Scratch Jr.

Coding
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

The younger sibling of Scratch, ScratchJr was created by a team of educators, researchers, and developers at the MIT Media Lab, in collaboration with Tufts University and the Playful Invention Company. The idea for ScratchJr originated from the need to introduce younger children to the world of coding in a way that is accessible and engaging. Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers, a professor at Tufts University specializing in child development and technology, played a significant role in its development. She has extensive experience in designing educational technologies for young children, making her a perfect fit for leading this project.

The goal was to create a platform that would allow children as young as five to learn basic programming concepts through creative storytelling and interactive play. ScratchJr has achieved remarkable success, with millions of downloads and widespread use in classrooms and homes worldwide. It has received numerous accolades, including awards for its innovative approach to early childhood education.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special

ScratchJr stands out in the world of early coding education due to its simplicity and focus on young children. Unlike other coding platforms, it is specifically designed for ages 5-7, ensuring that its interface, instructions, and activities are age-appropriate. The visual programming language is intuitive, using colorful blocks that fit together like puzzle pieces, making it easy for young children to grasp programming concepts without needing to read complex instructions.

How to Get Started

Getting started with ScratchJr is straightforward. Parents can download the app for free on iOS and Android devices or use it on compatible desktops through an emulator. After installing the app, children can immediately begin exploring the various features and tutorials available within the platform.

How It Works

As a homeschooling curriculum, ScratchJr is highly flexible and can be tailored to fit various schedules and learning styles. Here’s how to use it effectively:

  • Daily Time Commitment: It’s recommended to start with 15-30 minutes per day, gradually increasing as the child becomes more comfortable with the platform.

  • Weekly Activities: Aim for 2-3 sessions per week, focusing on different projects or concepts each time.

  • Open and Go: ScratchJr is designed to be user-friendly and doesn’t require extensive preparation. Parents can guide their children through the initial setup and basic tutorials, after which kids can explore independently.

  • Parent Involvement: While ScratchJr can be used independently, younger children may benefit from parental guidance, especially in the beginning.

Educational Concepts Taught

  • Basic Programming Concepts: Sequencing, loops, and conditionals.

  • Logical Thinking: Understanding cause and effect.

  • Problem Solving: Debugging and refining code.

  • Creativity: Storytelling and project creation.

  • Math Skills: Counting, coordinates, and simple arithmetic.

  • Digital Literacy: Familiarity with using digital tools.

What’s Good About It

Parents and educators love ScratchJr for its simplicity and effectiveness. The platform successfully introduces young children to coding through fun and interactive activities. Kids enjoy creating their own stories, games, and animations, which keeps them engaged and motivated to learn. The app’s interface is intuitive, making it easy for children to navigate and use independently after some initial guidance. Additionally, the fact that it’s free makes it accessible to a wide audience.

What Could Be Improved

While ScratchJr is a fantastic tool, it does have some limitations. Some users have noted that the app can be a bit slow on older devices, which can be frustrating for children. Additionally, while the simplicity is one of its strengths, it also means that more advanced concepts are not covered, which might limit older or more advanced learners. A more comprehensive guide for parents to help them understand how to integrate ScratchJr into a broader educational curriculum could also be beneficial.

Advice from Parents

Parents who have successfully used ScratchJr recommend the following tips:

  • Start with the Basics: Spend time with your child during the first few sessions to ensure they understand the basics.

  • Encourage Exploration: Allow your child to experiment and explore different features without too much interference.

  • Create a Routine: Establish a regular schedule for using ScratchJr to build consistency and reinforce learning.

  • Use Supplemental Resources: Integrate books and online tutorials to expand on the concepts learned in ScratchJr.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

ScratchJr is ideal for young children aged 5-7 who are just starting to learn about coding. It’s perfect for homeschooling families looking for an educational tool that combines learning with play. The app is also well-suited for parents who want to introduce their children to programming concepts without needing a technical background themselves.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

ScratchJr might not be suitable for older children or those who already have some experience with coding, as they may find the activities too basic. It’s also not ideal for families looking for a comprehensive, structured curriculum that covers a broader range of subjects and skills.

Grades

ScratchJr is designed for children in kindergarten through second grade (ages 5-7).

Cost

ScratchJr is completely free to download and use, making it an excellent resource for families on a budget.

Ways to Get It

  • App Stores: Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

  • Desktop: Use through an emulator on compatible desktops.

ScratchJr offers a wonderful introduction to coding for young children, combining educational content with engaging activities. Its free access, user-friendly interface, and focus on early childhood development make it a valuable tool for homeschooling families.

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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