Scratch Jr Free Resources: Where to Find and How to Use Them

Scratch Jr Free Resources: Where to Find and How to Use Them

Are you a teacher or parent looking for ways to supplement your child's coding education? Do you want to introduce them to the world of programming in an engaging and interactive way? Look no further! In this blog, we'll explore the best free resources available online that can be used with Scratch Jr. We'll also provide tips on how to incorporate these resources into your teaching and learning.

2 Essential Free Resources

Scratch Jr App

The first resource you should check out is the official Scratch Jr app. This interactive coding environment allows children aged 4-8 to create their own games, stories, and animations using block-based programming. With over 40 languages available, Scratch Jr is a fantastic way for your child to learn basic programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and variables.

Scratch Jr Curriculum

The next resource you should explore is the Scratch Jr curriculum, also developed by the Scratch Team at MIT Media Lab. This comprehensive guide provides teachers with lesson plans, activities, and tutorials on how to introduce coding concepts using Scratch Jr. With this resource, you can create engaging lessons that cater to your child's learning style.

3 Additional Free Resources

Code.org

Code.org is a fantastic online platform that offers a range of coding courses for children, including one specifically designed for younger learners. Their "App Lab" course lets kids learn programming by creating their own games and animations using JavaScript. This resource is an excellent way to supplement your child's Scratch Jr education.

Tynker

Tynker is another online platform that offers a range of coding courses for children, including ones specifically designed for younger learners. Their "Logo" course lets kids learn programming by creating their own games and animations using block-based programming. This resource is an excellent way to provide your child with additional coding challenges.

PBS Kids Code

The final free resource you should check out is PBS Kids Code. This online platform offers a range of coding activities, games, and videos designed specifically for young learners. With their interactive lessons and real-world applications, your child can learn programming concepts like sequencing, looping, and conditional statements in a fun and engaging way.

Conclusion

With these free resources at your fingertips, you can provide your child with a comprehensive coding education using Scratch Jr. Remember to encourage their creativity, exploration, and learning as they develop their coding skills. By incorporating these resources into your teaching and learning, your child will be well on their way to becoming a confident programmer.