PBS KIDS has released its first coding app, PBS KIDS ScratchJr, just in time for Computer Science Education Week.  As part of the week’s activities, the international launch of the Hour of Code takes place to encourage young children to learn this vital new language that will be part of their learning futures.

As this video shows, with PBS KIDS ScratchJr kids can create their own interactive stories and games featuring their favorite characters from Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, WordGirl and Peg + Cat!  Designed for kids ages 5-8, the storytelling possibilities are endless with this creative coding app.  By snapping together colorful programming blocks, children can make characters move, jump, dance and sing. In the process, kids will learn to solve problems, design projects and express themselves creatively. PBS KIDS ScratchJr allows kids to not only learn to code, but also code to learn.

You can download the app for free on the App Store and Google Play.