Scratch Jr

Scratch Jr is a visual programming language for introducing programming skills to younger children, with a simplified icon-based interface to help kids think creatively, solve problems, and design their own projects with confidence!


Get to know ScratchJr with this poster that introduces how it works:


  • Digital Storybooks

    Create a digital storybook, retelling a favourite or an original story through programming and multimedia, bringing the story to life!

  • Extension: Diwali

    With the Digital Storybooks activity, create a digital storybook of a myth, legend or other story related to Diwali.

  • Matariki: Star Map

    Create an interactive map of the Matariki star cluster, using animation and sound to make it a multimedia experience. Mānawatia a Matariki!

  • Matariki: Twinkling Stars

    Learn about te Kāhui o Matariki, the Matariki constellation, and program with animation so the stars twinkle and show their names.

  • Growing Seeds

    Create an interactive animation that uses the Sun and rainclouds to grow a tree from a seed.

  • Out of Control!

    Create a virtual controller that can move a sprite around the stage and carry out a sequence of actions.

  • My Kupu App: "He aha tēnā?"

    Create an interactive visual glossary that identifies objects in te reo Māori using text and audio.

  • "Ko wai tōu ingoa?" Introducing Names

    Create a personal sprite using a real ‘selfie’, and code it to present a self-introduction in te reo Māori.

  • E haere ake nei...

    Watch this space for more fun, creative, and interactive projects using the Scratch Jr programming app!

Links and Resources

  • Interface Guide

    A PDF guide for using the Scratch Jr interface, with 16 key platform features to help you get coding with confidence!

  • Paint Editor Guide

    A PDF guide for using the Scratch Jr Paint Editor feature when creating your own characters and backgrounds.

  • Block Descriptions

    A PDF guide for all of the categories and individual functions of each code block available with Scratch Jr.

  • Tips & Hints

    A collection of videos and articles with useful tips and hints for using and exploring Scratch Jr.