ScratchJr

Rating: 3.8	Downloads: 10,000,000+
Category: Education	Offer by: Scratch Foundation

ScratchJr is an innovative app specifically designed for young children to learn programming concepts through a visual, block-based interface. It allows kids as young as 5 to 7 years old to create interactive stories, animations, and games by connecting colorful code blocks, making coding approachable without needing to remember complex syntax.

The app’s core value lies in fostering computational thinking and creativity at an early age, transforming abstract coding ideas into fun, tangible projects. With its intuitive design and engaging projects, ScratchJr appeals to both parents seeking educational tools and educators wanting to teach foundational problem-solving skills in a playful manner.

App Features

• Drag-and-Drop Code Blocks: This intuitive feature allows children to visually construct programs by snapping together different command blocks, similar to snapping LEGOs, making the coding process accessible even for very young children.
• Simple Sprite System: Create and customize character sprites with basic drawing tools and import images, then use them to tell stories or play games, helping users express their creativity.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: The app features tutorials and project examples, guiding first-time users through the basics while offering inspiration for more advanced creators, ensuring everyone can learn at their own pace.
• Live Coding Preview: See the result of your code instantly on screen without needing to compile or run anything separately, saving time and frustration while reinforcing cause-and-effect relationships.
• Voice Recording Capabilities: Add spoken dialogue to your sprites, turning text-based instructions into engaging narrations for stories and interactive presentations.
• iOS and Android Compatibility: Available on both major mobile platforms with responsive interfaces tailored for touch screens, ensuring accessibility across various devices commonly used by children.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent for beginners
• Encourages creativity
• Teaches fundamental programming concepts
• Engaging and fun interface

Cons:

• Can be challenging for absolute beginners without guidance
• Limited to mobile/tablet platforms only
• Doesn’t cover advanced programming concepts
• Limited sharing options

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Scratch	Scratch is the original block-based programming language from MIT Media Lab, serving as the inspiration for ScratchJr. It offers more complex features and is designed for older children transitioning from ScratchJr, supporting a wider range of projects.
Codea	This powerful app allows users to write code in Lua directly, but also offers visual programming tools. It bridges the gap between ScratchJr and more traditional text-based coding environments on mobile devices.
DaisyDoodle	A drawing-focused app that incorporates basic programming elements, letting users create intricate drawings through sequences of commands similar to ScratchJr, but with an emphasis on visual art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What age group is ScratchJr most suitable for?
A: ScratchJr is primarily designed for children aged 5 to 7 years old, based on its creators’ research into optimal ages for introducing computational thinking.

Q: Can parents help with the more technical aspects of projects?
A: Absolutely! While the interface is intuitive enough for kids to explore on their own, parents can assist with more complex concepts like debugging tricky scripts or exploring advanced sprite interactions.

Q: Is there a way to share creations made with ScratchJr outside the app?
A: The official ScratchJr app does not currently support direct sharing outside the app environment. However, projects can be saved and viewed within the app, providing a private space for experimentation and portfolio building.

Q: How is the app helping prepare children for learning text-based programming?
A: By introducing core programming concepts like sequencing, loops, conditional logic, and events in a visual format, ScratchJr builds a strong intuitive foundation that makes transitioning to text-based languages significantly smoother for children.

Q: Can I customize sprites beyond drawing them in the app?
A: Yes, you can import images as sprite artwork, but these must be pre-drawn or photographed. The app doesn’t include built-in tools for creating sprite artwork outside the drawing interface itself, though imported images can be resized and customized within the app’s environment.

Screenshots