ScratchJr

Coding for young learners starts here. ScratchJr is an introductory programming language designed for children ages 5 and up to create their own interactive stories and games without needing to read or type. By snapping together colorful graphical blocks, children command characters to move, jump, dance, and sing — learning fundamental programming concepts through play and creativity.

Young coders customize their projects using built-in tools: paint characters from scratch, record their own voices and sound effects, or photograph themselves to become part of the story. Each block represents a simple command, making programming visual and intuitive. As children arrange blocks in sequences, they naturally discover how computers follow instructions, building problem-solving skills one block at a time.

Coding is a new literacy — just as writing helps organize thoughts and express ideas, programming does the same. ScratchJr makes this accessible to early learners by matching how young children think and develop. Kids aren't just learning abstract concepts; they're using technology as a creative tool to bring their imaginations to life. In the process, they develop sequencing skills, practice early math and language concepts in meaningful contexts, and gain confidence as creators rather than passive technology users.

ScratchJr is the younger sibling of Scratch, the popular visual programming platform used by millions worldwide. Developed collaboratively by researchers at Tufts University and MIT Media Lab, ScratchJr brings age-appropriate design to early childhood learning. The focus is on creative expression and exploration, encouraging children to code in order to learn, not simply learn to code.

Perfect for home learning, classrooms, and creative projects, ScratchJr offers endless possibilities limited only by imagination. Children progress from simple commands to more complex storytelling, building computational thinking skills that support academic success across all subjects. Whether creating silly animations, interactive adventures, or original games, young learners discover that they have the power to create with technology.

ScratchJr is free to use and runs on tablets 7 inches or larger with Android 4.2 or higher. The app operates offline, so children can code anytime, anywhere. Start your child's coding journey today and watch them transform from technology consumers into confident digital creators.