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 with movement and action!

ScratchJr is an introductory programming language designed for young children aged 5 and up. It allows them to craft their own interactive stories and games. Using graphical programming blocks, kids can make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. They can also customize their characters using the paint editor, add personal voices and sounds, and even include their own photos, making the characters come alive through programming.

Inspired by the widely-used Scratch programming language (http://scratch.mit.edu), which is popular among older kids aged 8 and up, ScratchJr was specifically adapted to suit the developmental stages of younger children. The interface and programming language were carefully crafted to align with the cognitive, personal, social, and emotional development of young learners.

We believe that coding, or computer programming, is a new form of literacy. Just as writing helps you organize thoughts and express ideas, coding does the same. In the past, coding was considered too complex for most people, but we believe it should be accessible to everyone, just like writing.

As children engage with ScratchJr, they learn to create and express themselves using the computer, going beyond mere interaction. This process fosters problem-solving skills, project design, and the development of sequencing abilities, which are crucial for future academic achievements. Additionally, ScratchJr integrates math and language in a meaningful and motivating way, enhancing early childhood numeracy and literacy. With ScratchJr, kids don't just learn to code; they code to learn.

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 implemented the Android version, while the graphics and illustrations were crafted by HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson.

If you find value in this free app, consider supporting the Scratch Foundation (http://www.scratchfoundation.org), a nonprofit that sustains ScratchJr. We welcome donations of any size.

This version of ScratchJr is compatible only with tablets that are 7 inches or larger and run on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or higher.

For detailed 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!