ScratchJr is a programming language designed for children aged five and above to create interactive stories and games. It uses graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. ScratchJr is inspired by the popular Scratch programming language, which is used by millions of young people worldwide. The interface and programming language of ScratchJr are designed to be developmentally appropriate for younger children, with features that match their cognitive, personal, social, and emotional development. Coding is seen as a new type of literacy, and ScratchJr aims to make coding accessible to everyone, just like writing. Children learn to create and express themselves with the computer, develop sequencing skills, and use math and language in a meaningful context. 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 for ScratchJr were created by HvingtQuatre Company and Sarah Thomson.
The Scratch Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides ongoing support for ScratchJr. Users are encouraged to make a donation of any size to support the foundation. ScratchJr works only on tablets that are 7-inches or larger and running Android 4.2 or higher.
Overall, ScratchJr is a child-friendly programming language that aims to make coding accessible to young children. It provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn how to create and express themselves with the computer, develop sequencing skills, and use math and language in a meaningful context. The Scratch Foundation provides ongoing support for ScratchJr, and users are encouraged to make a donation to support the foundation. ScratchJr works only on tablets that are 7-inches or larger and running Android 4.2 or higher.