Getting Started with ScratchJr
You’re likely familiar with Scratch, the coding language and online community for kids to imagine, create, and share their own stories, games, and animations. But have you explored ScratchJr, the Scratch Foundation’s coding language for younger learners? Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging and creative activities for your child, an educator looking for a developmentally appropriate alternative to Scratch, or anyone who would benefit from a coding language that doesn’t depend on a user’s literacy skills, ScratchJr can be a great entryway into the world of creative learning and coding.
What is ScratchJr, and how does it differ from Scratch?
ScratchJr is a free programming application for children ages 5–7, designed for iPads and other tablets with touchscreens and some keyboard-based devices (find a full device list here). ScratchJr utilizes block programming to allow children to create their own interactive stories and games.
ScratchJr was designed to be developmentally appropriate for young children. Key design decisions differentiate ScratchJr from Scratch, such as:
- ScratchJr blocks are all icon-based, so children who are still learning to read can use ScratchJr with ease.
- All ScratchJr projects are stored locally on the user’s device and there is no online community component to the platform, making ScratchJr a great choice for children who aren’t ready to connect with others online.
- ScratchJr aims to teach computer science as a literacy, in that it allows for expression and communication. Because of this, it affords for storytelling with pages, customizable characters, and voice recording options for narration. Along the way, students will begin to learn valuable literacy skills.
- ScratchJr is primarily designed for tablets because keyboards and mice are difficult for younger learners to navigate.
Why should you use ScratchJr?
Creative coding is a powerful learning tool. Introducing digital literacy at the same time as traditional literacy can strengthen both skill sets. In addition to promoting technological fluency and literacy skills, creative coding can be used as a pathway for character development and exploring the socio-emotional dimensions of learning through personal expression, exploration and play — such as sharing, communicating, collaborating and more!
ScratchJr offers a pathway for some of the youngest learners to access these opportunities in a developmentally appropriate way, through healthy and productive screen-time that encourages children’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and imagination.
How can you use ScratchJr?
With ScratchJr, children can create their own stories, games, and animations. Children can customize characters and backgrounds to make their creations their own! The possibilities are endless, and when given the opportunity and tools to express themselves, you might be surprised what your learners can create!
ScratchJr helps children learn key concepts of computer science and literacy, and it can be used as a learning tool in other subjects as well! At its core, ScratchJr is a tool for expression and can be used by children to communicate new ideas and explore different topics that interest them. Learning about sea turtles in science class? Make a ScratchJr project with different facts about turtles! Interested in developing students’ collaboration skills? Try out a multi-tablet collaborative project to encourage teamwork, patience, and cooperation!
With ScratchJr, children have the ability to tap into multiple routes of creative expression such as art, music, and photography. Using the paint editor, children can add their own faces into the project and make stories specific to their life! They can also utilize the voice recording block to really bring their characters to life. ScratchJr explorations aren’t limited to the classroom — parents and caregivers can explore at home with their kids, and creating something new together can lead to incredible bonding experiences.
Where can you find resources and inspiration for ScratchJr?
Not sure how to get started? Check out ScratchJr Connect, a free, curated database to share ScratchJr resources, lessons, and projects. On ScratchJr Connect, you can browse through tons of ScratchJr lessons, activity ideas, and project examples to gain inspiration on how to get started with little learners. Resources include the full Coding as Another Language Curriculum, unplugged activities, science projects, and much more! All submissions are reviewed and approved by a DevTech Researcher to ensure that all content aligns with our Positive Technological Development Framework which informs the design of ScratchJr and ScratchJr resources.
Have a resource that worked well for you already? Share it with the community!
How can you connect with the ScratchJr community?
We believe that everyone, from kids to educators, learns better together. Wherever you are in the world, you’re invited to join the ScratchJr community and find inspiration, advice, and connections with other educators! Find a local Scratch Educator Meetup to connect virtually or in-person with fellow ScratchJr educators, and connect with ScratchJr on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest ScratchJr news, share what you’re working on, and see some amazing project examples from our global community!
