Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or higher.
Terms of Use: http://www.scratchjr.org/eula.html
What's New in Version 1.5.11 (Last Updated Nov 28, 2023)
This update includes minor bug fixes and improvements. Update to enjoy the enhanced experience!
