Programming with Scratch Jr

About this unit:

Introduce students to this great block-based programming language to create animations and games perfect for KS1. Write and debug algorithms, learn about repeating, and different triggers to create actions.

National Curriculum Links - Computing KS1

The content of this plan cover the following NC strands:

understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
create and debug simple programs
use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content

Curriculum Mapping

Why this? What does it build on?

This unit focuses on algorithms, planning and debugging precise sequences of instructions to create a variety of programs. It builds on sequencing and sorting activities in Early Years as well as computer science concepts from Year 1 units Action algorithms and Programming direction. It also links well with the Year 2 unit An introduction to animation, as students look at creating animations with code.

What comes next?

This unit supports all of the future computer science learning that the students will experience and should begin to give them an understanding of how computers and other devices can be programmed to produce specific outcomes.

The unit is followed up later in Year 2 with another control and programming unit; Programming with Logo. Students will then continue their coding journey in Key Stage 2 as they learn about concepts such as sequence, selection, repetition in programs, working with variables and various forms of input and output. Our units Animation with Scratch, Getting started with Kodu, Programming Scratch maze games, Kodu sports, Building retro games - pick a project all support this learning, as do LEGO robotics and Getting started with the BBC micro:bit, while also adding in the ability to control physical devices with code.

View our full curriculum map

Take a look at our full curriculum map to see how units across all year groups, from Year 1 to Year 6 link.

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Unit Resources

Lesson Slides

Detailed lesson slides for you to use when delivering this unit of work with your class

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Unit Assessment Sheet

Use our simple assessment system to measure your students' success in this unit of work.

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Lessons

Lesson 1

Create and debug simple programs
Program the movement and appearance of an on-screen sprite
Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

Movement, Looks, Control

Lesson 2

Program sprites to create a short animation
Program a number of sprites to move together
Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

Multi-sprite animations

Lesson 3

Investigate different ways of triggering movement with code
Program two sprites to interact with each other
Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

Triggering actions

Lesson 4

Program scene changes in an animation
Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

Programming stories

Lesson 5 & 6

Design and program a simple game with multiple sprites
Use messaging to control sprites in a game

Programming games

Suggested Software

Scratch Jr is a FREE app and available to download for:

Full Computing Glossary

Take a look at our full computing glossary, plus key vocabulary for each age group.

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Key computing vocabulary for this unit

Algorithm – an unambiguous procedure or precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. A set of instructions for achieving a goal or solving a problem.

Block – a ‘chunk’ of programming or a particular graphic block or piece found in a graphical programming language such as Scratch. Blocks linked together are called a script in Scratch.

Broadcast - A method of sending a message to trigger an event in a program. Often used between sprites or the stage in Scratch.

Command – a step or line of programming.

Control – using computers to move or otherwise change ‘physical’ systems. The computer can be hidden inside the system or connected to it.

Debug – to detect and correct the errors in a computer program.

Decomposition - Breaking a problem down into smaller parts (a computational thinking concept)

Edit - To change, add or remove elements in a piece of work (usually to improve it).

Execute – to follow a series of instructions. The computer or robot follows the instructions in order to complete the program.

Logic - Predicting and analysing. Computational logic is used to allow a program to decide what to do and when. For example you may write code that says: “When the user clicks this button, perform this calculation.”

Logical reasoning – a systematic approach to solving problems or deducing information using a set of universally applicable and totally reliable rules.

Program - (verb) To give a series of instructions to a machine so that it will perform a task automatically

Repetition (Also referred to as a ‘Loop’) – a programming construct in which one or more instructions are repeated, perhaps a certain number of times, until a condition is satisfied or until the program is stopped.

Save - To store a piece of work in a computer’s memory so that it can be recalled at a later time.

Script – (In Scratch) blocks are snapped together into stacks, called scripts. When you click on a script, Scratch runs the blocks from the top of the script to the bottom. You can program sprites and the stage using scripts.

Selection – ‘when things happen’ - A programming construct in which the instructions that are executed are determined by whether a particular condition is met. A question is asked, and depending on the answer, the program chooses between two or more possible courses of action.

Sequence – to place programming instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.

Sprite – A graphical object that can be controlled by programming. In Scratch projects are made up of objects called sprites. You can change how a sprite looks by giving it a different costume.