For kids aged 5-7, ScratchJr offers a fun and engaging way to dive into the world of programming. By dragging colorful blocks, young children can create their own programs and bring characters to life, making them move, jump, dance, and sing. With ScratchJr, kids can customize characters using the paint editor, add their voices and sounds, and even include photos of themselves. This interactive platform allows children to craft their own stories and games, sparking creativity and imagination.

ScratchJr draws inspiration from Scratch, a widely used programming language for older children (http://scratch.mit.edu). However, ScratchJr has been specifically tailored for younger audiences, ensuring that the interface and programming blocks are suitable for their developmental stages. This thoughtful design supports young children's cognitive, personal, social, and emotional growth.

We believe that coding is a new form of literacy, akin to writing. It's a tool for organizing thoughts and expressing ideas. While coding was once considered challenging, we're committed to making it accessible to everyone, much like writing. Through ScratchJr, young coders learn to create and communicate with computers, not just use them. This process fosters problem-solving skills, project design, and sequencing abilities, which are crucial for future academic achievements. Additionally, ScratchJr integrates math and language learning in a fun and motivating way, boosting early childhood numeracy and literacy.

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. Two Sigma developed the Android version, while HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson provided the vibrant graphics and illustrations.

If you enjoy using this free app, 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 only with tablets that have a screen size of 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 Version 1.5.11

Last updated on Nov 28, 2023

Minor bug fixes and improvements have been made. Install or update to the latest version to experience these enhancements!