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ScratchJr
What it is
ScratchJr is a free introductory programming app for children ages 5–7 to make interactive stories and games. Children build programs by joining graphical blocks that direct characters to move, jump, dance, and sing. They can also edit characters in a paint editor, add voices and sounds, and insert photos into projects. The app is designed to support cognitive, personal, social, and emotional growth through project-based learning with instant feedback. It is developed for iPads running iOS 10 or later and Android tablets running Android 5 or later, and can also run with limitations on some Chromebooks, Apple-silicon MacBooks, Fire tablets, and Windows 11 PCs. On devices using a virtual container, importing and exporting projects may be limited. Projects, including images and recordings, are stored on the device and are not transmitted to or accessible by Scratch. Projects can be shared by email, or by AirDrop on iPads. The site offers teacher-led activities and ScratchJr Connect, a free curated resource database.
For and against
For
- Free app for iPads, Android tablets, and Chromebooks.
- Graphical blocks make characters move, jump, dance, and sing.
- Projects can include edited characters, voices, sounds, and photos.
- Project-based learning with instant feedback.
- Projects are stored locally on the device.
Against
- Designed for iOS 10 or later on iPads.
- Designed for Android 5 or later on tablets.
- Some supported devices have limitations.
- Virtual-container devices may limit project importing and exporting.
The verdict
ScratchJr offers young children a block-based way to create interactive projects, with creative tools and learning resources. Check device compatibility, especially if using a virtual container.
Who it suits
ScratchJr suits children ages 5–7 who are beginning to explore programming by making stories and games. Families and educators can also use its teacher-led activities and resource database.
Plans and prices
ScratchJr
Free app for iPads, Android tablets, and Chromebooks
Read 7 Oct 2026 · scratchjr.org
On the record
- Coding
- Children snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Creative tools
- Children can modify characters in the paint editor, add voices and sounds, and insert photos into projects.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Data collection
- The privacy policy says the app collects use preferences and automatically collects country-level IP and device information, and may collect usage information such as time spent in the app.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The privacy policy names Google Firebase as a service provider used to help understand the user base and app usage.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Learning goals
- ScratchJr is designed to support young children's cognitive, personal, social, and emotional growth.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Origin
- ScratchJr launched in 2014 and was developed by the DevTech Research Group, MIT Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten group, and the Playful Invention Company.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Platform limitation
- On devices running ScratchJr in a virtual container, project importing and exporting may be limited.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Project storage
- Projects, including images and sound recordings in them, are stored locally on the device and are not transmitted to or accessible by Scratch.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ScratchJr is an introductory programming language for children ages 5–7 to create interactive stories and games.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- Scratch says it uses administrative, physical, and technical procedures to protect collected information, while noting that it cannot guarantee database or transmission security.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Sharing projects
- ScratchJr projects can be shared by email, and on iPads they can also be shared with AirDrop.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users with additional questions to [email protected].scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Supported devices
- The app is developed for iPads running iOS 10 or later and Android tablets running Android 5 or later; it can also run on some Chromebooks, Apple-silicon MacBooks, Fire tablets, and Windows 11 PCs with limitations.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Teaching resources
- The site offers teacher-led activities and ScratchJr Connect, a free curated database of resources, lessons, and projects.scratchjr.org · read 7 Oct 2026
