ScratchJr

For kids aged 5-7, ScratchJr offers a fun and interactive way to dive into the world of programming. By dragging colorful blocks, young learners can create programs that make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. This introductory programming language empowers children to craft their own engaging stories and games. With ScratchJr, kids can customize characters using the paint editor, add their voices and sounds, or even include photos of themselves, bringing their creations to life through programming blocks.

Inspired by the widely-used Scratch programming language (http://scratch.mit.edu) for those aged 8 and up, ScratchJr has been thoughtfully adapted to suit younger children. The interface and language have been redesigned to align with the cognitive, personal, social, and emotional growth of young learners, making coding accessible and enjoyable.

We view coding as a new form of literacy, akin to writing, which helps organize thoughts and express ideas. Previously considered too complex for the masses, we believe coding should be accessible to everyone, just like writing. Through ScratchJr, children not only interact with computers but also create and express themselves. This process fosters problem-solving skills, project design, and sequencing abilities, which are crucial for future academic success. Additionally, ScratchJr integrates math and language in a motivating context, enhancing early numeracy and literacy development.

ScratchJr is a collaborative effort between 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 by Two Sigma, with graphics and illustrations crafted by HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson.

If you find this free app enjoyable, consider supporting the Scratch Foundation (http://www.scratchfoundation.org), a nonprofit that sustains ScratchJr. Every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated.

This version of ScratchJr is compatible with tablets of 7 inches or larger, running Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or higher.

For the Terms of Use, please visit: 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!