New
New
Year 1
Controlling sprites
I can explain that each sprite has its own instructions.
New
New
Year 1
Controlling sprites
I can explain that each sprite has its own instructions.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Each sprite has its own programming area.
- Projects can have multiple sprites.
- Sprites can be added and deleted.
- An algorithm is a set of instructions, which can be turned into a program.
Keywords
Sprite - a graphic object that can be controlled by a program
Grow / shrink - command blocks that make a sprite bigger or smaller
Algorithm - a clear set of ordered steps which can be followed by a human or a computer to do a task
Common misconception
All sprites share the same program so the commands should all be placed in the same place in the programming area.
Each sprite has its own programming area. Sprites have different programs and the commands for each one are separated to allow them to be followed independently.
Model how different pupils can be given different sets of instructions to be carried out at the same time. Draw out the anaology between pupils carrying out commands independently without having to know what other pupils are doing. This is the equivalent of giving sprites their own commands.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Children will need access to a tablet device with the ScratchJr app installed.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.
How can you delete a block from your program?
move it to the stage
tap it twice
Q2.
What is a value?
a number that is invisible
a number that is high
Q3.
How do you change the background?
by tapping on the background
by tapping on the stage
Q4.
Why might you change the value on a command block?
to change the colour of the sprite
to change the background
Exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.
Where do you find the grow and shrink blocks?
blue movement blocks
yellow trigger blocks
Q2.
What is special about each sprite’s programming area?
All sprites share the same program.
Only Tic has a programming area.
Q3.
What can an algorithm help you do?
Make a sprite bigger.
Delete a program.
Q4.
Why would you add more than one sprite to a project?
to make the program run faster
to make the program louder
Additional material
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