ScratchJr
Features
ScratchJr is an introductory programming language (Software) that enables young children (ages 5-7) to create their own interactive stories and games. Children snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Children can modify characters in the paint editor, add their own voices and sounds, even insert photos of themselves - then use the programming blocks to make their characters come to life.
features:
Openly and freely available.
Designed for young children to create interactive stories, games, and animations.
Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy creation.
Supports collaborative learning and sharing of projects.
Accessible on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Chromebooks).
Evidence of effectiveness in promoting computational thinking and creativity.
Provides support for educators with resources and lesson plans.
Emphasizes user experience with engaging multimedia content.
Prioritizes data privacy and security.
Use
Coding is the new literacy! With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
ScratchJr primarily serves the purposes of teaching, content development, and collaboration. It allows children to learn basic programming concepts in a playful and creative environment.
Description of the use in class
How will it be used: directly by the children with the teacher’s supervision
Visual programming: ScratchJr utilizes a drag-and-drop interface with colorful blocks representing programming commands, making it accessible to young learners.
Storytelling and animation: Children can create their own stories, games, and animations by sequencing blocks to control characters and objects.
Collaboration: ScratchJr supports collaborative learning by enabling students to work together on shared projects, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
Creativity and expression: The platform encourages creativity and self-expression through the creation of original digital content.
Exploration and experimentation: Children can explore and experiment with different programming concepts and see immediate results in their projects.
age
ScratchJr is suitable for children aged 5 to 7 years old, although it can be used by slightly older children as well. It aligns well with the age group of pupils aged 6-9.
Learning outcomes
Introduction to computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
Improved understanding of cause and effect relationships.
Enhanced creativity and self-expression through digital media.
Development of collaboration and communication skills through shared projects.
Reviews / Recommendations
ScratchJr has received positive reviews from educators and parents for its effectiveness in introducing young children to programming concepts in a fun and engaging way.
It is recommended as a valuable tool for promoting critical thinking and creativity in early childhood education.
Example of the tool as a good practice
In a classroom setting, ScratchJr can be used as part of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum to introduce programming concepts. Teachers can design lessons where students create interactive stories or games related to topics they are learning in class.
Inclusion
ScratchJr promotes inclusivity by providing a visual and hands-on approach to learning programming, making it accessible to children with diverse learning styles and abilities.
Its intuitive interface and open-ended nature allow for individualized learning experiences, catering to the unique interests and strengths of each student.
By supporting collaboration, ScratchJr encourages teamwork and peer learning, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all students can contribute and learn from one another.