ScratchJr

ScratchJr is a free application that was created for children ages 8 and up, inspired by the popular Scratch programming language. It was designed to be developmentally appropriate for younger children, with features that match their cognitive, personal, social, and emotional development. The goal of ScratchJr is to introduce coding as a new type of literacy, similar to writing, and make it accessible to everyone.

Through using ScratchJr, children not only learn how to interact with computers, but also how to create and express themselves through coding. This process helps them develop problem-solving skills, project design skills, and foundational sequencing skills that can benefit them academically in the future. Additionally, ScratchJr incorporates math and language in a meaningful and engaging way, supporting early-childhood numeracy and literacy development.

ScratchJr is a collaboration between Tufts University, the MIT Media Lab, and the Playful Invention Company, with Two Sigma leading the implementation of the Android version. The graphics and illustrations were created by HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson. To support ongoing development and maintenance of ScratchJr, users are encouraged to make donations to the Scratch Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

This version of ScratchJr is only compatible with tablets that are 7-inches or larger and running Android 4.2 or higher. Users should also be aware of the Terms of Use for the application, which can be found on the ScratchJr website. By using this app, children can learn valuable skills while having fun and expressing their creativity.